Sotalol
Also known as: Betapace, Sotacor
> **Important**: Do not stop this medication suddenly or alter the dose without consulting your veterinarian. Abrupt withdrawal can cause dangerous rebound arrhythmias or high blood pressure. * **Administration**: For best absorption, give on an empty stomach if your pet tolerates it. If stomach upset occurs, you may give it with a small amount of food. * **Monitoring**: Watch your pet closely for signs of extreme fatigue, weakness, fainting (syncope), or difficulty breathing. * **Communication**: Report any vomiting, lethargy, or breathing issues to your veterinarian immediately. Keep all follow-up appointments for ECG monitoring to ensure the drug is working safely.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- General antiarrhythmic
- For ventricular tachyarrhythmias
- General antiarrhythmic
- General antiarrhythmic
- Ventricular arrhythmias
- General antiarrhythmic
- General antiarrhythmic
- For ventricular tachycardia
- For ventricular tachyarrhythmias in Boxers in combination with mexiletine
- In Boxers
- Ventricular arrhythmias
- Ventricular arrhythmias (Acute/Severe)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Negative inotropism (decreased heart contractility)
- Proarrhythmia (can induce new or worsen existing arrhythmias)
- Dyspnea / Bronchospasm
- Fatigue / Lethargy
- Dizziness / Syncope exacerbation
- Nausea / Vomiting
- Bradycardia
- Hypotension
- Bradyarrhythmias
- Bronchospasm
- Depression
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
Cautions & contraindications
- Asthma or reactive airway disease
- Sinus bradycardia
- 2nd or 3rd degree AV block (unless artificially paced)
- Long QT syndromes
- Cardiogenic shock
- Uncontrolled congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Asthma
- Atrioventricular (AV) block
- Decompensated congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Long QT interval on ECG
- Use with caution in patients with congestive heart failure (due to negative inotropic effects), diabetes mellitus, or hyperthyroidism (may mask clinical signs of hypoglycemia or thyrotoxicosis). Use with caution in patients with renal dysfunction; dosage intervals may need to be extended as it is renally excreted. Safety in pregnancy is not fully established (FDA Category B). Sotalol enters maternal milk at up to 5x serum concentrations; consider milk replacer for nursing animals.
Drug interactions
- Amiodarone: May prolong refractory periods; concurrent use not recommended.
- Anesthetics, General: Additive myocardial depression may occur.
- Antacids: May reduce oral sotalol absorption; separate doses by at least 2 hours.
- Antiarrhythmics, Class IA (quinidine, procainamide, disopyramide): May prolong refractory periods and QT interval; concurrent use not recommended.
- Antiarrhythmics, Class IB/IC (lidocaine, mexiletine, phenytoin, flecainide): May prolong QT interval.
- Calcium Channel Blockers (verapamil, diltiazem): Potential to increase hypotensive effects; additive effects on AV conduction or ventricular function. Use with caution.
- Cisapride: May prolong QT interval.
- Clonidine: Increased risk for rebound hypertension if clonidine is discontinued after concomitant therapy.
- Digoxin: Potential for increased risks for proarrhythmic events.
- Erythromycin / Clarithromycin: May prolong QT interval.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sotalol used for in pets?
> **Important**: Do not stop this medication suddenly or alter the dose without consulting your veterinarian. Abrupt withdrawal can cause dangerous rebound arrhythmias or high blood pressure. * **Administration**: For best absorption, give on an empty stomach if your pet tolerates it. If stomach upset occurs, you may give it with a small amount of food. * **Monitoring**: Watch your pet closely for signs of extreme fatigue, weakness, fainting (syncope), or difficulty breathing. * **Communication**: Report any vomiting, lethargy, or breathing issues to your veterinarian immediately. Keep all follow-up appointments for ECG monitoring to ensure the drug is working safely.
Is Sotalol safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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