Sotalol detailed information

Sotalol detailed information

Clinical data
Pregnancy category	US: B (No risk in non-human studies)
Routes of administration	oral
ATC code	C07AA07 (WHO)
Legal status
Legal status	In general: ℞ (Prescription only)
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	>95%
Metabolism	Not metabolised
Elimination half-life	12 hours
Excretion	Renal Lactic (In lactating females)
Identifiers
IUPAC name N-[4-(1-hydroxy-2-isopropylamino- ethyl)-phenyl]-methanesulfonamide
CAS Number	3930-20-9
PubChem CID	5253
E number	{{#property:P628}}
ECHA InfoCard	{{#property:P2566}}
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C12H20N2O3S
Molar mass	272.3624 g/mol

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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Sotalol (trade names Betapace and Betapace AF, Berlex Laboratories) is a drug used in individuals with rhythm disturbances (cardiac arrhythmias) of the heart, and to treat hypertension in some individuals.

Pharmacology

It falls into the class III antiarrhythmic agents because it inhibits the inward potassium ion channels in the heart. It is also a beta blocker because of its primary action on the β-adrenergic receptors in the heart.

By blocking the potassium channels, sotalol prolongs repolarization, therefore lengthening the QT interval and decreasing automaticity.

It also slows atrioventricular (AV) nodal conduction (beta-blocking effect).

Sotalol is a racemic mix of D and L enantiomers. The L isomer is a beta blocker.

Sotalol is not selected for its beta-blocking ability, but rather for its Class III (potassium blocking) properties.

Indications

Sotalol is used to treat ventricular tachycardias as well as atrial fibrillation. Betapace AF is specifically labeled for atrial fibrillation.

Some evidence suggests that sotalol should be avoided in the setting of decreased ejection fraction due to heart attack.

See also

• Antiarrhythmic agents
• Beta blocker