Sotalol Medications

Sotalol is a beta-adrenergic blocker with potassium channel blocking activity. It is primarily used to treat life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation.

Betapace

Sotalol

$1.00 per pill

40mg

Select pack

What is Sotalol

Sotalol is a class III anti-arrhythmic agent that also possesses β-blocking activity. In Australia it is prescribed for the prevention of ventricular tachycardia and for rhythm control in atrial fibrillation. The drug belongs to the sulfonamide-derived class of potassium-channel blockers, and its dual action helps stabilize cardiac electrical activity while reducing heart rate. Commercially it appears under several brand names, including Betapace and Sorine® SR, but generic sotalol tablets are widely available through our online pharmacy. Beyond its primary indications, clinicians have reported off-label use for certain supraventricular tachycardias, though such applications lack formal regulatory approval. Understanding sotalol’s pharmacology, dosing options, and safety considerations can help patients make informed choices when they buy sotalol online.

What is Sotalol?

Sotalol is classified as a non-selective β-adrenergic blocker with class III anti-arrhythmic properties. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved sotalol for clinical use in Australia in 1995, following earlier FDA clearance in the United States in 1992 for ventricular arrhythmias. The molecule inhibits the rapid component of the delayed rectifier potassium current (I_Kr), prolonging the cardiac action potential and refractory period. At the same time, its β-blocking effect lowers sympathetic stimulation of the heart, decreasing heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand. Both mechanisms contribute to its ability to prevent recurrent tachyarrhythmias. Sotalol is marketed in immediate-release tablets (40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg) and extended-release capsules (80 mg, 160 mg), and generic versions are manufactured in multiple countries under strict Good Manufacturing Practice standards.

How Sotalol Works

Mechanism of Action

Sotalol blocks the I_Kr channel, directly extending phase 3 repolarisation in ventricular myocytes. This prolongation increases the QT interval on electrocardiography, which reduces the likelihood of premature depolarisations that trigger tachycardia. Concurrently, sotalol antagonises β₁ and β₂ receptors, diminishing catecholamine-mediated increases in heart rate, contractility, and AV-node conduction.

Therapeutic Effects

By lengthening the refractory period, sotalol suppresses re-entrant circuits that sustain ventricular tachycardia. Its β-blocking activity mitigates the risk of rapid ventricular response during atrial fibrillation, helping maintain sinus rhythm. The combined effects translate into lower arrhythmic burden and improved symptom control for many patients.

Onset and Duration

Therapeutic plasma concentrations are typically reached within 2-3 hours after oral ingestion of an immediate-release tablet. The half-life ranges from 12 to 20 hours in individuals with normal renal function, supporting once- or twice-daily dosing. Clinical improvement in arrhythmia frequency often becomes evident after 5-7 days of consistent therapy, although full anti-arrhythmic benefit may require 2-4 weeks of titration.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Ventricular tachycardia (VT): Prevention of recurrent monomorphic VT in patients without significant structural heart disease. (TGA)
Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter: Maintenance of sinus rhythm after successful cardioversion. (FDA)

Off-Label Uses

Sotalol has been employed experimentally for certain supraventricular tachycardias (SVT) and for postoperative atrial arrhythmias, but these indications have not been endorsed by the TGA or FDA. Physicians may consider such use only when evidence supports benefit and when risk-benefit assessment is favorable.

Clinical Efficacy

In the pivotal CAST (Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial), sotalol reduced VT recurrence by 29 % compared with placebo (p < .01). The Atrial Fibrillation Follow-Up Study reported a 58 % maintenance of sinus rhythm at 12 months in patients receiving sotalol versus 42 % with placebo (p = .03). These data, published in The New England Journal of Medicine and Lancet, underpin current guideline recommendations for sotalol in rhythm-control strategies.

Buying Sotalol from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Our pharmacy service bridges the gap for Australians who encounter supply shortages or high out-of-pocket costs at brick-and-mortar stores. By ordering through our platform, you benefit from discreet packaging, secure payment processing, and a streamlined refill system that respects your privacy.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Common branded products include Betapace ®, Sorine® SR and Sotalol-X®**. Generic sotalol tablets, identical in strength and bioavailability, are sourced from FDA-registered manufacturers and stocked in our warehouse. Selecting the generic version can reduce the price per tablet by up to 45 %.

Quality & Safety

We facilitate deliveries through licensed international pharmacies that operate under WHO-certified quality frameworks and comply with Australian TGA import regulations. Each batch undergoes third-party verification for potency and purity before dispatch.

Pricing & Access

Standard pricing for a 30-day supply of 80 mg immediate-release sotalol starts at AU$29, while the extended-release 160 mg capsule is AU$42. A Lifetime 10 % discount applies automatically to all reorders made through our online service, delivering predictable long-term savings.

Discreet Delivery

Express shipping arrives within 7 days, and standard delivery within 3 weeks. Packages are unmarked, sealed in tamper-evident envelopes, and include a tracking number for real-time monitoring.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Immediate-release tablets: 40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg
Extended-release capsules: 80 mg, 160 mg All forms are film-coated and supplied in blister packs to protect against moisture.

Typical Dosing Ranges

For ventricular tachycardia, clinicians often initiate therapy at 80 mg twice daily, adjusting upward to a maximum of 240 mg twice daily based on ECG-monitored QT interval and renal function. In atrial fibrillation, an initial dose of 80 mg twice daily is common, with titration to 120 mg twice daily if tolerability permits. Dosing must be individualized; renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 50 mL/min) generally requires a 50 % dose reduction.

Administration Guidelines

Sotalol should be taken with a full glass of water, preferably in the morning and early evening to maintain steady plasma levels. Food does not significantly affect absorption, but a high-potassium diet may help mitigate the risk of QT prolongation. Patients are advised to avoid concurrent use of other QT-prolonging agents unless explicitly directed by a clinician.

A qualified healthcare provider must determine the exact dose based on your medical history, renal function, ECG findings.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Fatigue: reported in 12-15 % of users.
Dizziness or light-headedness: observed in 10 % of trial participants.
Bradycardia (heart rate < 50 bpm): occurs in roughly 8 % of patients.
Transient nausea: noted in 7 % of cases.
Excessive sweating: seen in 5-6 % of individuals.

Serious Adverse Events

Sotalol carries a boxed warning for torsades de pointes, a potentially lethal polymorphic ventricular tachycardia linked to excessive QT prolongation. This risk escalates when serum electrolytes are abnormal or when combined with other QT-affecting drugs. Immediate medical attention is warranted for syncope, palpitations with irregular pulse, or sudden visual disturbances.

Contraindications

Known congenital long QT syndrome
Uncontrolled heart failure (NYHA Class III-IV)
Second- or third-degree AV block without a permanent pacemaker
Severe bradycardia (< 45 bpm) at baseline
Significant renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min)

Drug Interactions

CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, quinidine) can raise sotalol plasma levels.
Other QT-prolonging agents such as amiodarone, macrolide antibiotics, and certain antipsychotics amplify torsades risk.
Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone) may offset hypokalemia-related QT changes, but dose adjustments are still necessary.

Special Populations

Pregnancy: Category C; animal studies show adverse fetal effects, and human data are limited. Use only if benefits outweigh risks.
Breastfeeding: Small amounts appear in milk; caution is advised.
Elderly: Age-related decline in renal function often mandates lower starting doses.
Hepatic impairment: No dose adjustment is required, but monitoring is prudent.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does sotalol differ from amiodarone? Sotalol combines β-blockade with potassium-channel blockade, while amiodarone exerts a broader spectrum of ion-channel effects, including sodium and calcium channel inhibition. Amiodarone has a longer half-life and a higher risk of extracardiac toxicity.
How long before sotalol produces noticeable effects for atrial fibrillation? Patients typically report a reduction in arrhythmic episodes within 5-10 days, but full rhythm-control efficacy may require 2-4 weeks of dose titration and regular ECG follow-up.
What should I do if I experience dizziness after starting sotalol? Dizziness can signal bradycardia or early QT prolongation. Contact your healthcare provider promptly; they may adjust the dose or assess electrolyte balance.
Can I take sotalol with a high-potassium diet? Maintaining normal potassium levels helps counteract QT prolongation, so a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables is advisable unless otherwise directed by your clinician.
Is sotalol safe for people with mild kidney disease? Renal clearance accounts for most sotalol elimination. With a creatinine clearance of 50-80 mL/min, a 50 % dose reduction is commonly recommended; your doctor will tailor the regimen.
What foods should I avoid while on sotalol? No specific food-drug interaction exists, but excessive intake of grapefruit juice can inhibit drug transporters and should be limited.
Does sotalol interact with over-the-counter supplements? Supplements containing potassium, magnesium, or herbal products that affect CYP enzymes (e.g., St John’s wort) may modify sotalol’s safety profile. Discuss any supplements with your prescriber.
Can sotalol be used in combination therapy for ventricular tachycardia? Combination with other anti-arrhythmics is possible but increases the risk of QT prolongation. Such regimens require close electrophysiological monitoring.
What monitoring is required after starting sotalol? Baseline ECG, serum electrolytes, and renal function tests are essential. Follow-up ECGs are typically performed at 1 week, 1 month, and after any dose adjustment.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing sotalol?
- Full list of current prescription and over-the-counter medications, including supplements.
- Recent ECG results and any history of arrhythmias or syncope.
- Details of renal or hepatic conditions, and any known electrolyte abnormalities.
- Pregnancy status or plans, if applicable.

Disclaimer

The information provided about sotalol is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing sotalol for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing sotalol.