provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
Sotalol Coupon - Sotalol 80mg tablet

sotalol

Generic Betapace
Used for Atrial Fibrillation, Ventricular Arrhythmia
Used for Atrial Fibrillation, Ventricular Arrhythmia

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Connie Zheng, PharmD
Last reviewed on June 20, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Sotalol (Betapace)?

What is Sotalol (Betapace) used for?

How Sotalol (Betapace) works

Sotalol (Betapace) is a non-selective beta blocker and potassium channel blocker. It works by blocking certain potassium channels and beta receptors in your heart to slow down electrical activity; it also slows down your heart rate. These actions help in treating abnormal heart rhythms.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsBetapace, Betapace AF, Sorine, Sotylize
Drug ClassAntiarrhythmic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$50.07(save 79.63%)
GoodRx discount
$10.20
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Sotalol (Betapace)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

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

Other Side Effects

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • General weakness

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Abnormal heart rhythm: chest pounding, irregular heart beat, chest pain, trouble breathing, feeling faint or lightheaded
  • Dangerously low heart rate or blood pressure: dizzy or lightheaded, faint, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, pale skin
  • Heart failure: unexplained weight gain, fluid buildup in legs or feet, trouble catching your breath
  • Bronchospasm: trouble breathing, tightness in the chest, wheezing, cough, tiredness, dizziness
  • Severe allergic reaction: swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or face, trouble breathing, rash

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Blurred vision

chest pain or discomfort

confusion

difficult or labored breathing

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

fast, slow, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse

lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

nausea and vomiting

sweating

swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs

tightness in the chest

unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Abdominal or stomach pain or swelling

body aches or pain

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

cough or hoarseness

decreased alertness

difficulty with speaking

dilated neck veins

double vision

extreme fatigue

feeling of warmth or heat

fever or chills

flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck

headache

inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles

inability to speak

irregular breathing

joint pain or swelling

loss of voice

lower back or side pain

nervousness

noisy breathing

painful, burning, or difficult urination

pounding in the ears

slow speech

weight gain

Rare

Fast breathing

pinpoint red spots on the skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Anxiety

cold sweats

cool, pale skin

depression

increased hunger

nightmares

seizures

shakiness

slurred speech

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Acid or sour stomach

difficulty with sleeping

heartburn or indigestion

pain in the arms or legs

Less common

Changes in vision

decreased sexual performance or desire

loss of appetite

mood changes

night blindness

passing gas

skin rash

weight changes

Rare

Feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

hair loss or thinning of the hair

itching skin

muscle aching or cramping

muscle pains or stiffness

quick to react or overreact emotionally

sensation of spinning

severe sunburn

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Sotalol (Betapace)

thumbs-up

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

thumbs-down

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)

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Sotalol (Betapace)

pharmacist

  • Make sure to mark your calendar with your appointments to see your provider and to get any blood work done when you take sotalol (Betapace). Your provider might order tests (e.g., potassium level, kidney function, heart function, blood pressure, heart rate) during treatment and might change your dose of sotalol (Betapace) based on your lab results.

    • There are several medications that interact with sotalol (Betapace). Make sure to tell your provider about all of the medications you're taking before and during treatment with sotalol (Betapace).

      • You might feel dizzy when you start taking sotalol (Betapace) and when the dose is raised. This should get better over time as you continue taking the medication and your body gets used to your new blood pressure.

        • If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, feeling like you're going to faint, tired, or confused while taking sotalol (Betapace), your blood pressure might be too low. Your provider might recommend you measure and record your blood pressure at home and bring a record to your medical appointments. Make sure to hold onto something when standing and slowly sit or lie down if you can. Call your provider if this happens because your dose might need to be changed.

          • When you're starting or re-starting on sotalol (Betapace), you will need to stay in a hospital for at least 3 days for close monitoring and to determine the right dose for you. After you go home, make sure to take the exact same dose that you were prescribed at the end of your stay.

            • Take sotalol (Betapace) exactly as prescribed. Don't change your dose or suddenly stop taking the medication without talking to your provider first. Doing so can cause chest pain, thyroid problems, or your blood pressure or heart rate to rise quickly. If you want to stop sotalol (Betapace), ask your provider if it's safe to do so. You might need to lower your dose slowly over time before you can completely stop taking it.

              • If you accidentally miss a dose of sotalol (Betapace), take it as soon as you remember. But if it's close to your next dose, then skip that dose and take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time. Don't take 2 doses of sotalol (Betapace) at the same time to make up any missed doses, because this could lead to dangerous side effects.

                • Let your provider know if you're scheduled to undergo major surgery. They'll need to give you instruction on whether or not you should change your sotalol (Betapace) dose or stop taking it.

                  More tips for the sotalol (Betapace) 5 mg/mL liquid:

                  • Make sure to only use a medication dose cup or oral syringe from the pharmacy to measure out your dose. Don't use household spoons because they aren't accurate and might cause you to take the wrong dose.

                    • Store the sotalol (Betapace) suspension at room temperature and keep it in the original bottle it came in from the pharmacy.

                      faqs

                      Frequently asked questions about Sotalol (Betapace)

                      Is sotalol (Betapace) a beta blocker?
                      Yes, sotalol (Betapace) is a beta blocker. More specifically, it's a non-selective beta blocker, meaning it can affect your heart and blood vessels, as well as your airways. A rare but serious side effect of sotalol (Betapace) is breathing problems because this medication can tighten your airways. Let your provider know if you have medical conditions that affect your breathing, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), because sotalol (Betapace) is likely not a good option for you.
                      What medications can you not take with sotalol (Betapace)?
                      There are several medications that can interact with sotalol (Betapace) so make sure to let your provider know all the medications you're taking before you start treatment. For example, if you're taking any antacids that contain aluminum oxide or magnesium hydroxide (e.g., Mylanta), you'll need to separate sotalol (Betapace) from them by at least 2 hours or else your body won't be able to fully absorb sotalol (Betapace). Also, you'll need to avoid taking sotalol (Betapace) with certain medications that affect your heart rhythm, such as disopyramide (Norpace), because combining the two can lead to dangerous heart problems. And if you're taking medications to lower your blood sugar, your provider might need to adjust the doses of those medications because sotalol (Betapace) can raise blood sugar levels. Let your provider know if you've any specific questions about sotalol (Betapace) and medication interactions.
                      Does sotalol (Betapace) lower blood pressure?
                      Yes, sotalol (Betapace) can cause low blood pressure as a side effect. Your provider might recommend you measure and record your blood pressure at home and bring a record to your medical appointments. To lower your risk for severely low blood pressure, make sure to stay well-hydrated. If your blood pressure drops too much and you feel too dizzy, make sure to sit down slowly while holding onto something. If you get dizzy or lightheaded while taking sotalol (Betapace), contact your provider because your dose might need to be adjusted.
                      Can you take sotalol (Betapace) with food?
                      Yes, you can take sotalol (Betapace) with food, especially if it's hurting your stomach. But, some foods can lower how much of the medication is absorbed into your body. So it's important that you're consistent with taking sotalol (Betapace) (e.g., either with food every day or without food every day). This will make sure the medication is working as well and as safe as possible for you.
                      What's the difference between sotalol (Betapace) and metoprolol?
                      Both sotalol (Betapace) and metoprolol (Lopressor) are beta blockers. They can cause similar side effects, such as low heart rate and low blood pressure. But they're not approved to treat the same medical conditions. For example, sotalol (Betapace) can treat and prevent heart rhythm problems, whereas metoprolol (Lopressor) is used to lower blood pressure, ease chest pain, and to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. Ask your provider if you've more questions about the differences between sotalol (Betapace) and metoprolol (Lopressor).
                      Can you eat bananas while taking sotalol (Betapace)?
                      There isn't any evidence or well-documented research that says you should avoid eating bananas when taking sotalol (Betapace). Some people might be concerned about eating bananas because they're high in potassium. And high potassium levels can raise your risk for heart rhythm problem, the very condition that sotalol (Betapace) is taken to treat. While information is limited, a small study suggests that eating up to 2 servings of bananas cause very little changes to your body's potassium levels, which means this amount is unlikely to affect heart rhythm. If you have more questions about bananas and how they might impact sotalol (Betapace), talk with your provider.
                      GoodRxEducationalIcon

                      How to save using GoodRx

                      Compare Prices
                      1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                      Select your free coupon
                      2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                      Show coupon to your pharmacist
                      3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                      Get free couponLearn more
                      warings-icon

                      What are the risks and warnings for Sotalol (Betapace)?

                      Sotalol (Betapace) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                      risk-warning

                      Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm

                      • Risk factors: Kidney problems | Female sex | Slow heart rate | History of ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation | Heart failure | Low blood potassium or magnesium levels | Taking other medications that cause QT prolongation | Taking high doses of sotalol (Betapace)

                        Sotalol (Betapace) can affect your heart rhythm, which can lead to serious and life-threatening problems like QT prolongation. To lower your risk, your provider might periodically check your heart and perform electrocardiograms (EKGs) to make sure your heart rhythm is normal. If you feel your chest pounding, have trouble breathing, have chest pain, or feel faint or lightheaded while taking sotalol (Betapace), get medical attention right away.

                        risk-warning

                        Low blood pressure and heart rate

                        • Risk factors: Not enough fluid in your body (dehydration) | Having diarrhea or vomiting for a long time

                          Sotalol (Betapace) can lower your heart rate or blood pressure by too much. This is more likely to happen when you first start sotalol (Betapace) or when the dose is raised. Make sure to stay well-hydrated. Your provider might ask you to check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly when you're at home. If your blood pressure or heart rate drops too much and you feel dizzy, make sure to sit down slowly while holding onto something and let your provider know. If you fall and hit your head, get medical help right away. If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, faint, tired, or confused while taking sotalol (Betapace), contact your provider right away.

                          risk-warning

                          Heart failure

                          Sotalol (Betapace) cause heart failure or make existing heart failure worse. Contact your provider right away if you notice symptoms of heart failure such as unexplained weight gain, edema (swelling due to more fluid) in legs or feet, or more shortness of breath especially when you lie down.

                          risk-warning

                          Difficulty breathing (bronchospasm)

                          • Risk factors: History of asthma | History of COPD

                            Sotalol (Betapace) can make breathing harder because it causes your airways to tighten. This can also cause wheezing, cough, and chest discomfort. To lower your risk for lung problems, your provider will check your medical history and might give you a test that checks how healthy your lungs are before and during treatment with sotalol (Betapace). If you experience trouble breathing, wheezing, or coughing after using sotalol (Betapace), get medical attention right away.

                            risk-warning

                            Masked symptoms of low blood sugar

                            • Risk factors: Diabetes | Taking insulin or other oral diabetes medications

                              Sotalol (Betapace) can mask many symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), except for sweating and dizziness. Sotalol (Betapace) can also cause higher blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, talk to your provider if you need to monitor your blood sugar or change the dosages of your diabetes medications while taking sotalol (Betapace).

                              risk-warning

                              Heart issues with sudden discontinuation

                              Don't suddenly stop taking sotalol (Betapace). Doing so puts you at risk for chest pain and heart attacks, especially if you have other medical conditions like thyroid problems or heart disease. If you're wanting to stop sotalol (Betapace), contact your provider to come up with a plan on how to stop the medication safely. You'll need to lower the dose slower over a long period of time (e.g., 1 to 2 weeks).

                              risk-warning

                              Severe allergic reactions

                              Some people have experienced a severe allergic reaction to sotalol (Betapace). These reactions can be life-threatening and include facial swelling, hives, and anaphylaxis (e.g., closing of the throat). If you notice dizziness; fast heartbeat; a choking sensation; difficulty breathing; swelling around your eyes, lips, or tongue; or any signs of a severe skin reaction after taking sotalol (Betapace); get medical attention right away.

                              dosage

                              Sotalol (Betapace) dosage forms

                              The average cost for 60 tablets of 80mg of Sotalol (Betapace) is $10.20 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 79.63% off the average retail price of $50.07.
                              tablet
                              Tablet
                              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                              80mg60 tablets$10.20$0.17
                              120mg180 tablets$33.73$0.19
                              160mg180 tablets$36.00$0.20
                              240mg30 tablets$17.10$0.57

                              Typical dosing for Sotalol (Betapace)

                              Sotalol is available as an oral tablet (e.g., Betapace or Betapace AF, Sorine, generic tablet) and as a 5 mg/mL oral liquid (e.g., Sotylize). The dosing is the same for the tablets and liquid.

                              Adults

                              • Ventricular arrhythmias: The typical starting dose is 80 mg by mouth twice daily. Your provider will raise your dose slowly over time. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 160 mg to 320 mg daily, taken in 2 or 3 divided doses.

                              • Prevention of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter: The typical starting dose is 80 mg by mouth twice daily. Your provider will raise your dose slowly over time. The typical maintenance dose is 120 mg twice daily.

                              Children

                              • Your child's provider will calculate your child's dose based on their body surface area, age, and why they need sotalol (Betapace). The medication is typically taken by mouth three times per day.

                              The dose or how often you take it might differ if you have kidney problems. Sotalol is also available as an injection that's given by a healthcare provider, typically in a hospital setting.

                              interactions

                              Interactions between Sotalol (Betapace) and other drugs

                              Sotalol (Betapace) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Sotalol (Betapace). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                              drug-cost

                              How much does Sotalol (Betapace) cost?

                              To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                              Betapace (brand)
                              GoodRx lowest price

                              $10.20

                              (save 99.47%)
                              Sotalol (Betapace) (generic)
                              GoodRx lowest price

                              $10.20

                              (save 79.63%)
                              View prices & coupons
                              contraindications-icon

                              Sotalol (Betapace) contraindications

                              Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Sotalol (Betapace) will not be safe for you to take.

                              • Certain heart rate or rhythm problems (e.g., sinus bradycardia, sick sinus syndrome, second and third degree AV block) unless you have a pacemaker

                              • Congenital or long QT

                              • Cardiogenic shock or decompensated heart failure

                              • Blood potassium < 4 mEq/L

                              • Asthma or other breathing problems

                              • Baseline QT interval > 450 msec (for treatment of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter)

                              alternatives

                              What are alternatives to Sotalol (Betapace)?

                              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Sotalol (Betapace). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                              Sotalol (Betapace)
                              Used for:
                              $10.20 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              Tikosyn (dofetilide)
                              Used for:

                              • Prevention of recurrent atrial fibrillation (AFib) or atrial flutter

                              • Treatment of atrial fibrillation or flutter

                              $22.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              Amiodarone (Pacerone)
                              Used for:

                              • Life-threatening ventricular fibrillation that keeps coming back (when other antiarrhythmics haven't worked well)

                              • Life-threatening tachycardia that keeps coming back (when other antiarrhythmics haven't worked)

                              $9.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              images

                              Sotalol (Betapace) images

                              Blue Oval 93 61 - Sotalol Hydrochloride 80mg Tablet
                              This medicine is Blue, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "93 61".Blue Oval 93 61 - Sotalol Hydrochloride 80mg Tablet
                              Blue Oblong E171 - Sotalol Hydrochloride 80mg Tablet
                              This medicine is Blue, Oblong, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "E171".Blue Oblong E171 - Sotalol Hydrochloride 80mg Tablet
                              White Oblong Apo And So 80 - Sotalol Hydrochloride 80mg Tablet
                              This medicine is White, Oblong, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Apo" And "So 80".White Oblong Apo And So 80 - Sotalol Hydrochloride 80mg Tablet
                              Blue Oblong O And 841 - Sotalol Hydrochloride 80mg Tablet
                              This medicine is Blue, Oblong, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "841" And "O".Blue Oblong O And 841 - Sotalol Hydrochloride 80mg Tablet
                              Blue Oblong B 104 - Sotalol Hydrochloride 80mg Tablet
                              This medicine is Blue, Oblong, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "B 104".Blue Oblong B 104 - Sotalol Hydrochloride 80mg Tablet

                              Get savings updates for Sotalol (Betapace)

                              Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Sotalol (Betapace) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                              By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

                              References

                              Best studies we found

                              ALTATHERA Pharmaceuticals, LLC. (2023). SOTALOL HYDROCHLORIDE injection [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              Arbor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2018). SOTYLIZE- sotalol hydrochloride solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Spoons are for soup, milliliters are for medicine.

                              View All References (9)

                              Covis Pharma US, Inc. (2023). BETAPACE- sotalol hydrochloride tablet; BETAPACE AF- sotalol hydrochloride tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              Crotti, L., et al. (2008). Congenital long QT syndrome. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases.

                              Kahela, P., et al. (1979). Effect of food, food constituents and fluid volume on the bioavailability of sotalol. Acta Pharmacologica Et Toxicologica.

                              Läer, S., et al. (1997). Interaction between sotalol and an antacid preparation. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.

                              Miller, K.C. (2012). Plasma potassium concentration and content changes after banana ingestion in exercised men. Journal of Athletic Training.

                              Mubarik, A., et al. (2022). Sotalol. StatPearls. 

                              National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). What is cardiogenic shock?

                              Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. (2023). SOTALOL HYDROCHLORIDE tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc. (2021). SORINE- sotalol hydrochloride tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
                              Was this page helpful?

                              Browse medications

                              View All

                              Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.