Sotalol (Betapace Af) Uses

Sotalol oral is used to treat life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). It is also used for maintenance of normal sinus rhythm and prevention of recurrent Afib Afl (atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter) in people who have had these heart rhythm abnormalities in the past. However, it is not used to treat atrial fibrillation.

There may be other uses for sotalol—your doctor or health system pharmacists can give you further drug information.

Sotalol (Betapace Af) Mechanism of Action

Sotalol decreases abnormal electrical signals in the heart and stabilizes irregular heart rhythms in patients with ventricular arrhythmia. It also helps to maintain normal sinus rhythm in patients with a history of atrial flutter and fibrillation.

Sotalol (Betapace Af) Doses

Sotalol oral is available in tablet form in strengths of 80 mg, 120 mg, and 160 mg. It is also available as a liquid solution of 5 mg/mL (brand name Sotylize). There is also an injection solution of 15 mg/mL available for use in healthcare settings.

Sotalol doses administered are as follows:

For ventricular arrhythmia in adults: An initial starting dose of 80 mg twice daily, which may be increased by 80 mg per day every 3 days as long as the QT interval (QTc) is less than 500 msec. Clinical response is typically achieved at total daily doses ranging between 160 mg and 320 mg, given in 2-3 divided doses. Doses up to 480 mg and 640 mg daily (maximum recommended human dose) have been used in patients with life-threatening refractory arrhythmias.

For prevention of recurrent atrial flutter or fibrillation in adults: An initial starting dose of 80 mg twice daily, which may be increased by 80 mg per day every 3 days as long as the QTc is less than 500 msec. Clinical response is typically achieved at a dose of 120 mg twice daily. 

Sotalol dosing in children: The recommended initial dose is 1.2 mg/kg three times a day (total daily dose of 3.6 mg/kg), which is roughly equal to a total daily dose of 160 mg in adults. The dose in children may be increased to a maximum of 2.4 mg/kg three times a day, which is roughly equal to a total daily dose of 360 mg in adults.