Does sotalol have proarrhythmic potential?
Sotalol was characterized by a high percentage of proarrhythmic events (61 out of a total of 140 treated patients: 43.57%). The qualitative composition was as follows: 33 cases (23.57%) of torsades de pointes, 25 (17.8%) cases of second or third-degree sino-atrial block, and three cases of sustained monomorphic VT.
Does sotalol cause Torsades de Pointes?
According to reports of adverse drug reactions submitted to WHO, sotalol is the commonest cause of drug-induced torsades de pointes. 1 It blocks the rapid component of the delayed rectifier potassium current channels within the myocardium.
Is sotalol a proarrhythmic?
Sotalol is used in the treatment of atrial arrhythmias or life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, including sustained VT. However, it should not be used for minor arrhythmias, because it is known to be proarrhythmic with an increased risk for TdP.
What are proarrhythmic effects?
Drugs that are described as antiarrhythmic drugs may actually aggravate arrhythmia in several ways and these are termed proarrhythmic effects. The most common type of proarrhythmia is a paradoxical increase in the frequency of episodes of the target arrhythmia.
Does sotalol affect QTc?
Sotalol given once daily in doses of 160 to 640 mg prolonged in QTc interval in a concentration-dependent manner by up to 150 msec (P less than 0.001) over presotalol levels. The prolongation did not correlate with the initial length of the QTc interval.
When is sotalol contraindicated?
Contraindications related to its non-cardioselective beta-blockade: Bronchial asthma or other bronchospamsmodic conditions. Sinus bradycardia. 2nd or 3rd degree AV block absent a functioning pacemaker.
Does sotalol cause prolonged QT interval?
Sotalol can cause serious ventricular arrhythmias, primarily Torsade de Pointes (TdP) type ventricular tachycardia, a polymorphic ventricular tachycardia associated with QT interval prolongation.
Does sotalol cause heart failure?
Sotalol may cause heart failure in some patients. Check with your doctor right away if you are having chest pain or discomfort, dilated neck veins, extreme fatigue, irregular breathing, an irregular heartbeat, swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs, or weight gain.
Is sotalol a high risk medication?
Sotalol (Betapace) can lower your heart rate or cause a ‘heart block,’ which can be very dangerous. People who have sick sinus syndrome (a kind of abnormal heart rhythm) shouldn’t take this medication. Talk to your provider if you have fainting spells or feel dizzy.
How long does it take for antiarrhythmics to work?
This medication must be taken regularly for one to three weeks before a response is seen and for several months before the full effect occurs.
Which drugs are proarrhythmic?
Cardiovascular drugs may also be proarrhythmic (Kuriachan et al., 2015). Vaughn Williams Class III antiarrhythmic drugs (amiodarone, dronedarone, dofetilide, ibutilide, and sotalol) are potassium channel blockers that prolong QT and may produce torsade de pointes VT.
What are the side effects of sotalol 80 mg?
Common Side effects of Sotalol include:
- serious difficulty breathing.
- dizziness.
- fatigue.
- slow heart rate.
- chest pain.
- strong, irregular heartbeat.
- weakness.
- lightheadedness.