Can you start sotalol outpatient?

By selecting patients who have a low risk for torsade de pointes, utilizing low doses and by careful outpatient ECG monitoring, there is evidence that sotalol can be initiated safely on an outpatient basis for the treatment of atrial fibrillation or ffutter.

What is sotalol loading?

Sotalol is often employed to prevent recurrence of symptomatic atrial flutter/atrial fibrillation. Because sotalol can prolong the QT interval excessively causing ventricular arrhythmias, a 3-day in-hospital loading or dose escalation period is mandated with oral administration in the product label for patient safety.

When do you hold sotalol?

It’s usual to take sotalol once or twice a day. Your doctor may advise you to take your first dose before bedtime, because it can make you feel dizzy. After the first dose, if you do not feel dizzy, you can take sotalol in the morning. If you have sotalol twice a day, try to take it in the morning and in the evening.

What should I monitor with sotalol?

Start sotalol therapy only if the baseline QT interval is <450 ms. During initiation and titration, monitor the QT interval after the completion of each infusion If the QT interval prolongs to 500 ms or greater, reduce the dose, decrease the infusion rate, or discontinue the drug.

Can I drink coffee while taking sotalol?

Avoid drinking tea or coffee with sotalol as caffeine has the ability to decrease the effectiveness of the drug.

Do you have to be hospitalized to start sotalol?

Unfortunately, owing to its proarrhythmia risk, sotalol initiation typically requires a 3-day hospitalization to monitor for significant QT lengthening or arrhythmias.

Do you have to be in hospital to start sotalol?

Conclusions: Because clinically significant complications can be detected with in-hospital monitoring in one of five patients starting sotalol therapy, hospital admission is warranted for initiation of sotalol. Patients without pacemakers are at higher risk for these complications.

Can I eat bananas while taking sotalol?

People taking beta-blockers should therefore avoid taking potassium supplements, or eating large quantities of fruit (e.g., bananas), unless directed to do so by their doctor.

Can you eat bananas with sotalol?

Is sotalol a high risk medication?

Sotalol can cause life threatening ventricular tachycardia associated with QT interval prolongation. If the QT interval prolongs to 500 msec or greater, reduce the dose, lengthen the dosing interval, or discontinue the drug.