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Betapace Warnings and Precautions
Before you start taking Betapace, warnings and precautions for the medication should be reviewed. It is important to understand that you must have your kidney function measured before starting treatment, and your heart must be continuously monitored with an ECG until three days after you have reached your steady dosage. You should not use Betapace if you have asthma, bradycardia, or long QT syndrome.
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Betapace® (sotalol hydrochloride) if you have:
- Severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting
- Low electrolytes (such as low potassium levels)
- Long QT syndrome
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
- Diabetes
- Chest pain (angina)
- Heart failure
- Sick sinus syndrome
- A slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Hyperthyroidism
- An upcoming surgery
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Breastfeeding.
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD