Sotalol HCI (Generic)Tablets, 80mg
Prescription Antiarrhythmic Tablets for Heart Rhythm in Pets Product Description Sotalol HCl 80mg Tablets are a prescription antiarrhythmic medication that veterinarians use to man age ventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, and other serious heart rhythm problems in dogs, cats, and horses. It works in two ways at once, slowing the heart rate while also giving the heart's electrical system more time to reset between beats, which helps keep dangerous rhythm disturbances in check. It is particularly well established for the ventricular arrhythmias seen in Boxer cardiomyopathy. It is used entirely off-label in veterinary medicine. Benefits Ventricular Tachycardia Control: One of the most effective antiarrhythmic agents for controlling ventricular tachycardia in dogs, particularly those with Boxer cardiomyopathy. Dual Antiarrhythmic Mechanism: Combines beta-blocking and potassium channel-blocking properties for a broader and more powerful effect on cardiac rhythm stabilization than standard beta-blockers alone. Atrial Fibrillation Rate Control: Used to help control the ventricular response rate in dogs and cats with atrial fibrillation under veterinary specialist supervision. Effective in Cats With Arrhythmias: Used in cats with dangerous cardiac arrhythmias associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and other structural heart diseases. FDA-Approved Generic Availability: Sold as an FDA-approved generic drug ensuring consistent active ingredient delivery at a more accessible cost. Ingredients Active Ingredients Sotalol Hydrochloride 80mg How to Use Sotalol HCl 80mg Tablets are a prescription-only medication. A valid veterinarian prescription is required to purchase this product. Please follow your veterinarian's specific instructions for the dosage and administration of this medication for your pet. Disclaimer: Dosage and administration of this medication must be determined by a licensed veterinarian. Always consult your veterinarian before administering or adjusting any prescription medication for your pet. Tucking it inside a soft pill pocket or wrapping it in a pill wrap treat is one of the easiest ways to make the whole process stress-free. Shop Pill Pockets for Dogs | Shop Pill Pockets for Cats Additional Information Precautions Never Stop Abruptly: Sudden discontinuation can trigger a rebound worsening of arrhythmias that may be more dangerous than the original condition; always taper under veterinary supervision. Dose Reduction in Kidney Disease: Animals with significant renal dysfunction require reduced doses or extended dosing intervals due to impaired drug clearance. Not a Cure: Sotalol controls heart rhythm abnormalities but does not treat or cure the underlying cardiac disease; long-term management is required in most affected animals. Caution in Heart Failure: Use carefully in animals with overt congestive heart failure, as the beta-blocking effect can reduce cardiac output and worsen decompensation. Caution in Low Heart Rate: Do not use in animals with pre-existing bradycardia or AV block, as sotalol can slow the heart rate to a dangerous degree. Check for Drug Interactions: Let your veterinarian know if your pet is currently taking calcium channel blockers, phenothiazines, furosemide, hydralazine, insulin, or sympathomimetics before starting sotalol. Possible Side Effects Lethargy and Weakness: Fatigue and reduced energy are the most commonly reported side effects, tied to the expected reduction in heart rate and cardiac output during treatment. Poor Appetite and Vomiting: Reduced appetite and occasional vomiting are possible and should be flagged to your veterinarian if they persist during treatment. Dangerously Slow Heart Rate: Bradycardia causing collapse or labored breathing is a serious side effect that needs immediate emergency veterinary attention. Shortness of Breath and Dizziness: These signs may point to an excessive drop in blood pressure or heart rate and need prompt veterinary assessment and dose review. Worsening Arrhythmia: In some cases sotalol can trigger or worsen arrhythmias; any shift in rhythm pattern warrants immediate veterinary cardiology evaluation. Storage Information Room Temperature Storage: Tablets should be kept in a well-sealed container at room temperature, protected from excess heat and humidity at all times. Protect from Moisture and Heat: Avoid storing tablets in damp or warm areas, as this can gradually affect their strength and effectiveness. Keep Out of Reach: Always store this medication somewhere secure and out of reach of children and untreated pets. Note: For generic medications, the product image shown may not reflect the actual item received. Generic medications can vary in size, color, and shape between orders depending on the manufacturer. Additionally, your medication may arrive packaged in a HardyPaw Pharmacy vial. Shipping & Return We offer ground, express, and priority delivery; see our shipping policy for details. For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy. Prescription items are NON-RETURNABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE. Frequently Asked Questions Q1: What heart conditions does sotalol treat in dogs and cats? Ans: Sotalol is used for ventricular tachycardia, ventricular premature complexes, and atrial fibrillation in dogs and cats. It has a particularly strong track record with the ventricular arrhythmias that show up in Boxer cardiomyopathy. Your vet or veterinary cardiologist will confirm the type of arrhythmia present and whether sotalol is the right fit for your pet. Q2: Why must sotalol be given on an empty stomach in dogs and cats? Ans: Food can interfere with how well sotalol is absorbed from the digestive tract, which means the body may not get the full dose it needs to keep the heart rhythm stable. Consistent absorption is especially important with an antiarrhythmic, where even small variations in blood levels can affect how well the medication works. Your vet will advise on the right timing around meals. Q3: Why must sotalol never be stopped suddenly in pets? Ans: Pulling sotalol away all at once can send the heart's rhythm into a worse state than it was in before treatment started. The rebound effect can come on quickly and be difficult to manage. Any reduction in dose needs to be done gradually and only under the direct guidance of your veterinarian or cardiologist. Q4: What monitoring is needed for a dog or cat receiving sotalol? Ans: Pets on sotalol need regular check-ins that typically include heart rhythm assessments, heart rate checks, and blood pressure monitoring to make sure the medication is doing its job without causing problems. For pets with kidney disease, bloodwork to track organ function is also part of the picture. Your vet will set out a monitoring schedule suited to your pet's condition. Q5: Can sotalol interact with diltiazem or other calcium channel blockers in pets? Ans: Combining sotalol with calcium channel blockers is something vets approach with real caution, as the two together can push the heart rate and blood pressure lower than either drug would on its own. The heart can end up under more pressure than it can comfortably handle. Before starting sotalol, give your vet or cardiologist a full picture of what your pet is already on. Clinical Research https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0939641104000487 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1345/aph.1C333