Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is sotalol. It helps prevent irregular heartbeats that can be life-threatening. For example, it helps prevent a fast heartbeat called 'sustained v. tach'. 

This medicine is also available in a special version called "sotalol AF". Sotalol AF helps prevent an irregular heartbeat called 'atrial fibrillation'. Both sotalol and sotalol AF can help your heart to beat in a more normal way.

Most patients start taking this medicine in the hospital. While you are there, your doctor will monitor your heart and kidneys, and will find the right dose for you. 

You should take this medicine exactly as your doctor tells you to. You can take it with or without food. It is important to not miss doses. If you do, just take your next dose when it is due. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

Common side effects include tiredness, a slow heart rate, shortness of breath and dizziness. These are normal only if they are mild, and should go away. If these or other side effects make you concerned, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

This medicine can cause serious effects, including an abnormal heartbeat that could lead to death. Symptoms include feeling faint, dizzy, or having a fast heartbeat. If these happen, get to a hospital right away. 

To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow you closely. Also, your doctor will teach you how to stay hydrated. Call your doctor right away if you have increased thirst, a loss of appetite, unusual sweating, severe diarrhea or vomiting.

You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicines. 

For best results with sotalol or sotalol AF, be sure to plan ahead for refills.