To minimize the risk of drug-induced arrhythmia, initiate, reinitiate, or uptitrate sotalol in a facility that can provide cardiac resuscitation and continuous ECG monitoring. Sotalol can cause life threatening ventricular tachycardia associated with QT interval prolongation. Do not initiate sotalol therapy if the baseline QTc is longer than 450 msec. If the QT interval prolongs to 500 msec or greater, reduce the dose, lengthen the dosing interval, or discontinue the drug. Calculate CrCl to determine appropriate dosing.
Note: Baseline QTc interval and CrCl must be determined prior to initiation. If CrCl ≤60 mL/minute, dosing interval adjustment is necessary. When initiating sotalol, patients should be hospitalized for at least 3 days in order to monitor cardiac rhythm and assess for QT prolongation. Proarrhythmic events can occur after initiation of therapy and with each upward dosage adjustment.
Atrial fibrillation/flutter, symptomatic:
Maintenance dose:
Oral:
Initial: 80 mg twice daily.
Dose adjustment: If initial dose does not reduce frequency of relapse and excessive QTc prolongation does not occur (eg, QTc <500 msec) after 3 days, may increase dose to 120 mg twice daily; may increase dose further after another 3 days to a maximum dose of 160 mg twice daily if response is inadequate and QTc prolongation is not excessive (eg, QTc <500 msec).
IV (as substitution for oral sotalol):
Initial dose: 75 mg infused over 5 hours twice daily.
Dose adjustment: If initial dose does not reduce frequency of relapse and excessive QTc prolongation does not occur (eg, QTc <500 msec) after 3 days, may increase dose to 112.5 mg twice daily; may increase dose further after another 3 days to a maximum dose of 150 mg twice daily if response is inadequate and QTc prolongation is not excessive (eg, QTc < 500 msec).
Loading dose to initiate therapy or for dose escalation: Not routinely required. This approach consists of a single, initial IV dose administered over 1 hour, followed by oral maintenance dosing beginning 4 to 12 hours later (see table). The IV loading dose is used to quickly achieve maximum steady-state concentrations similar to the targeted oral maintenance dose in order to observe how patients respond in a setting with continuous ECG monitoring. Achieving maximum steady-state concentrations quickly with an IV loading dose may help facilitate faster patient discharge (Somberg 2020; manufacturer’s labeling):
Note: Dosing derived from pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling in 15 healthy volunteers (Somberg 2020).
CrCl (mL/minute)a |
Therapy initiationb: IV loading dose (mg) when oral maintenance is planned to be: |
Therapy escalationb: IV loading dose (mg) when increasing the oral maintenance dose from: |
Minimum delay to start of oral dose (hour) |
Oral dosing interval (hour) | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
80 mgc |
120 mg |
80 to 120 mg |
120 to 160 mg | |||
a Calculate using Cockcroft-Gault formula. | ||||||
b Monitor QTc interval every 15 minutes during the 1-hour infusion and around the Tmax (2 to 4 hours post dose) of oral doses given within the first 24 hours of therapy. If QTc interval prolongs to >500 msec or increases ≥20% from baseline, discontinue sotalol when targeting an oral maintenance dose of 80 mg. When targeting an oral maintenance dose of 120 mg, discontinue sotalol and consider reinitiating to target 80 mg; when reinitiating to target 80 mg, wait at least 1 day in patients with CrCl ≥60 mL/minute (Somberg 2020; manufacturer’s labeling). | ||||||
c Recommended starting dose. | ||||||
>90 mL/minute |
60 mg |
90 mg |
75 mg |
90 mg |
4 hours |
12 hours |
60 to 90 mL/minute |
82.5 mg |
125 mg |
82.5 mg |
105 mg |
4 hours |
12 hours |
Fetal tachycardia, sustained (maternal/transplacental administration) (off-label use): Oral: Initial: 80 to 160 mg twice daily; may increase dose as needed up to 480 mg/day in divided doses based on response and tolerability (Alsaied 2017; Jaeggi 2011; Oudijk 2000; Sonesson 1998; van der Heijden 2013).
Supraventricular tachycardia (off-label use): Oral: Initial: 40 to 80 mg every 12 hours; maximum maintenance dose: 160 mg every 12 hours (ACC/AHA/HRS [Page 2015]).
Ventricular arrhythmias:
Maintenance dose:
Oral:
Initial dose: 80 mg twice daily.
Dose adjustment: If initial dose does not reduce frequency of relapse and excessive QTc prolongation does not occur (eg, QTc <500 msec) after 3 days, may increase dose to 120 mg twice daily; may increase dose further after another 3 days to a usual maximum dose of 160 mg twice daily if response is inadequate and QTc prolongation is not excessive (eg, QTc <500 msec).
IV (as substitution for oral sotalol):
Initial dose: 75 mg infused over 5 hours twice daily.
Dose adjustment: If initial dose does not reduce frequency of relapse and excessive QTc prolongation does not occur (eg, QTc <500 msec) after 3 days, may increase dose to 112.5 mg twice daily; may increase dose further after another 3 days to a usual maximum dose of 150 mg twice daily if response is inadequate and QTc prolongation is not excessive (eg, QTc <500 msec).
Loading dose to initiate therapy or for dose escalation: Not routinely required. This approach consists of a single, initial IV dose administered over 1 hour, followed by oral maintenance dosing beginning 4 to 12 hours later (see table). The IV loading dose is used to quickly achieve maximum steady-state concentrations similar to the targeted oral maintenance dose in order to observe how patients respond in a setting with continuous ECG monitoring. Achieving maximum steady-state concentrations quickly with an IV loading dose may help facilitate faster patient discharge (Somberg 2020; manufacturer’s labeling):
Note: Dosing derived from pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling in 15 healthy volunteers (Somberg 2020).
CrCl (mL/minute)a |
Therapy initiationb: IV loading dose (mg) when oral maintenance is planned to be: |
Therapy escalationb: IV loading dose (mg) when increasing the oral maintenance dose from: |
Minimum delay to start of oral dose (hour) |
Oral dosing interval (hour) | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
80 mgc |
120 mg |
80 to 120 mg |
120 to 160 mg | |||
a Calculate using Cockcroft-Gault formula. | ||||||
b Monitor QTc interval every 15 minutes during the 1-hour infusion and around the Tmax (2 to 4 hours post dose) of oral doses given within the first 24 hours of therapy. If QTc interval prolongs to >500 msec or increases ≥20% from baseline, discontinue sotalol when targeting an oral maintenance dose of 80 mg. When targeting an oral maintenance dose of 120 mg, discontinue sotalol and consider reinitiating to target 80 mg; when reinitiating to target 80 mg, wait at least 1 day in patients with CrCl ≥60 mL/minute. | ||||||
c Recommended starting dose. | ||||||
>90 mL/minute |
60 mg |
90 mg |
75 mg |
90 mg |
4 hours |
12 hours |
60 to 90 mL/minute |
82.5 mg |
125 mg |
82.5 mg |
105 mg |
4 hours |
12 hours |
Sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia, hemodynamically stable (off-label use): IV: 1.5 mg/kg or 100 mg over 5 minutes (AHA [Neumar 2010]; Ho 1994).
Ventricular premature beats, symptomatic (off-label use): Oral: Initial: 80 mg twice daily; dose may be increased gradually in increments of 80 mg/day up to a maximum dose of 160 mg twice daily; allow 3 days between dose adjustments in order to attain steady-state plasma concentrations and to allow for monitoring of QT intervals (AHA/ACC/HRS [Al-Khatib 2017]).
Conversion from oral sotalol to IV sotalol:
Note: Conversion only applies when substituting an oral maintenance dose with an IV dose administered as a 5-hour infusion.
80 mg oral equivalent to 75 mg IV.
120 mg oral equivalent to 112.5 mg IV.
160 mg oral equivalent to 150 mg IV.
Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.
The renal dosing recommendations are based upon the best available evidence and clinical expertise. Senior Editorial Team: Bruce Mueller, PharmD, FCCP, FASN, FNKF; Jason Roberts, PhD, BPharm (Hons), B App Sc, FSHP, FISAC; Michael Heung, MD, MS.
Altered kidney function:
Maintenance dose:
Atrial fibrillation/flutter: Oral, IV:
CrCl >60 mL/minute: Administer every 12 hours.
CrCl 40 to 60 mL/minute: Administer every 24 hours.
CrCl <40 mL/minute: Use is contraindicated.
Ventricular arrhythmia: Oral, IV:
CrCl >60 mL/minute: Administer every 12 hours.
CrCl 30 to 60 mL/minute: Administer every 24 hours.
CrCl 10 to 29 mL/minute: Administer every 36 to 48 hours.
CrCl <10 mL/minute: Avoid use (expert opinion).
Loading dose to initiate therapy or for dose escalation: Atrial fibrillation/flutter or ventricular arrhythmia: IV: Not routinely required. This approach consists of a single, initial IV dose administered over 1 hour, followed by oral maintenance dosing beginning 4 to 12 hours later depending on kidney function (see table). The IV loading dose is used to quickly achieve maximum steady-state concentrations similar to the targeted oral maintenance dose in order to observe how patients respond in a setting with continuous ECG monitoring. Achieving maximum steady-state concentrations quickly with an IV loading dose may help facilitate faster patient discharge (Somberg 2020; manufacturer’s labeling):
Note: Dosing derived from pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling in 15 healthy volunteers. Doses for CrCl <40 mL/minute only apply to patients with ventricular arrhythmias since use of oral therapy is contraindicated in patients with atrial fibrillation/flutter and CrCl <40 mL/minute. Patients with kidney dysfunction will require a higher initial IV dose to test safety and efficacy of the oral sotalol regimen because these patients tend to have higher sotalol concentrations at steady state despite proper dosage adjustments (Somberg 2020).
CrCl (mL/minute)a |
Therapy initiationb: IV loading dose (mg) when oral maintenance is planned to be: |
Therapy escalationb: IV loading dose (mg) when increasing the oral maintenance dose from: |
Minimum delay to start of oral dose (hour) |
Oral dosing interval (hour) | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
80 mgc |
120 mg |
80 to 120 mg |
120 to 160 mg | |||
a Calculate using Cockcroft-Gault formula. | ||||||
b Monitor QTc interval every 15 minutes during the 1-hour infusion and around the Tmax (2 to 4 hours post dose) of oral doses given within the first 24 hours of therapy. If QTc interval prolongs to >500 msec or increases ≥20% from baseline, discontinue sotalol when targeting an oral maintenance dose of 80 mg. When targeting an oral maintenance dose of 120 mg, discontinue sotalol and consider reinitiating to target 80 mg; when reinitiating to target 80 mg, wait at least 1 day in patients with CrCl ≥60 mL/minute, at least 3 days in patients with CrCl 30 to <60 mL/minute, and at least 7 days in patients with CrCl 10 to <30 mL/minute (manufacturer’s labeling). | ||||||
c Recommended starting dose. | ||||||
>90 mL/minute |
60 mg |
90 mg |
75 mg |
90 mg |
4 hours |
12 hours |
60 to 90 mL/minute |
82.5 mg |
125 mg |
82.5 mg |
105 mg |
4 hours |
12 hours |
30 to <60 mL/minute |
75 mg |
112.5 mg |
82.5 mg |
105 mg |
6 hours |
24 hours |
10 to <30 mL/minute |
75 mg |
112.5 mg |
82.5 mg |
105 mg |
12 hours |
48 hours |
Hemodialysis , intermittent (thrice weekly): Dialyzable (20% to 43%) (Blair 1981; Tjandramaga 1976): Oral, IV:
Avoid use; consider alternative agent (Rizza 1999). Multiple cases of torsades de pointes have been reported when sotalol was used, even at low dosages (eg, 80 mg daily orally) in patients with end-stage kidney disease treated with hemodialysis (Huynh-Do 1996). In at least one case, QT interval was not corrected by several days of dialysis, suggestive of widely fluctuating and unpredictable tissue and plasma drug concentrations (Rizza 1999).
Peritoneal dialysis: Oral, IV: Avoid use; consider alternative agent (Rizza 1999). Cases of torsades de pointes have been reported when sotalol was used even at low dosages (eg, 80 mg daily orally) in patients with end-stage kidney disease treated with peritoneal dialysis (Dancey 1997; Tang 1997).
CRRT:
Note: Drug clearance is dependent on the effluent flow rate, filter type, and method of renal replacement. Recommendations are based on high-flux dialyzers and effluent flow rates of 20 to 25 mL/kg/hour (or ~1,500 to 3,000 mL/hour) unless otherwise noted.
Oral, IV: Avoid use; consider alternative agent(s), as no pharmacokinetic data are available in this population. Additionally, removal by CRRT can be interrupted by clotting, filter changes, etc. (expert opinion).
PIRRT (eg, sustained, low-efficiency diafiltration):
Oral, IV: Avoid use, consider alternative agent(s), as no pharmacokinetic data are available in the population. Additionally, clearance will vary on PIRRT versus non-PIRRT days (expert opinion).
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling. However, dosage adjustment unlikely because sotalol is not metabolized by the liver.
(For additional information see "Sotalol: Pediatric drug information")
Note: Baseline QTc interval and CrCl must be determined prior to initiation. Dosage must be adjusted to individual response and tolerance; doses should be initiated or increased in a hospital facility that can provide continuous ECG monitoring, recognition and treatment of life-threatening arrhythmias, and CPR:
In pediatric patients, dosing may be based on either BSA (mg/m2) or weight (mg/kg); use extra precaution to verify dosing parameters during calculations. Sotalol is indicated for both the treatment of documented life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias (marketed as Betapace/Sorine/Sotylize) and for the maintenance of normal sinus rhythm in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation/flutter who are currently in sinus rhythm (marketed as Betapace AF/Sotylize).
Arrhythmias: Oral: Manufacturer's dosing recommendations are based on doses per m2 (that are equivalent to the doses recommended in adults) and on pediatric pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies (Saul 2001a; Saul 2001b). BSA, rather than body weight, better predicted apparent clearance of sotalol; however, for a given dose per m2, a larger drug exposure (larger AUC) and greater pharmacologic effects were observed in smaller subjects (ie, those with BSA <0.33 m2 versus those with BSA ≥0.33 m2). For infants and children ≤2 years of age, the manufacturer recommends a dosage reduction based on an age factor determined from a graph (see below).
Manufacturer's labeling: Note: Use with extreme caution if QTc is >500 msec while receiving sotalol; reduce the dose or discontinue drug if QTc >550 msec.
Infants and Children ≤2 years: The manufacturer recommended pediatric dosage of 30 mg/m2/dose every 8 hours must be REDUCED using an age-related factor that is obtained from the graph (see graph). First, obtain the patient's age in months; use the graph to determine where the patient's age (on the logarithmic scale) intersects the age factor curve; read the age factor from the Y-axis; then multiply the age factor by the pediatric dose listed below (ie, the dose for children >2 years); this will result in the proper reduction in dose for age. For example, the age factor for an infant 1 month of age is 0.68, so the initial dosage would be (0.68 x 30 mg/m2/dose) = 20 mg/m2/dose given every 8 hours. Similar calculations should be made for dosage titrations; increase dosage gradually, if needed; allow adequate time between dosage increments to achieve new steady-state and to monitor clinical response, heart rate and QTc intervals; half-life is prolonged with decreasing age (<2 years), so time to reach new steady-state will increase.
(See Age nomogram)Children >2 years and Adolescents: Initial: 30 mg/m2/dose given every 8 hours; increase dosage gradually if needed; allow at least 36 hours between dosage increments to achieve new steady-state and to monitor clinical response, heart rate, and QTc intervals; may increase gradually to a maximum of 60 mg/m2/dose given every 8 hours; not to exceed adult doses (usual maximum adult daily dose: 320 mg/day)
Alternate dosing: Limited data available:
Initial: Infants, Children, and Adolescents: 2 mg/kg/day divided every 8 hours; if needed, increase dosage gradually by 1 to 2 mg/kg/day increments; allow 3 days between dosage increments to achieve new steady-state and to monitor clinical response, heart rate, and QTc intervals; maximum: 10 mg/kg/day (if no limiting side effects occur) (Beaufort-Krol 1997; Colloridi 1992; Läer 2005; Maragnes 1992; Pfammatter 1995; Pfammatter 1997; Tipple 1991); do not exceed adult doses (usual maximum adult daily dose: 320 mg/day)
Proposed target doses: Note: It is not necessary to increase to target dosage if desired clinical effect has been achieved at a lower dosage.
Infants and Children 1 month to 6 years: 6 mg/kg/day divided every 8 hours
Children >6 years and Adolescents: 4 mg/kg/day divided every 8 hours not to exceed adult doses (usual maximum adult daily dose: 320 mg/day)
Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.
Dosing adjustment for toxicity: Infants, Children, and Adolescents:
QTc ≥500 msec during initiation period (Betapace AF, Sotylize): Reduce dose, prolong the dosing interval (Sotylize), or discontinue sotalol.
QTc ≥520 msec (or JT interval ≥430 msec if the QRS >100 msec) during maintenance therapy (Betapace AF): Reduce dose and carefully monitor QTc until <520 msec. If QTc interval ≥520 msec on the lowest maintenance dose, discontinue sotalol.
QTc ≥550 msec (Betapace, Sorine): Reduce dose or discontinue sotalol.
Infants, Children, and Adolescents: There are no dosage adjustments provided in manufacturer's labeling; dosing in children with renal impairment has not been investigated; use lower doses or increased dosing intervals; closely monitor clinical response, heart rate and QTc interval; allow adequate time between dosage increments to achieve new steady-state, since half-life will be prolonged with renal impairment
Hemodialysis: Hemodialysis would be expected to reduce sotalol plasma concentrations because sotalol is not bound to plasma proteins and does not undergo extensive metabolism. According to the manufacturers of Betapace and Sorine, extreme caution should be employed if sotalol is used in patients with renal failure undergoing hemodialysis. According to the manufacturer of Betapace AF and Sotylize, use is contraindicated. Multiple cases of torsades de pointes have been reported when sotalol was used even at low dosages (eg, 80 mg daily) in patients with end-stage renal disease treated with hemodialysis (Huynh-Do 1996).
Peritoneal dialysis: Peritoneal dialysis does not remove sotalol; supplemental dose is not necessary (Aronoff 2007). Cases of torsades de pointes have been reported when sotalol was used even at low dosages (eg, 80 mg daily) in patients with end-stage renal disease treated with peritoneal dialysis (Dancey 1997; Tang 1997).
All patients: There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling; however, dosage adjustment unlikely needed because sotalol is not metabolized by the liver.
Refer to adult dosing.
QTc ≥500 msec:
Tablets, oral solution: Reduce dose, prolong the dosing interval, or discontinue sotalol
Injection:
Substitution for oral: Reduce dose, prolong the infusion time by decreasing the infusion rate, prolong the dosing interval, or discontinue sotalol.
Loading dose to initiate therapy or for dose escalation: Refer to table in adult or renal dosing sections.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product
Solution, Intravenous, as hydrochloride:
Generic: 150 mg/10 mL (10 mL)
Solution, Oral, as hydrochloride:
Sotylize: 5 mg/mL (250 mL, 480 mL) [contains sodium benzoate; grape flavor]
Tablet, Oral, as hydrochloride:
Betapace: 80 mg [scored; contains fd&c blue #2 aluminum lake]
Betapace: 120 mg [DSC] [contains fd&c blue #2 aluminum lake]
Betapace: 120 mg [scored; contains fd&c blue #2 aluminum lake]
Betapace: 160 mg [DSC] [contains fd&c blue #2 aluminum lake]
Betapace: 160 mg [scored; contains fd&c blue #2 aluminum lake]
Betapace AF: 80 mg [scored]
Betapace AF: 120 mg [DSC]
Betapace AF: 120 mg [scored]
Betapace AF: 160 mg [DSC]
Betapace AF: 160 mg [scored]
Sorine: 80 mg, 120 mg, 160 mg, 240 mg [scored]
Generic: 80 mg, 120 mg, 160 mg, 240 mg
Yes
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Tablet, Oral, as hydrochloride:
Generic: 80 mg, 160 mg, 240 mg
Oral: Administer without regard to meals.
When used for the management of fetal tachycardia (maternal/transplacental administration; off-label use), oral doses are administered to the mother.
IV:
Loading dose to initiate therapy or for dose escalation: Must be diluted prior to administration. Administer over 1 hour.
Substitution for oral: Must be diluted prior to administration. Administer over 5 hours; may prolong duration of infusion if QT interval prolongs to ≥500 msec.
Hemodynamically stable monomorphic VT: Administer IV push over 5 minutes; use with caution because of increased risk of adverse events (eg, bradycardia, hypotension, torsade de pointes) (ACLS 2010).
Oral: May be administered without regard to meals, but should be administered at the same time each day
Atrial fibrillation/flutter, symptomatic: Maintenance of normal sinus rhythm (delay in time to recurrence of atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter) in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter who are currently in sinus rhythm.
According to the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology/Heart Rhythm Society (AHA/ACC/HRS), sotalol is not effective for conversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm but may be used to prevent atrial fibrillation (AHA/ACC/HRS [January 2014])
Ventricular arrhythmias: Treatment of documented, life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias (ie, sustained ventricular tachycardia)
Fetal tachycardia, sustained; Supraventricular tachycardia; Sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia, hemodynamically stable; Ventricular premature beats, symptomatic
Sotalol may be confused with Stadol, Sudafed
Betapace may be confused with Betapace AF
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) includes this medication among its list of drugs that have a heightened risk of causing significant patient harm when used in error.
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified. There is minimal clinical experience with IV sotalol; however, since exposure is similar between IV and oral sotalol, adverse reactions are expected to be similar.
>10%:
Cardiovascular: Bradycardia (dose related; 8% to 13%), chest pain (8%), palpitations (8%)
Nervous system: Dizziness (13% to 16%), fatigue (dose related; 19% to 26%), headache (12%)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Asthenia (5% to 11%)
Respiratory: Dyspnea (dose related; 9% to 18%)
1% to 10%:
Cardiovascular: Complete atrioventricular block (1%), second degree atrioventricular block (1%), torsades de pointes (dose related; ≤4%), ventricular tachycardia (new or worsened: ≤1%)
Dermatologic: Diaphoresis (5%)
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain (4%), diarrhea (5% to 6%), nausea and vomiting (6% to 8%)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Musculoskeletal pain (4%)
Ophthalmic: Visual disturbance (5%)
<1%:
Cardiovascular: Sinoatrial arrest, sinus node dysfunction, sinus pause
Nervous system: Peripheral neuropathy
Frequency not defined: Cardiovascular: Cardiac failure, hypotension, prolonged QT interval on ECG, sinus bradycardia
Postmarketing:
Dermatologic: Alopecia, pruritus, skin photosensitivity
Endocrine & metabolic: Hyperlipidemia
Hematologic & oncologic: Eosinophilia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia
Nervous system: Altered mental status, ataxia, emotional lability, paralysis, vertigo
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Myalgia
Respiratory: Pulmonary edema
Miscellaneous: Fever
Hypersensitivity to sotalol or any component of the formulation; bronchial asthma or related bronchospastic conditions; sinus bradycardia (<50 bpm during waking hours); second- or third-degree AV block (unless a functioning pacemaker is present); congenital or acquired long QT syndromes; cardiogenic shock; decompensated heart failure; sick sinus syndrome; serum potassium <4 mEq/L; when used for atrial fibrillation/flutter, initiation of oral sotalol is contraindicated if baseline QTc interval >450 msec or CrCl <40 mL/minute.
Canadian labeling: Additional contraindications (not in the US labeling): Allergic rhinitis; severe sinus node dysfunction; concurrent use with anesthetics that produce myocardial depression.
Documentation of allergenic cross-reactivity for beta-adrenergic blockers is limited. However, because of similarities in chemical structure and/or pharmacologic actions, the possibility of cross-sensitivity cannot be ruled out with certainty.
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Anaphylactic reactions: Use caution with history of severe anaphylaxis to allergens; patients taking beta-blockers may become more sensitive to repeated challenges. Treatment of anaphylaxis (eg, epinephrine) in patients taking beta-blockers may be ineffective or promote undesirable effects.
• Bradycardia/hypotension: May cause bradycardia (including heart block) and hypotension. Dose adjustments of agents that slow AV nodal conduction may be necessary when sotalol is initiated.
• Proarrhythmic effects: [US Boxed Warning]: To minimize the risk of drug-induced arrhythmia, initiate or reinitiate sotalol in a facility that can provide cardiac resuscitation and continuous electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring. Sotalol can cause life threatening ventricular tachycardia associated with QT interval prolongation. Do not initiate sotalol therapy if the baseline QTc is longer than 450 msec. If the QT interval prolongs to 500 msec or greater, reduce the dose, lengthen the dosing interval, or discontinue the drug.Calculate creatinine clearance to determine appropriate dosing. Some experts will initiate oral therapy on an outpatient basis if the patient is in sinus rhythm provided the QT interval and serum potassium are normal and the patient is not receiving any other QT-interval prolonging medications but require inpatient hospitalization if the patient is in atrial fibrillation (AHA/ACC/HRS [January 2014]). Calculation of CrCl must occur prior to administration of the first dose. Dosage should be adjusted gradually with 3 days between dosing increments to achieve steady-state concentrations, and to allow time to monitor QT intervals. Monitor and adjust dose to prevent QTc prolongation.
Disease-related concerns:
• Bronchospastic disease: In general, patients with bronchospastic disease should not receive beta-blockers; if used at all, should be used cautiously with close monitoring. Sotalol is contraindicated in patients with bronchial asthma or related bronchospastic conditions.
• Conduction abnormality: Consider preexisting conditions such as sick sinus syndrome before initiating.
• Diabetes: Use with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus; may potentiate hypoglycemia and/or mask signs and symptoms.
• Electrolyte imbalances: Correct electrolyte imbalances before initiating (especially hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia) because these conditions increase the risk of torsades de pointes.
• Heart failure (HF): New onset or worsening heart failure may occur during initiation or titration. Use with caution in patients with compensated heart failure; monitor for a worsening of the condition and discontinue if symptoms of heart failure occur. Use is contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled (or decompensated) heart failure.
• Myasthenia gravis: Use with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis; may worsen disease.
• Myocardial infarction: Use with caution within the first 2 weeks post-MI, especially in patients with markedly impaired ventricular function (experience limited).
• Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and Raynaud disease: Can precipitate or aggravate symptoms of arterial insufficiency in patients with PVD and Raynaud disease. Use with caution and monitor for progression of arterial obstruction.
• Pheochromocytoma (untreated): Adequate alpha-blockade is required prior to use of any beta-blocker.
• Renal impairment: [US Boxed Warning]: Adjust dosing interval based on CrCl to decrease risk of proarrhythmia; QT interval prolongation is directly related to sotalol concentration. CrCl must be calculated with dose initiation and dose increases. When used for atrial fibrillation/flutter, sotalol is contraindicated in patients with CrCl <40 mL/minute.
• Thyroid disease: May mask signs of hyperthyroidism (eg, tachycardia). If thyrotoxicosis is suspected, carefully manage and monitor; abrupt withdrawal may exacerbate symptoms of hyperthyroidism or precipitate thyroid storm.
Special populations:
• Elderly: Bradycardia may be observed more frequently in elderly patients (>65 years of age); dosage reductions may be necessary.
Other warnings/precautions:
• Abrupt withdrawal: Beta-blocker therapy should not be withdrawn abruptly (particularly in patients with CAD), but gradually tapered to avoid acute tachycardia, hypertension, and/or ischemia. Severe exacerbation of angina, ventricular arrhythmias, and myocardial infarction (MI) have been reported following abrupt withdrawal of beta-blocker therapy. Temporary but prompt resumption of beta-blocker therapy may be indicated with worsening of angina or acute coronary insufficiency. When QTc prolongation occurs, consider weighing the risk of abrupt withdrawal of sotalol with the risk of QTc prolongation. Use of an alternative beta-blocker may be indicated if worsening angina or acute coronary insufficiency occurs when sotalol is withdrawn abruptly due to QTc prolongation.
• Major surgery: Chronic beta-blocker therapy should not be routinely withdrawn prior to major surgery.
None known.
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Alfuzosin: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Alpha1-Blockers: Beta-Blockers may enhance the orthostatic hypotensive effect of Alpha1-Blockers. The risk associated with ophthalmic products is probably less than systemic products. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Alpha2-Agonists: May enhance the AV-blocking effect of Beta-Blockers. Sinus node dysfunction may also be enhanced. Beta-Blockers may enhance the rebound hypertensive effect of Alpha2-Agonists. This effect can occur when the Alpha2-Agonist is abruptly withdrawn. Management: Closely monitor heart rate during treatment with a beta blocker and clonidine. Withdraw beta blockers several days before clonidine withdrawal when possible, and monitor blood pressure closely. Recommendations for other alpha2-agonists are unavailable. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Amifostine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Amifostine. Management: When used at chemotherapy doses, hold blood pressure lowering medications for 24 hours before amifostine administration. If blood pressure lowering therapy cannot be held, do not administer amifostine. Use caution with radiotherapy doses of amifostine. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Amiodarone: QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Amiodarone. Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Amisulpride (Oral): QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Amisulpride (Oral). Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even greater risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Antacids: May decrease the serum concentration of Sotalol. Management: Avoid simultaneous administration of sotalol and antacids. Administer antacids 2 hours after sotalol. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Antipsychotic Agents (Phenothiazines): May enhance the hypotensive effect of Beta-Blockers. Beta-Blockers may decrease the metabolism of Antipsychotic Agents (Phenothiazines). Antipsychotic Agents (Phenothiazines) may decrease the metabolism of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Antipsychotic Agents (Second Generation [Atypical]): Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Antipsychotic Agents (Second Generation [Atypical]). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Azithromycin (Systemic): QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Azithromycin (Systemic). Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Barbiturates: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Benperidol: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Beta2-Agonists: Beta-Blockers (Nonselective) may diminish the bronchodilatory effect of Beta2-Agonists. Risk X: Avoid combination
Blood Pressure Lowering Agents: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Hypotension-Associated Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Bradycardia-Causing Agents: May enhance the bradycardic effect of other Bradycardia-Causing Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Brimonidine (Topical): May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Bromperidol: May diminish the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Bromperidol. Risk X: Avoid combination
Bupivacaine: Beta-Blockers may increase the serum concentration of Bupivacaine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ceritinib: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Sotalol. Ceritinib may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Sotalol. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Chloroquine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Chloroquine. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Cholinergic Agonists: Beta-Blockers may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Cholinergic Agonists. Of particular concern are the potential for cardiac conduction abnormalities and bronchoconstriction. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Citalopram: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Citalopram. Risk X: Avoid combination
Clarithromycin: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Clarithromycin. Risk X: Avoid combination
Clofazimine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Clofazimine. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
CloZAPine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of CloZAPine. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Dasatinib: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Dasatinib. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Diazoxide: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Dipyridamole: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
DOBUTamine: Beta-Blockers may diminish the therapeutic effect of DOBUTamine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Domperidone: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Domperidone. Risk X: Avoid combination
Doxepin-Containing Products: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Doxepin-Containing Products. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Droperidol: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Droperidol. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
DULoxetine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of DULoxetine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Encorafenib: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Entrectinib: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Risk X: Avoid combination
EPHEDrine (Systemic): Beta-Blockers may diminish the therapeutic effect of EPHEDrine (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor therapy
EPINEPHrine (Nasal): Beta-Blockers (Nonselective) may enhance the hypertensive effect of EPINEPHrine (Nasal). Risk C: Monitor therapy
EPINEPHrine (Oral Inhalation): Beta-Blockers (Nonselective) may enhance the hypertensive effect of EPINEPHrine (Oral Inhalation). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Epinephrine (Racemic): Beta-Blockers (Nonselective) may enhance the hypertensive effect of Epinephrine (Racemic). Risk C: Monitor therapy
EPINEPHrine (Systemic): Beta-Blockers (Nonselective) may enhance the hypertensive effect of EPINEPHrine (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ergot Derivatives (Vasoconstrictive CYP3A4 Substrates): Beta-Blockers may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of Ergot Derivatives (Vasoconstrictive CYP3A4 Substrates). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Erythromycin (Systemic): QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Erythromycin (Systemic). Erythromycin (Systemic) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Management: Avoid concomitant use of erythromycin and class III antiarrhythmic agents. Use of erythromycin with dronedarone is specifically contraindicated. Risk X: Avoid combination
Escitalopram: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Escitalopram. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Etofylline: Beta-Blockers may diminish the therapeutic effect of Etofylline. Risk X: Avoid combination
Fexinidazole: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Risk X: Avoid combination
Fingolimod: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Risk X: Avoid combination
Flecainide: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Flecainide. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Flupentixol: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Flupentixol. Risk X: Avoid combination
Gadobenate Dimeglumine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Gadobenate Dimeglumine. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Gemifloxacin: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Risk X: Avoid combination
Gilteritinib: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If use is necessary, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and arrhythmias. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Grass Pollen Allergen Extract (5 Grass Extract): Beta-Blockers may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Grass Pollen Allergen Extract (5 Grass Extract). More specifically, Beta-Blockers may inhibit the ability to effectively treat severe allergic reactions to Grass Pollen Allergen Extract (5 Grass Extract) with epinephrine. Some other effects of epinephrine may be unaffected or even enhanced (e.g., vasoconstriction) during treatment with Beta-Blockers. Management: Consider alternatives to either grass pollen allergen extract (5 grass extract) or beta-blockers in patients with indications for both agents. Canadian product labeling specifically lists this combination as contraindicated. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Halofantrine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Halofantrine. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Haloperidol: QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Haloperidol. Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Herbal Products with Blood Pressure Lowering Effects: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Hypotension-Associated Agents: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Hypotension-Associated Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Inotuzumab Ozogamicin: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Inotuzumab Ozogamicin. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Insulins: Beta-Blockers may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Insulins. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ivabradine: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may enhance the bradycardic effect of Ivabradine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Lacosamide: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may enhance the AV-blocking effect of Lacosamide. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Lacosamide: Antiarrhythmic Agents (Class III) may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Lacosamide. Specifically the risk for bradycardia, ventricular tachyarrhythmias, or a prolonged PR interval may be increased. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Levodopa-Containing Products: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Levodopa-Containing Products. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Levofloxacin-Containing Products (Systemic): May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Risk X: Avoid combination
Levoketoconazole: QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Levoketoconazole. Risk X: Avoid combination
Lidocaine (Systemic): Beta-Blockers may increase the serum concentration of Lidocaine (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Lidocaine (Topical): May enhance the arrhythmogenic effect of Antiarrhythmic Agents (Class III). Antiarrhythmic Agents (Class III) may increase the serum concentration of Lidocaine (Topical). This mechanism specifically applies to amiodarone and dronedarone. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Lofexidine: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Sotalol. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Lormetazepam: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Mepivacaine: Beta-Blockers may increase the serum concentration of Mepivacaine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Methacholine: Beta-Blockers may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Methacholine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Methadone: QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Methadone. Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Methoxyflurane: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Midodrine: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Midostaurin: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Midostaurin. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Molsidomine: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Moxifloxacin (Systemic): QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Moxifloxacin (Systemic). Risk X: Avoid combination
Naftopidil: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nicergoline: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nicorandil: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
NIFEdipine: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Beta-Blockers. NIFEdipine may enhance the negative inotropic effect of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nilotinib: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Nilotinib. Risk X: Avoid combination
Nitroprusside: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Nitroprusside. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents: May diminish the antihypertensive effect of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents (Topical): May diminish the therapeutic effect of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Obinutuzumab: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Management: Consider temporarily withholding blood pressure lowering medications beginning 12 hours prior to obinutuzumab infusion and continuing until 1 hour after the end of the infusion. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
OLANZapine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of OLANZapine. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Ondansetron: QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Ondansetron. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Osimertinib: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Osimertinib. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Ozanimod: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Pentamidine (Systemic): QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Pentamidine (Systemic). Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Pentoxifylline: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Pholcodine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Pholcodine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Pilsicainide: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Pilsicainide. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Pimozide: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Pimozide. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk X: Avoid combination
Piperaquine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Piperaquine. Risk X: Avoid combination
Ponesimod: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may enhance the bradycardic effect of Ponesimod. Management: Avoid coadministration of ponesimod with drugs that may cause bradycardia when possible. If combined, monitor heart rate closely and consider obtaining a cardiology consult. Do not initiate ponesimod in patients on beta-blockers if HR is less than 55 bpm. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Probucol: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Probucol. Risk X: Avoid combination
Propafenone: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Risk X: Avoid combination
Prostacyclin Analogues: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
QT-prolonging Agents (Indeterminate Risk - Avoid): May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias when these agents are combined. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk C: Monitor therapy
QT-prolonging Agents (Indeterminate Risk - Caution): May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias when these agents are combined. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk C: Monitor therapy
QT-prolonging Class IA Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk): May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Risk X: Avoid combination
QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk): May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of other QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Risk X: Avoid combination
QT-prolonging Kinase Inhibitors (Highest Risk): May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
QT-prolonging Miscellaneous Agents (Highest Risk): QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Miscellaneous Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
QT-prolonging Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate Risk): QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate Risk). QT-prolonging Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate Risk) may increase the serum concentration of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
QT-prolonging Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate Risk): QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate Risk). QT-prolonging Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate Risk) may increase the serum concentration of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
QUEtiapine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QUEtiapine. Risk X: Avoid combination
Quinagolide: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Reserpine: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ribociclib: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Ribociclib. Risk X: Avoid combination
RisperiDONE: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the CNS depressant effect of RisperiDONE. QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of RisperiDONE. Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Rivastigmine: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Beta-Blockers. Risk X: Avoid combination
Siponimod: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may enhance the bradycardic effect of Siponimod. Management: Avoid coadministration of siponimod with drugs that may cause bradycardia. If combined, consider obtaining a cardiology consult regarding patient monitoring. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Sodium Stibogluconate: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Sodium Stibogluconate. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Sparfloxacin: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Sparfloxacin. Risk X: Avoid combination
Succinylcholine: Beta-Blockers may enhance the neuromuscular-blocking effect of Succinylcholine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Sulfonylureas: Beta-Blockers may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Sulfonylureas. Cardioselective beta-blockers (eg, acebutolol, atenolol, metoprolol, and penbutolol) may be safer than nonselective beta-blockers. All beta-blockers appear to mask tachycardia as an initial symptom of hypoglycemia. Ophthalmic beta-blockers are probably associated with lower risk than systemic agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Tasimelteon: Beta-Blockers may diminish the therapeutic effect of Tasimelteon. Management: Consider avoiding nighttime administration of beta-blockers during tasimelteon therapy due to the potential for reduced tasimelteon efficacy. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Terlipressin: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Theophylline Derivatives: Beta-Blockers (Nonselective) may diminish the bronchodilatory effect of Theophylline Derivatives. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Thioridazine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Thioridazine. Risk X: Avoid combination
Tofacitinib: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Toremifene: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Toremifene. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Vemurafenib: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Vemurafenib. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
White Birch Allergen Extract: Beta-Blockers may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of White Birch Allergen Extract. Specifically, beta-blockers may reduce the effectiveness of beta-agonists that may be required to treat systemic reactions to white birch allergen extract. Risk X: Avoid combination
Sotalol peak serum concentrations may be decreased if taken with food. Management: Administer without regard to meals.
Beta-blockers, including sotalol, may cause erectile dysfunction.
Sotalol crosses the placenta.
Adverse fetal/neonatal events have been reported with beta-blockers as a class. If maternal use of a beta-blocker is needed, fetal growth should be monitored during pregnancy and the newborn should be monitored for 48 hours after delivery for bradycardia, hypoglycemia, and respiratory depression (ESC [Regitz-Zagrosek 2018]).
Because sotalol crosses the placenta in concentrations similar to the maternal serum, it has been studied for the treatment of fetal atrial flutter or fetal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Sotalol may be considered for the in utero management of fetal SVT or atrial flutter with hydrops or ventricular dysfunction. Sotalol may also be considered for SVT without hydrops or ventricular dysfunction if heart rate is ≥200 bpm, atrial flutter, or other rare tachycardias with an average heart rate of ≥200 bpm. In addition, sotalol may be considered fetal ventricular tachycardia (VT) with normal QTc with or without hydrops but is contraindicated for the treatment of fetal VT when long QT syndrome is suspected or confirmed (AHA [Donofrio 2014]).
The pharmacokinetic properties of sotalol are not significantly altered by pregnancy (O’Hare 1983). Sotalol may be used for the treatment of maternal ventricular arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter, or supraventricular tachycardia during pregnancy; consult current guidelines for specific recommendations (ACC/AHA/HRS [Page 2015]; ESC [Regitz-Zagrosek 2018]).
Sotalol is present in breast milk.
The relative infant dose (RID) of sotalol is 35% when calculated using the highest breast milk concentration located and compared to a weight-adjusted maternal oral dose of 600 mg/day.
In general, breastfeeding is considered acceptable when the RID of a medication is <10%; when the RID is >25% breastfeeding should generally be avoided (Anderson 2016; Ito 2000).
The RID of sotalol was calculated using a milk concentration of 20.2 mcg/mL, providing an estimated daily infant dose via breast milk of 3,030 mcg/kg/day. This milk concentration was obtained following maternal administration of oral sotalol 600 mg/day for the treatment of hypertension. The study included information from five breastfeeding women treated during pregnancy and postpartum. Sotalol breast milk concentrations ranged from 4.8 to 20.2 mcg/mL (mean: 10.5 mcg/mL) following maternal doses of 200 to 800 mg/day (O’Hare 1980).
Although adverse events in breastfeeding infants have not been observed in case reports, close monitoring for adverse events, such as bradycardia, hypotension, respiratory distress, and hypoglycemia, is advised (Hackett 1990; Ito 2000).
The manufacturer recommends breastfeeding be discontinued during sotalol therapy. Because of the relatively high concentrations of sotalol in breast milk, sotalol should be used with caution in breastfeeding females (Ito 2000). Use of beta-blockers other than sotalol may be preferred in lactating females (Anderson 2017; Ito 2000).
Serum creatinine (creatinine clearance), magnesium, potassium; heart rate, blood pressure; ECG (eg, QTc interval, PR interval).
Oral: During initiation and titration period, monitor QTc interval 2 to 4 hours after each dose. If QTc interval is ≥500 msec, reduce dose, prolong the dosing interval, or discontinue sotalol. If the QTc interval is <500 msec after 3 days (after fifth or sixth dose if patient receiving once-daily dosing), patient may be discharged on current regimen. Monitor QTc interval periodically thereafter.
IV:
Loading dose to initiate therapy or for dose escalation: Refer to table in adult or renal dosing sections.
Substitution for oral: Measure QTc interval after completion of each infusion.
Consult individual institutional policies and procedures.
Beta-blocker which contains both beta-adrenoreceptor-blocking (Vaughan Williams Class II) and cardiac action potential duration prolongation (Vaughan Williams Class III) properties
Class II effects: Increased sinus cycle length, slowed heart rate, decreased AV nodal conduction, and increased AV nodal refractoriness Sotalol has both beta1- and beta2-receptor blocking activity. The beta-blocking effect of sotalol is a noncardioselective (half maximal at about 80 mg/day and maximal at doses of 320 to 640 mg/day). Significant beta-blockade occurs at oral doses as low as 25 mg/day.
Class III effects: Prolongation of the atrial and ventricular monophasic action potentials, and effective refractory prolongation of atrial muscle, ventricular muscle, and atrioventricular accessory pathways in both the antegrade and retrograde directions. Sotalol is a racemic mixture of d- and l-sotalol; both isomers have similar Class III antiarrhythmic effects while the l-isomer is responsible for virtually all of the beta-blocking activity. The Class III effects are seen only at oral doses ≥160 mg/day.
Onset of action:
Oral: Rapid; at 1 to 2 hours post dosing (steady-state), reductions in heart rate and cardiac index seen (Winters 1993)
IV: When administered IV over 5 minutes for ongoing VT, onset of action is ~5 to 10 minutes (Ho 1994)
Absorption: Oral: Well absorbed (Hanyok 1993); decreased ~20% by meals compared with fasting
Distribution: Vd: 1.2 to 2.4 L/kg (Hanyok 1993)
Protein binding: None
Metabolism: None
Bioavailability: Oral: 90% to 100%
Half-life elimination:
Oral:
Neonates ≤1 month: 8.4 hours (Saul 2001b)
Infants and Children >1 month to 24 months: 7.4 hours (Saul 2001b)
Children >2 years to <7 years: 9.1 hours (Saul 2001b)
Children 7 to 12 years: 9.2 hours (Saul 2001b)
Adults: 12 hours
Adults with renal failure (anuric): Up to 69 hours
IV: Pharmacokinetics of the IV formulation (administered over 5 hours) are similar to the oral formulations (Somberg 2010)
Time to peak, serum: Oral: Infants and Children 3 days to 12 years: Mean range: 2 to 3 hours; Adults: 2.5 to 4 hours
Excretion: Urine (as unchanged drug)
Clearance (apparent) (Saul 2001b):
Neonates ≤1 month: 11 mL/minute
Infants and Children >1 month to 24 months: 32 mL/minute
Children >2 years to <7 years: 63 mL/minute
Children 7 to 12 years: 95 mL/minute
Renal function impairment: Terminal half-life increases with renal impairment.
Solution (Sotalol HCl Intravenous)
150 mg/10 mL (per mL): $328.08
Solution (Sotylize Oral)
5 mg/mL (per mL): $2.27
Tablets (Betapace AF Oral)
80 mg (per each): $15.92
120 mg (per each): $21.25
160 mg (per each): $26.57
Tablets (Betapace Oral)
80 mg (per each): $28.00
120 mg (per each): $37.36
160 mg (per each): $46.70
Tablets (Sorine Oral)
80 mg (per each): $2.61
120 mg (per each): $3.46
160 mg (per each): $4.31
240 mg (per each): $5.60
Tablets (Sotalol HCl Oral)
80 mg (per each): $0.23 - $2.56
120 mg (per each): $0.31 - $3.42
160 mg (per each): $0.39 - $4.27
240 mg (per each): $5.09 - $5.56
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