Sotalol vs. Sotalol AF

[acjviolin]

As some of you know from my postings, I have AF and SVT.  I've just learned that the med I'm on, Sotalol (Betapace), is typically prescribed for ventricular fibrillation/arrhythmias and that Sotalol AF (Betapace AF) is for atrial fibrillation.  Anyone have any comments as to why my EP didn't prescribe Sotalol AF in my case?  He has assured me that I have had no documented ventricular abnormalities.  The old hypochondriac in me is rearing her ugly head!!!  Anyone?

[Artaud]

Hi Lou, see the following warning. Notice that Betapace AF is (Solalol HCL), in other words, Sotalol Hydrochloride. They both seem to be the same, and the reason to be sure the patient receives the correct product is because of the labeling. Any form of Sotalol seems to require hospitalization for 3 days for the initial dosage titration, to watch for dangerous rhythms or EKG changes that might occur, and for any increases in dosage after that.

If you have links to information indicating I'm wrong, I'd be glad to read them, just point me to the right place.

"BETAPACE AF (sotalol hcl) is indicated for the maintenance of normal sinus rhythm in patients with symptomatic AFIB/AFL who are currently in sinus rhythm. Because BETAPACE AF can cause lifethreatening ventricular arrhythmias, it should be reserved for patients in whom AFIB/AFL is highly symptomatic. Patients with paroxysmal AFIB whose AFIB/AFL that is easily reversed (by Valsalva maneuver, for example) should usually not be given BETAPACE AF (see WARNINGS).

Sotalol is also indicated for the treatment of documented life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and is marketed under the brand name BETAPACE (sotalol hydrochloride). BETAPACE, however, must not be substituted for BETAPACE AF because of significant differences in labeling (i.e., patient package insert, dosing administration and safety information)."

http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/mobileart-rx.asp?drug=betapace-af&monotype=rx-ids&monopage=2

[LouBtc]

IC Sotalol or Sotalol HCL are the same BUT  Sotalol AF is completely different     Do NOT take Sotalol AF it might kill you. When you start sotalol AF you have to be in a facility with resuscitation devices it might stop your heart. Once I was given at a Pharmacy by mistake and I ended up in the ER.
Always take the oval light blue pills, AF are round orange pills.

[SeanRX]

This is true.  the only difference is the package insert.  My understanding is that betapace or sotalol cannot be substituted for the AF version but the AF versioin can be subbed for the non AF version because the package insert does have everything that the AF package insert has plus the A-fib information

[DeltaDawn23]

I would check with your doctor before adding another med.  He/she might suggest something else.  Good luck and congrats on doing so well for the year.  Hopefully the bp thing is a little blip on the radar and will be manageable.

[OrlandoJim]

58 male with SVT after 3 episodes and 3 trips to hospital via ambulance I was put on 80 mg Sotalol 2x a day. After almost a year of doing well ( no svt episodes) i now have my bp going high in the afternoon (140-160 x 90 )
HR stays around 80-85 at highest. Still feel light headed to the point of being dizzy.  Would it be safe to take small dose of Metoprolol ( 12.5 mg )
to help with the BP ? Seems my anxiety gets the best of me when the BP goes up and I dont want to start back on the lorazapam which i have been off of since last Aug. Any comments woulds be appreciated.

[RICHARD566]

I read that the only difference between Sotalol and Sotalol AF is that Sotalol AF comes with an information package about a fib.  I also was concerned.

[marion12]

Why is it not recommend to take Sotolol if you have PAD? (Arterial disease of the legs)

[marion12]

I take Sotolol for A-fib and noticed that after I had pneumonia that my heart skips beats several times a day. Could the heartskips be because of the pneumonia?

[acjviolin]

I take 80 mg, twice a day- 9 am and 9 pm, give or take an hour either side.  It's important to be consistent as to whether you take it with food or without food.  A full glass of water is needed,too.  I take mine with a little food (Few crackers or toast, etc.).  Sotalol has been great for me, I think.  It has controlled my SVT and Afib with the exception of some breakthrough episodes of AFib after I exercise, and these are short in duration although I do not tolerate them very well mentally!  When I read yesterday that Sotalol AF was for Afib and plain Sotalol for ventricular arrhythmias, I was concerned that maybe my EP or even the pharmacy had made a mistake!  But, that is more of my irrational thinking that can put me in a panic, because the facts are, Sotatlol has been great.  I should say that I was very fatigued for the first two to three weeks when I began the Sotalol.  It was like I had a governor inside my chest!  Other than that, there have been no other noticeable symptoms.  Thanks,

[tsco]

I have SVT. pac's and some aflutter and my EP doc prescribed sotalol for me too.  I haven't started taking it yet but would like to know your experience with it.  Most all meds we can take affect the bottom part of the heart which give some benefit to the top part.  I would post your question to the doctor forum just to make sure.  How are you doing with the sotalol,  what dose?  Thanks