Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Riva Sotalol.
Abnormal heart rhythm: Sotalol may cause a heart rhythm disturbance called QT prolongation. It can also worsen or trigger an irregular heart beat (arrhythmia). You doctor will monitor your heart rhythm regularly while you are taking Riva Sotalol with a test called an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Congestive heart failure: If you have congestive heart failure, discuss with your doctor how Riva Sotalol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Riva Sotalol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Diabetes: The signs of low blood sugar may not be as noticeable when taking sotalol. If you have diabetes and take insulin or other medications that work by reducing blood sugar levels, you should monitor blood sugar carefully while taking Riva Sotalol. Discuss with your doctor how Riva Sotalol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Riva Sotalol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Electrolyte levels: People with low potassium or magnesium levels should not use sotalol until these imbalances are corrected, as these conditions can create higher risk for abnormal heart rhythms with the use of Riva Sotalol.
Hyperthyroidism (high level of Thyroid hormones): Sotalol may reduce the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, giving a false impression of improvement. Stopping the medication suddenly could worsen hyperthyroidism. If you have hyperthyroidism, discuss with your doctor how Riva Sotalol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Riva Sotalol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney function: Sotalol passes from the body via the kidneys. If you have reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Riva Sotalol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Riva Sotalol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Lung problems: People with asthma and certain other lung problems (e.g., chronic bronchitis, emphysema) should not take sotalol.
Severe allergies: If you have allergies severe enough to cause anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction where swelling of the face, lips, and throat make it difficult to breathe), you should talk to your doctor about what to do if you have an allergic reaction. Sotalol may make it more difficult to treat your allergic reaction with Epinephrine.
Stopping the medication: Stopping Riva Sotalol suddenly can cause abnormal heart rhythms, chest pain (Angina), and even Heart Attack. Do not suddenly stop taking Riva Sotalol. Consult your doctor about how to safely stop taking Riva Sotalol.
Surgery: If you are scheduled for surgery, inform all doctors involved in your care that you are taking sotalol.
Pregnancy: Riva Sotalol should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Riva Sotalol, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Riva Sotalol passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking sotalol, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children and adolescents: The safety and effectiveness of using sotalol have not been established for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
