Sotacor

What is it?

A non-cardioselective 1blocker available as white tablets in 2 strengths of 80mg and 160mg containing solatol hydrochloride, both marked with strength and name. Also, SOTACOR INJECTION available as a solution in ampoules for injection containing 10mg of solatol hydrochloride per ml.

Medical Uses

Arrhythmias of ventricular and supraventricular origin but not torsade de pointes.

Dosage

Adults, tablets, 80mg each day at first in divided or single doses, then increase at 2 to 3 day intervals to usual dose in order of 160 to 320mg each day in 2 divided doses. Life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia proving difficult to treat, 480 to 640mg each day under supervision of specialist physician. Injection, acute arrhythmiss, 0.5 to 1.5mg by slow intravenous injection lasting at least 10 minutes, then repeat at 6 hour intervals as directed by specialist. In place of tablets, 0.2 to 0.5mg per kg of body weigth by intravenous infusion to a daily maximum of 640mg.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breast-feeding, liver or kidney disease, diabetes, metabolic acidosis, poor cerebral blood supply, history of bronchospasm, those undergoing anaesthesia; patients with weak hearts should be treated with digitalis and diuretics. Drug should be stopped gradually.

Avoid Use

Children, patients with asthma, heart diseases including heart block, heart shock, slow heartbeat rate, heart failure, prolonged QT interval, torsade de pointes.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Cardiac depressants, anaesthetics, reserpine, sedatives, class II calcium antagonists, anti- hypertensives, sympathomimetics, cimetidine, indomethacin, ergot- amine, class I antierrhythmic drugs, verapamil, clonidine withdrawal, hypoglycaemics, rifamoicin, warfarin, ibuprofen.

Known Side Effects

Sleep disturbance, cold feet and hands, slow heartbeat, fatigue on exercise, wheeziness, heart failure, gastrointestinal disorders; dry eyes or skin rash (stop use gradually), hair loss, low blood pressure, thrombocytopenia (abnormal decline in blood platelets causing increased likelihood of bleeding).