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Compare Betapace vs. Pacerone

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Sotalol (Betapace) and amiodarone (Pacerone) are both antiarrhythmic medications used to treat heart rhythm problems. They are similar in that they can both be used to manage ventricular arrhythmias, but amiodarone is also used off-label for atrial fibrillation, while sotalol is FDA-approved for preventing atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Sotalol is typically started in the hospital, where you'll stay for at least 3 days to be sure you don't experience any serious side effects. Sotalol is available in both tablet and liquid forms and is typically taken twice a day, whereas amiodarone is available as a tablet and can be taken once daily. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of sotalol include tiredness and dizziness, while amiodarone can cause nausea and sensitivity to the sun. Sotalol can interact with antacids and some blood pressure medications, while amiodarone can interact with grapefruit and many other medications.

  • Sotalol (Betapace)
    Amiodarone (Pacerone)
  • Sotalol (Betapace)
    Amiodarone (Pacerone)

  • Summary of Betapace vs. Pacerone

    Summary for Antiarrhythmic
    Prescription only

    Sotalol (Betapace) is used to treat and prevent certain types of heart rate and heart rhythm problems (like atrial fibrillation or Afib). It's taken by mouth, typically twice a day. Usually, you need to start this medication in the hospital and stay there for at least 3 days so that the healthcare team can monitor your heart rhythm and check for any serious side effects. Sotalol (Betapace) can interact with several medications, including certain blood pressure medications and antacids. Sotalol is available both generic and brand name medications.

    Summary for Antiarrhythmic
    Prescription only

    Amiodarone (Pacerone) is an antiarrhythmic medication. It's FDA-approved to treat life-threatening ventricular fibrillation and fast heart rate (tachycardia) in adults who either can't take it or whose condition isn't well-controlled by other antiarrhythmics. It's sometimes prescribed off-label for atrial fibrillation (AFib). Amiodarone (Pacerone) comes as tablets that are taken by mouth. The total daily dose can be taken once per day, or split into smaller doses and taken throughout the day to prevent stomach-related side effects, like nausea and vomiting.

  • Indications of Betapace vs. Pacerone

    Indications for
    •Treatment of ventricular arrhythmias
    •Prevention of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter in people who've experienced these problems before
    Indications for
    •Life-threatening ventricular fibrillation that keeps coming back (when other antiarrhythmics haven't worked well)
    •Life-threatening tachycardia that keeps coming back (when other antiarrhythmics haven't worked)

  • Pros and Cons of Betapace vs. Pacerone

    Pros and Const for Antiarrhythmic
    Pros
    •Works well to treat life-threatening arrhythmias
    •Available in a lower-cost, generic version
    •Available as an oral liquid for people having trouble swallowing tablets
    Cons
    •Must in a hospital for 3 days when first starting
    •Can cause serious arrhythmias, so it requires close monitoring
    •Can't use in people with certain medical conditions (e.g., heart failure, severe kidney problems, breathing problems)
    Pros and Const for Antiarrhythmic
    Pros
    •Works well to treat certain heart rate and rhythm problems
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Can be taken once daily (as long as you're tolerating the medication and the total daily dose is less than 1,000 mg)
    Cons
    •Stays in the body for many weeks
    •Not for people with iodine allergy
    •Only available as a 200 mg tablet, so you might need to take several tablets depending on your dose

  • Common Side Effects of Betapace vs. Pacerone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Tiredness (up to 20%)
    •Dizziness (up to 16%)
    •Low heart rate (up to 13%)
    •Headache (up to 12%)
    •Trouble breathing (up to 10%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Poor appetite
    •Stomach pain
    •More sensitive to the sun
    •Feeling unwell
    •Fatigue
    •Tremor or abnormal movement
    •Poor coordination
    •Difficulty walking
    •Dizziness
    •Pins and needles sensation in the skin
    •Lower sex drive
    •Difficulty sleeping
    •Headache
    •Change in vision
    •Lung inflammation or scarring
    •Flushing
    •Change in taste or smell
    •Excess fluid under the skin (edema)
    •Abnormal saliva production
    •Abnormal blood clotting

  • Warnings of Betapace vs. Pacerone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm
    •Low blood pressure and heart rate
    •Heart failure
    •Difficulty breathing (bronchospasm)
    •Masked symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Heart issues with sudden discontinuation
    •Severe allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat)
    •Lung damage
    •Liver damage
    •Vision problems
    •Thyroid problems
    •Slow heartbeat
    •Effects on heart devices
    •Harm to unborn babies
    •Nerve problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Betapace vs. Pacerone

    Learn more about Sotalol
    Learn more about Amiodarone

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