Buy Generic Sotalol Online

Generic Sotalol Information

Introduction

Sotalol is a prescription‑only medication used primarily to treat abnormal heart rhythms. In the United Kingdom it is prescribed for the control of both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. The active compound is sotalol, and the product belongs to the general health group of anti‑arrhythmic agents. Beyond rhythm control, sotalol’s beta‑blocking properties can also provide modest blood‑pressure reduction in selected patients.

What is Sotalol?

Sotalol is a synthetic, orally active anti‑arrhythmic drug belonging to Class III of the Vaughan‑Williams classification. It was first synthesised in the 196s and later marketed by pharmaceutical companies such as GlaxoSmithKline and Abbott. Sotalol is the generic version of the original brand Betapace, which contains the same active compound, sotalol. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost‑effective treatment option, offering the identical therapeutic molecule at a lower price point.

How Sotalol Works

Sotalol exerts a dual mechanism of action:

• Potassium‑channel blockade (Class III effect): By inhibiting the rapid component of the delayed rectifier potassium current (I_Kr), sotalol prolongs the repolarisation phase of the cardiac action potential. This lengthens the QT interval, slowing the re‑entry of electrical impulses that cause tachyarrhythmias.
• Non‑selective beta‑adrenergic antagonism (Class II effect): Blockade of β₁ and β₂ receptors reduces sympathetic stimulation of the heart, lowering heart rate, contractility and myocardial oxygen demand.

The combined actions produce a stabilising effect on cardiac electrical activity, helping to maintain a regular rhythm. After oral ingestion, sotalol reaches peak plasma concentrations within 2–4 hours, and its elimination half‑life ranges from 10 to 20 hours, allowing once‑ or twice‑daily dosing. Renal excretion accounts for the majority of clearance, so kidney function influences dosing adjustments.

Conditions Treated with Sotalol

• Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter: Sotalol is approved for maintenance of sinus rhythm after successful cardioversion. AF affects an estimated 1–2 % of the UK adult population, with prevalence rising with age.
• Ventricular tachycardia (VT): For patients with sustained monomorphic VT who are not candidates for implantable cardioverter‑defibrillator (ICD) therapy, sotalol can suppress recurrent episodes. VT incidence is approximately .1 % in the general population but higher among those with structural heart disease.
• Certain supraventricular tachycardias (SVT): Although not a first‑line agent, sotalol may be employed when other therapies are ineffective or contraindicated.

The drug is chosen because its Class III action directly targets the electrical substrate that sustains these arrhythmias, while the beta‑blocking component provides additional rate control and anti‑ischemic benefits.

Who is Sotalol For?

Sotalol is most appropriate for adult patients who meet the following criteria:

• Documented paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation/flutter in whom rhythm control is preferred over rate control.
• Sustained ventricular tachycardia without severe left‑ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction ≥ 35 %).
• Normal or mildly reduced renal function (creatinine clearance ≥ 50 mL/min); dose reduction is required for moderate impairment.
• No history of congenital long QT syndrome or baseline corrected QT interval (QTc) > 450 ms, as sotalol may exacerbate QT prolongation.

Contra‑indications include:

• Uncontrolled heart failure (NYHA class III–IV).
• Recent myocardial infarction (within 30 days).
• Severe bradycardia (heart rate < 50 bpm) or advanced atrioventricular block without pacing support.
• Known hypersensitivity to sotalol or any excipients in the tablet formulation.

Patients with these exclusions should be evaluated for alternative anti‑arrhythmic strategies.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Fatigue or tiredness – often linked to beta‑blocking activity.
• Dizziness or light‑headedness – due to reduced blood pressure or heart rate.
• Mild gastrointestinal upset – nausea, abdominal discomfort, or diarrhoea.

Rare

• Bronchospasm – non‑selective β‑blockade may provoke airway constriction in asthmatic patients.
• Erectile dysfunction – reported in a small proportion of male users.
• Hypoglycaemia masking – beta‑blockade can blunt typical warning signs of low blood sugar, especially in insulin‑treated diabetics.

Serious

• Torsades de pointes (TdP) and other life‑threatening arrhythmias: Result from excessive QT prolongation; risk rises with electrolyte disturbances (low potassium or magnesium) and high plasma concentrations.
• Severe bradycardia or atrioventricular (AV) block: May require temporary pacing.
• Heart failure exacerbation: Particularly in patients with reduced ejection fraction when beta‑blocking effects depress contractility.

Important Drug–Drug Interactions

• Other QT‑prolonging agents (e.g., amiodarone, quinidine, certain antibiotics) → additive risk of TdP.
• Potassium‑sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone) and renal‑clearing drugs (e.g., NSAIDs) → may raise sotalol levels by affecting renal excretion.
• Calcium channel blockers (verapamil, diltiazem) → synergistic slowing of heart rate and AV conduction.
• Antihyperglycaemic sulfonylureas → enhanced hypoglycaemia masking.

Patients should disclose all concurrent medications, over‑the‑counter products, and supplements to their healthcare provider.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard adult dosing for atrial fibrillation:
  • Initiation: 80 mg twice daily.
  • Titration: increase by 40 mg twice daily every week as tolerated, up to a maximum of 160 mg twice daily.
• Standard adult dosing for ventricular tachycardia:
  • Initial dose: 40 mg twice daily, with careful in‑hospital monitoring.
  • Gradual uptitration to 120 mg twice daily, based on ECG and renal function.

Missed dose: If a scheduled dose is forgotten and the next dose is more than 6 hours away, take the missed tablet as soon as remembered. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed tablet and resume the regular schedule. Do not double‑dose.

Overdose: Symptoms may include severe bradycardia, hypotension, syncope, or sustained QT prolongation. Immediate medical attention is required; treatment may involve activated charcoal, intravenous magnesium sulfate, and cardiac monitoring. There is no specific antidote for sotalol.

Practical precautions:

• Take sotalol with or without food, but maintain the same routine each day to ensure stable plasma levels.
• Avoid excessive alcohol, which can potentiate QT prolongation.
• Maintain adequate hydration and electrolyte balance, particularly potassium and magnesium, to reduce arrhythmic risk.
• For patients with chronic kidney disease, dose reductions are essential; regular renal function tests are advised.

Buying Sotalol from Our Online Pharmacy

Sotalol can be obtained safely through our online pharmacy in the UK. We specialise in delivering verified, high‑quality generic medicines at prices close to manufacturer cost. Key advantages include:

• Affordability: Generic sotalol is priced lower than most brand‑name alternatives, helping patients manage long‑term therapy costs.
• Verified quality: All stock is sourced from licensed, audited overseas suppliers that meet EU‑GMP standards.
• Discrete, reliable delivery: Orders are packaged securely, with optional express shipping (usually within 7 days) or standard international airmail (approximately 3 weeks).
• Pharmacy broker service: We operate as a broker linking customers with overseas licensed pharmacies, ensuring compliance with UK import regulations while preserving patient privacy.

Our service is designed for individuals who may encounter limited access through conventional pharmacies, have difficulty obtaining a supply due to insurance restrictions, or simply seek a cost‑effective generic option.

FAQ

• What is the typical appearance of a sotalol tablet?
  Sotalol tablets are usually round, film‑coated, and marked with the dosage strength (e.g., “80 mg”). The colour may vary between manufacturers, often appearing white or pale blue.

• Can sotalol be stored in a refrigerator?
  No refrigeration is required. Keep the tablets at room temperature, between 15 °C and 30 °C, away from moisture and direct sunlight.

• Does sotalol contain any common allergens such as lactose or gluten?
  In the UK formulation, the inactive ingredients are typically lactose, maize starch, and magnesium stearate. Patients with severe lactose intolerance should discuss alternatives with their pharmacist.

• Is it legal to import a personal supply of sotalol into the UK for personal use?
  Personal import of a three‑month supply of a prescription‑only medication is permitted under the UK’s Medicines (Supply of Unlicensed Medicines) Regulations, provided the product is obtained from a licensed overseas pharmacy and a valid prescription is held.

• How does the cost of generic sotalol compare with the brand‑name Betapace?
  Generic sotalol is generally 30–50 % cheaper than the branded product, reflecting lower marketing and development expenses while delivering the same active compound.

• Are there any known differences between the EU and US formulations of sotalol?
  Both regions use the same active ingredient, but excipient compositions can vary. For example, US tablets may contain microcrystalline cellulose, whereas EU versions often use lactose. Such differences rarely affect therapeutic outcomes but may be relevant for patients with specific sensitivities.

• What lifestyle adjustments are recommended while taking sotalol?
  Patients should avoid high‑potassium‑depleting diuretics, limit caffeine and alcohol intake, and maintain a regular sleep schedule to reduce arrhythmic triggers. Regular exercise is encouraged, but vigorous activity should be discussed with a clinician.

• Can sotalol be taken during international travel?
  Yes, but keep the medication in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription, carry it in hand luggage, and be aware of destination country import rules. Extreme temperature fluctuations (e.g., in hot car trunks) should be avoided.

• What should I do if I notice a sudden change in my pulse while on sotalol?
  A noticeable slowing of the heart rate (below 50 bpm) or irregular beats warrants immediate medical review. It may indicate excessive beta‑blocking or emerging arrhythmia.

• Why is regular ECG monitoring required after starting sotalol?
  Because sotalol can prolong the QT interval, baseline and follow‑up electrocardiograms help detect dangerous prolongation early, allowing dose adjustments before serious arrhythmias develop.

Glossary

QT interval

The portion of an ECG trace that represents the time taken for ventricular depolarisation and repolarisation. Prolongation can predispose to torsades de pointes.

Beta‑blockade

Inhibition of β‑adrenergic receptors, reducing heart rate, contractile force, and sympathetic activity.

Renal clearance

The volume of plasma cleared of a drug by the kidneys per unit time; a key determinant of dosing for sotalol.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Sotalol is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Sotalol for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.