Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while using Sotalol as follows:
- Be aware of signs and symptoms of bradycardia and hypotension, to avoid any episodes of altered levels of consciousness and accidental falls. One should stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until they are used to the side effects caused by Sotalol.
- Sotalol has the potential to cause new arrhythmias or worsen the current arrhythmias, which is referred to as a proarrhythmic effect. Be aware of signs and symptoms of worsening arrhythmia, such as, rapid heart rate, fluttering in the chest, shortness of breath, dizziness, and episodes of loss of consciousness. Report any such findings to your doctor immediately.
- Try changing the positions very slowly, as sudden change of positions can make the hypotensive episodes even worse and precipitate accidents and falls.
- Avoid using Sotalol along with any other medications that can cause slowdown of heart rate, such as, calcium channel blockers and Beta blockers. Using them together can result in extreme slowdown of heart rate and can present an emergency.
- Observe compliance with any lab work ordered for potassium and magnesium levels, as these ions must be maintained in a close range for optimal functioning of the heart.
