Warnings


What may interact with BETAPACE?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

-amoxapine
-arsenic trioxide
-certain antibiotics like gatifloxacin, grepafloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin, telithromycin
-cisapride
-droperidol
-haloperidol
-hawthorn
-maprotiline
-medicines for malaria like chloroquine and halofantrine
-medicines to control heart rhythm
-methadone
-pentamidine
-phenothiazines like prochlorperazine, perphenazine, thioridazine, and others
-pimozide
-ranolazine
-tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, imipramine, nortriptyline, and others
-vardenafil

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

-antacids
-certain antibiotics such as clarithromycin and erythromycin
-clonidine
-digoxin
-medicines for angina or high blood pressure
-medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
-medicines for diabetes
-other beta-blockers like atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol and others
-ziprasidone

What should I tell my health care provider before I take BETAPACE?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-diabetes
-heart or vessel disease like slow heart rate, worsening heart failure, heart block, sick sinus syndrome or Raynaud''s disease
-kidney disease
-liver disease
-history of low levels of potassium or magnesium
-lung or breathing disease, like asthma or emphysema
-pheochromocytoma
-recent heart attack
-thyroid disease
-an unusual or allergic reaction to sotalol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using BETAPACE?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking this medicine. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her. Your doctor or health care professional also may schedule regular blood tests and electrocardiograms to check your progress.

Because your condition and the use of this medicine carry some risk, it is a good idea to carry an identification card, necklace or bracelet with details of your condition, medications, and doctor or health care professional.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.