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Compare Betapace vs. Nexterone

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, 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.

  • Sotalol (Betapace)
    Amiodarone (Nexterone)
  • Sotalol (Betapace)
    Amiodarone (Nexterone)

  • Summary of Betapace vs. Nexterone

    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 solution (Nexterone) is an antiarrhythmic medication. It's used to stabilize serious and life-threatening heart rhythm problems, like ventricular fibrillation (VF) and ventricular tachycardia (VT), when other treatment options haven't worked well. Amiodarone solution comes in premixed (brand name Nexterone) or concentrate formulations for infusion. It's given intravenously (IV) in a hospital setting under the supervision of a cardiology team. Common side effects of the infusion include low blood pressure, nausea, and slow heart rate. <br> Once the heart rhythm stabilizes, the cardiology team might transition you to amiodarone oral tablets (Pacerone).

  • Indications of Betapace vs. Nexterone

    Indications for
    •Treatment of ventricular arrhythmias
    •Prevention of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter in people who've experienced these problems before
    Indications for
    •Initial treatment and prevention of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) that keeps coming back (when other treatments haven't worked)

  • Pros and Cons of Betapace vs. Nexterone

    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
    •IV amiodarone can start to work more quickly than amiodarone oral tablets
    •Option for VF and VT when other medications haven't worked well
    •Some side effects, like low blood pressure, can get better with a slower infusion rate
    Cons
    •Not for people with iodine allergy
    •Infused through the veins, not good for people who don't like needles
    •Not a good option for people who are pregnant

  • Common Side Effects of Betapace vs. Nexterone

    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
    •Low blood pressure (16%)
    •Slow heart rate (5%)
    •Nausea (4%)
    •Abnormal liver enzyme tests (3%)
    •Sudden heart stop (3%)

  • Warnings of Betapace vs. Nexterone

    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
    •Low blood pressure
    •Slow heart rate and heart block
    •Worsening heart rhythm problems
    •Serious liver problems
    •Lung injury and serious lung problems
    •Vision problems
    •Thyroid problems
    •Harm to unborn babies
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Betapace vs. Nexterone

    Learn more about Sotalol
    Learn more about Amiodarone

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