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Compare Norvasc vs. Betapace

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

Key takeaways

Amlodipine (Norvasc) and Sotalol (Betapace) are both prescription medications, but they treat different conditions and belong to different medication classes. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure and coronary artery disease, while Sotalol is an antiarrhythmic used to treat and prevent certain heart rhythm problems like atrial fibrillation. Amlodipine is typically taken once a day and is available in both tablet and liquid forms, making it easier for people who have trouble swallowing pills. In contrast, Sotalol is usually taken twice a day and requires a hospital stay of at least three days when you first start it to monitor for serious side effects. Amlodipine can cause side effects like swelling and tiredness, whereas Sotalol can cause dizziness, low heart rate, and breathing problems. Both medications are available in lower-cost generic versions.

  • Amlodipine (Norvasc)
    Sotalol (Betapace)
  • Amlodipine (Norvasc)
    Sotalol (Betapace)

  • Summary of Norvasc vs. Betapace

    Summary for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    Prescription only

    Amlodipine (Norvasc) is taken by mouth, typically once a day, to treat high blood pressure and coronary artery disease (CAD). It's also available as liquid options, which might be better choices for people who've trouble swallowing tablets. Most people take amlodipine (Norvasc) without experiencing many side effects. But out of the side effects people reported, the most common ones include tiredness and swelling of the hands and feet.

    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.

  • Indications of Norvasc vs. Betapace

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Clogged arteries in the heart (coronary artery disease)
    Indications for
    •Treatment of ventricular arrhythmias
    •Prevention of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter in people who've experienced these problems before

  • Pros and Cons of Norvasc vs. Betapace

    Pros and Const for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    Pros
    •Available as a liquid (Norliqva or Katerzia) for people who have trouble swallowing tablets
    •Taken just once daily
    •Can take with or without food
    •Tablets are available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can cause swelling, so not a good choice for people with heart failure
    •Can cause dizziness, so raises the risk for falls
    •Older adults and people with liver problems are at higher risk for side effects
    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)

  • Common Side Effects of Norvasc vs. Betapace

    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling (2-11%)
    •Tiredness (5%)
    •Nausea (3%)
    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%)

  • Warnings of Norvasc vs. Betapace

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severely low blood pressure
    •Heart attack and chest pain
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Norvasc vs. Betapace

    Learn more about Amlodipine
    Learn more about Sotalol

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