Transition to sotalol

[Eric43]

From amiadarone and metaprolol to sotalol, what is the protocol for transitioning?

[Brooke_38]

Hello...

Amioderone is very unique and leaves the body very, very slowly. It is not excreted (like most drugs) by the liver or the kidneys. It is lost when amiodarone containing human cells are lost such as skin cells or cells from the GI tract.  The drug remains in the body in measurable quantities for as long as 3-6 months. The "half life" of the drug, in contrast to most other drugs, is measured in weeks instead of hours

In general, it is advised that you withdraw current antiarrhythmic agent and delay initiation of sotalol for at least 2–3 elimination half-lives of the other drug. This is something that you should be discussing with your Cardiologist.

Why are you taking Amioderone? Usually it is a drug of last resort.

[twinbee]

When I was taken off Rhythmol and put on Sotalol I was put in the hospital for 3  days of monitoring. Some doctors do this and some don't.