Key takeaways
Sotalol (Betapace) and amiodarone (Pacerone) are both antiarrhythmic medications used to treat heart rhythm problems, but they have some key differences. Sotalol is a non-selective beta blocker and potassium channel blocker, while amiodarone works by blocking various receptors and channels in the heart. Sotalol is typically taken twice a day and requires a hospital stay of at least three days when starting. Amiodarone often starts with a high "loading dose" in the hospital and can take 1-3 weeks to work. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. Amiodarone has a longer list of serious side effects, including lung and liver damage. It can stay in the body for many weeks, making its side effects potentially long-lasting. Both medications require close monitoring and have specific interactions with other medications, but Amiodarone has more severe and varied potential side effects compared to Sotalol.
