How And When To Take SotalolTake sotalol exactly as your doctor has told you, and follow the instructions on the label. If you're not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist. DosageSotalol tablets come in different strengths: 40mg, 80mg and 160mg. The usual dose of sotalol is between 80mg and 320mg a day. If you get irregular heartbeats several times a day, your doctor may prescribe a higher daily dose of up to 640mg. If you're older or have kidney problems, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose. How to take itYou can take sotalol with or without food, but it's best to take it the same way each day. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. You'll usually 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 take sotalol twice a day, try to take it in the morning and in the evening. How long to take it forUsually, treatment with sotalol is long term, even for the rest of your life. Talk to your doctor if you want to stop taking it. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse. ImportantTake sotalol even if you feel well, as you'll still be getting the benefits of the medicine. If you forget to take itIf you miss a dose of sotalol, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, just leave out the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one. If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine. If you take too muchTaking too much sotalol can slow down your heart rate and make it difficult to breathe. It can also cause dizziness and trembling. The amount of sotalol that can lead to an overdose varies from person to person. It's important to get medical advice if you take more than your prescribed dose. Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
You take more than your prescribed dose of sotalol and: - your heart rate (pulse) has slowed down
- you are having difficulty breathing
Contact 111 for advice now if:
- you take more than your prescribed dose of sotalol
Get help from 111 online or call 111.
If you need to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance. Bring the sotalol packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.
Sexual Health Advice
Throughout this series we have help and advice on staying healthy, dealing with Sexually Transmitted Infections, the risks of each type of
the most popular gay sex and what to do if the sex you have is not consentual. The topics covered in this series include:
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