Beta-Cardone

What is it?

A non-cardioselective β-blocker, sotalol hydrochloride, available as tablets in 3 strengths: green- scored tablets marked Evans/BC4 (40mg) ; pink-scored tablets marked Evans/BC8 (80mg) and white-scored tablets marked Evans/BC20 (200mg).

Medical Uses

Ventricular heart arrhythmias and their prevention.

Dosage

Adults only; initially, 80mg each day either as single or divided dose. Increase at 2 to 3 day intervals to 160 to 320mg each day in two divided doses.

Special Care

Patients with diabetes, liver or kidney disorders, poor cerebral circulation, history of bronchospasm, those undergoing general anaesthesia (drug may need to be stopped). Pregnant women and nursing mothers. Patients with weak hearts may need to be treated with digitalis and diuretic drugs.

Avoid Use

Children, patients with asthma or history of bronchospasm, those with heart block, heart attack, heart shock and various other cardiac disorders. Drug should be stopped gradually.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Verapamil, clonidine withdrawal, hyperglycaemics, class I anti-arrhythmic drugs, some anaesthetics, reserpine, sympathomimetics, antidepressants, ergotamine, ergot alkaloids, indometacin, cimetidine, diltiazem, class II calcium antagonists, CNS depressants, theophylline, warfarin, ibuprofen.

Known Side Effects

Slow heartbeat, disruption of sleep, cold hands and feet, fatigue in exercise, hair loss, gastro-intestinal upset, wheezing, heart failure, skin rash, dry eyes (withdraw drug gradually) .