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Norpace vs. Betapace

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

Key takeaways

Disopyramide (Norpace) and sotalol (Betapace) are both used to treat irregular heart rhythms, but they have some key differences. Disopyramide is an antiarrhythmic that slows down abnormal electrical activity in the heart and is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms. Sotalol, on the other hand, is a non-selective beta blocker and potassium channel blocker that not only slows down electrical activity but also reduces heart rate. Sotalol is used to treat and prevent both ventricular arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation, while disopyramide is primarily for ventricular arrhythmias and is rarely used for atrial fibrillation due to higher risks. You need to start both medications in a hospital for close monitoring, but sotalol requires a longer stay of at least three days. Disopyramide can cause side effects like dry mouth and constipation, whereas sotalol can lead to vomiting and bronchospasm. Both medications have generic versions available, making them more affordable.

Disopyramide

(Norpace)

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Sotalol

(Betapace)

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Summary for Norpace

Prescription only

Disopyramide (Norpace) is used to treat certain types of arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat). You'll typically first start the medication in a hospital so your provider can monitor you closely. Some common side effects of disopyramide (Norpace) include dry mouth, difficulty urinating, and constipation. It's available as an immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) capsule. While the IR version is available as brand and lower-cost generic, the ER version is only sold under the brand name Norpace CR.

Indications for Norpace

Pros and Cons for Norpace

Pros

  • Can ask provider to use immediate-release (IR) capsules to make a liquid for children or those who have trouble swallowing pills
  • Available as a controlled-release (CR) version that's taken less frequently

Cons

  • Not a preferred medication if you have heart failure or have had a recent heart attack
  • Requires close monitoring by provider
  • IR capsule is taken up to 4 times a day

Common Side Effects for Norpace

  • Dry mouth (32%)
  • Trouble starting to urinate or maintaining urine flow (14%)
  • Constipation (11%)
  • Blurred vision (up to 9%)
  • Dry nose, dry eyes, or dry throat (up to 9%)
  • Trouble urinating (up to 9%)
  • Frequent or urgent urination (up to 9%)
  • Nausea (up to 9%)
  • Pain, bloating, or gas (up to 9%)
  • Dizziness (up to 9%)
  • Fatigue or muscle weakness (up to 9%)
  • Headache (up to 9%)
  • Feeling unwell (up to 9%)
  • Aches or pains (up to 9%)

Warnings for Norpace

  • Greater risk of death after recent heart attack
  • Low blood pressure and heart failure
  • Abnormal heart rhythm
  • Low blood sugar
  • Caution use in people with glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, or urinary retention
  • Caution use in people with kidney or liver problems
  • Caution use in people with abnormal potassium levels
  • Interactions with other medications

Summary for Betapace

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.

Indications for Betapace

Pros and Cons for Betapace

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)

Common Side Effects for Betapace

  • Tiredness (up to 20%)
  • Dizziness (up to 16%)
  • Low heart rate (up to 13%)
  • Headache (up to 12%)
  • Trouble breathing (up to 10%)

Warnings for Betapace

  • 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

Prices with our coupons for Norpace vs. Betapace

Price Card Drug Icon
Disopyramide180 capsules / 100mg
$104.18$455.92
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Price Card Drug Icon
Sotalol60 tablets / 80mg
$15.23$44.11
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