Products
Sotalol is commercially available in tablet form (generic). It has been approved in many countries since 1980. The original Sotalex is out of commerce.
Structure and properties
Sotalol (C12H20N2O3S, Mr = 272.4 g/mol) is present in drugs as sotalol hydrochloride, a racemate and white powder that is readily soluble in water. Sotalol is a methanesulfonamide.
Effects
Sotalol (ATC C07AA07) has antiarrhythmic and sympatholytic properties. It is a nonselective and hydrophilic beta-blocker in addition to being a class III antiarrhythmic agent. The effects are due to antagonism at beta-adrenoceptors and prolongation of the terminal phase of the action potential/repolarization. The half-life is approximately 12 hours.
Indications
For the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. Tablets are usually administered two to three times daily before meals, since foods and milk given at the same time may reduce absorption.
Contraindications
Full details of precautions and interactions can be found in the Drug Information Leaflet. Sotalol has a high potential for interaction with numerous drugs.
Adverse Effects
The most common possible side effects include a slow heartbeat (bradycardia), breathing problems (dyspnea), fatigue, dizziness, and weakness. Like other antiarrhythmic drugs, sotalol can prolong the QT interval and may itself cause arrhythmias.
