Basic Sotalol Information

• INN (International Nonproprietary Name): Sotalol
• Brand names available in Canada: Betapace, generic Sotalol
• ATC Code: C07AA07
• Forms & dosages: 80mg, 160mg tablets
• Manufacturers in Canada: Apotex, Sanofi
• Registration status in Canada: Prescription only
• OTC / Rx classification: Rx

Availability & Price Landscape

Sotalol is available by prescription across Canada, primarily found in major pharmacy chains such as Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, and London Drugs. These retailers stock various brand names, including Betapace and other generics, often located in accessible areas for patient convenience. It’s important to consider that the price of Sotalol may vary based on the location, brand, and pharmacy policy. Some consumers may find that prices differ considerably between different pharmacy chains and generic options, making it worthwhile to shop around.

Online Pharmacy Trends In Canada

With the rise of e-commerce, online pharmacies are increasingly catering to Canadian consumers seeking Sotalol. However, provincial restrictions may apply to online purchases, limiting some options based on provincial health regulations. Patients typically need to be aware of their specific provincial guidelines as these can affect the availability and whether they can buy Sotalol online without a prescription. Online pharmacies may also offer competitive pricing, which could benefit those looking for cost-effective options without compromising access to medication. As the pharmacy landscape continues to evolve, both physical and online solutions provide Canadian patients with various avenues to obtain their prescriptions. It’s essential to ensure that any online pharmacies are licensed and compliant with provincial regulations to safeguard health and well-being.

Product Overview & Brand Variants

Sotalol is an internationally recognized Class III antiarrhythmic and non-selective beta-blocker, primarily used to manage serious ventricular arrhythmias and to maintain sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter. Known broadly as Sotalolum, this medication is accessible in Canada both as a generic option and under the brand name Betapace. The availability of generics supports cost-effective treatment while ensuring the same safety and efficacy profile.

INN and brand names used in Canada

The International Nonproprietary Name (INN) for Sotalol is "Sotalolum." In Canada, this medication is available generically and under the brand name Betapace. The presence of generics allows patients to access essential heart medication at a lower cost, without compromising on quality or effectiveness.

Legal classification under Health Canada

Health Canada classifies Sotalol as a prescription-only medication. This designation means that patients must be evaluated by healthcare providers before receiving a prescription. It ensures that the medication is appropriate for them, taking into account its contraindications and potential side effects.

Indications in Local Canadian Medical Practice

Sotalol comes with specific indications that cater to the needs of Canadian patients grappling with serious heart conditions. It has been approved by Health Canada for distinct therapeutic uses, providing guidelines for its incorporation into treatment plans.

Approved uses (Health Canada DIN context)

Primarily, Sotalol is indicated for the management of serious ventricular arrhythmias. It's also utilized to maintain sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter. These approved uses fall under the Drug Identification Number (DIN) provided by Health Canada, underscoring its established safety and efficacy for Canadian patients.

Off-label patterns in Canadian healthcare

Besides its main indications, Sotalol is sometimes prescribed off-label. Healthcare professionals may utilize it to address conditions such as anxiety and certain cases of hypertension. This demonstrates the flexibility inherent in patient care; however, using Sotalol off-label should always be approached with caution, as the appropriateness of this use varies among individuals.

How It Works in the Body

Sotalol functions by blocking beta receptors in the heart. This action helps to regulate irregular heartbeats, contributing to a more consistent heart rhythm. As a result, it significantly reduces the likelihood of arrhythmias and promotes better circulation throughout the body.

Layman’s explanation

Think of Sotalol as a stabilizer for your heart. By ensuring that the heart beats in a more orderly fashion, it reduces those sudden racing or fluttering feelings. With a more regular heartbeat, there's a lower risk of complications, and blood can flow more freely, benefiting overall health.

Clinical detail from Health Canada resources

Clinical studies have shown that Sotalol successfully extends the refractory period of cardiac tissue. This effect inhibits the re-entry of electrical signals responsible for triggering arrhythmias. This detailed mechanism highlights Sotalol's crucial role in stabilizing patients suffering from atrial fibrillation and ensuring they maintain a normal heart rhythm.

Dosage & Administration

Sotalol, a Class III antiarrhythmic and non-selective beta-blocker, has prescribed uses predominantly for managing ventricular arrhythmias and maintaining sinus rhythm in atrial fibrillation or flutter.

Standard regimens per Canadian guidelines

The treatment approach for Sotalol varies depending on the condition being addressed:

Ventricular arrhythmias: The standard initial dosage is set at 80mg taken twice daily, with the possibility to increase this dose up to 320mg based on the patient's response and tolerance to the drug.

Atrial fibrillation/flutter: A similar starting dose of 80mg twice daily is recommended, with adjustments made as required to monitor both efficacy and side effects of the treatment.

Adjustments by patient type (with Canadian clinical notes)

When prescribing Sotalol, healthcare professionals need to be cautious, particularly with elderly patients and those suffering from renal impairment. Renal clearance is the primary pathway for Sotalol elimination, making it critical to monitor these individuals closely. Adjustments in dosage are often necessary, especially in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 60. Regular monitoring for potential adverse effects, particularly regarding QT interval prolongation, is stressed in Canadian guidelines.

Contraindications & Side Effects

Understanding the limitations and potential reactions to Sotalol is crucial for safe administration.

Common (Health Canada-approved list)

Several absolute contraindications exist for the use of Sotalol. These include:

• Known hypersensitivity to the drug.
• Severe renal failure which poses risks due to drug accumulation.
• Significant bradycardia (heart rate below 50 bpm).
• Advanced heart conduction disorders, specifically second or third-degree block, except when a pacemaker is in place.
• Patients with congenital long QT syndrome or known decompensated heart failure.
• Asthmatic conditions or severe bronchospasm warrant cautious prescribing.

Rare but serious (with Canadian pharmacovigilance data)

While less common, there are serious side effects associated with Sotalol usage. These include:

• Torsades de pointes: a potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia.
• Hypotension: significant drops in blood pressure may occur.
• Exacerbation of heart failure symptoms: vigilance is key in monitoring these patients.

Canadian pharmacovigilance data highlight the necessity of ongoing patient monitoring to manage these rare yet critical adverse effects effectively.

Comparable Medicines in Canada

For those exploring alternatives, Sotalol is not the only antiarrhythmic available. Here’s a quick look at comparable medications within Canada:

Alternatives table (with DIN references)

Medication	DIN	Class
Amiodarone	02241648	Class III
Dronedarone	02285784	Class III
Flecainide	02253662	Class I
Propafenone	02099064	Class I

Pros and cons list

• Pros: Effective management of arrhythmias, an established track record, and the availability of generics.
• Cons: Potential side effects, specific contraindications exist, and ongoing monitoring is required for proper dose adjustments.

City Delivery Information

City	Region	Delivery Time
Toronto	Ontario	5–7 days
Vancouver	British Columbia	5–7 days
Montreal	Quebec	5–7 days
Calgary	Alberta	5–7 days
Ottawa	Ontario	5–7 days
Edmonton	Alberta	5–7 days
Quebec City	Quebec	5–9 days
Winnipeg	Manitoba	5–9 days
Halifax	Nova Scotia	5–9 days
Victoria	British Columbia	5–9 days
Regina	Saskatchewan	5–9 days
Saskatoon	Saskatchewan	5–9 days
London	Ontario	5–9 days
St. John's	Newfoundland and Labrador	5–9 days