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Compare Betapace vs. Tenormin

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

Key takeaways

Sotalol (Betapace) and atenolol (Tenormin) are both beta blockers, but they have different uses and mechanisms. Sotalol is a non-selective beta blocker and potassium channel blocker, primarily used to treat and prevent certain heart rhythm problems like atrial fibrillation. It requires close monitoring in a hospital when you start it. Atenolol, on the other hand, is a cardioselective beta blocker used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain, and to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. It's typically taken once daily. Sotalol can cause serious arrhythmias and is not suitable for people with certain medical conditions like asthma, while atenolol has a lower risk of causing breathing problems but can hide symptoms of low blood sugar. Both medications are available in generic forms and should not be stopped suddenly without consulting your provider.

  • Sotalol (Betapace)
    Atenolol (Tenormin)
  • Sotalol (Betapace)
    Atenolol (Tenormin)

  • Summary of Betapace vs. Tenormin

    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 Beta blocker
    Prescription only

    Atenolol (Tenormin) is a cardioselective beta-blocker that's used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain. It's also used to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. Atenolol (Tenormin) works by slowing down heart rate and making it easier for your heart to pump blood. Atenolol (Tenormin) is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some common side effects of this medication include dizziness, feeling tired, and having cold hands and feet.

  • Indications of Betapace vs. Tenormin

    Indications for
    •Treatment of ventricular arrhythmias
    •Prevention of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter in people who've experienced these problems before
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Chest pain (stable angina)
    •Lower risk of death after heart attack

  • Pros and Cons of Betapace vs. Tenormin

    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 Beta blocker
    Pros
    •A first-choice treatment to prevent chest pains (angina)
    •Lower risk of wheezing and breathing problems compared to non-selective beta blockers
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Can hide some symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    •Stopping treatment suddenly can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke

  • Common Side Effects of Betapace vs. Tenormin

    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
    •Feeling tired (up to 26%)
    •Dizziness (up to 13%)
    •Cold hands and feet (up to 12%)
    •Feeling depressed (up to 12%)
    •Trouble catching your breath (up to 6%)

    Note: Side effects were reported by people who took atenolol for high blood pressure

  • Warnings of Betapace vs. Tenormin

    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
    •Worsening chest pain, heart attacks, and irregular heartbeat
    •Heart failure
    •Risk of difficulty breathing
    •Greater risk during surgery
    •Hiding symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hiding symptoms of overactive thyroid
    •Risk of heart block (medication interaction)
    •Risk of harm to unborn and breastfed babies

  • Prices with our coupons for Betapace vs. Tenormin

    Learn more about Sotalol
    Learn more about Atenolol

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