In the article, we consider the instructions for use and reviews for the Sotalex preparation.
The drug is a French drug of the adrenergic blocking group, which is available in the form of tablets. The active substance is sotalol, which is able to lower pressure, eliminating pain behind the sternum, which are cardiogenic in nature. Also, this medicine stops attacks of various cardiac arrhythmias.
Drug information
According to the instructions, "Sotaleks" is prescribed for ventricular arrhythmias, threatening significant hemodynamic changes and death. The medication is used in two doses, its dosage is selected taking into account renal dysfunction. The antiarrhythmic effect of sotalol is manifested due to a slowdown in the potassium current, against the background of this, the period of the process of repolarization of the ventricles and atria increases.
The medicine "Sotaleks" acts as an antiarrhythmic agent of the third class, that is, it significantly lengthens the duration of the refractory period and the action potential.
Similar pharmacological effects make it possible to prescribe the drug for various types of ventricular tachyarrhythmias. In this case, the effect of the drug against heart rhythm disturbance is felt an hour after administration. It is necessary to carefully select the dosage, since an excessively high amount of the active substance can be a provoking factor that can aggravate arrhythmia.
As indicated by the instruction, "Sotaleks" reduces the heart rate and reduces the load on the myocardium, which enables it to be effective in the presence of pain behind the sternum.
Indications for appointment
In accordance with the instructions, "Sotaleks" is used for a wide range of cardiac diseases with the aim of treatment, prevention and correction of any conditions.
So, this tool is used in a number of the following cases:
- Against the background of constant and paroxysmal forms of ventricular arrhythmias.
- With ventricular fibrillation, as well as during electrical stimulation of the heart.
- With abnormal development and functioning of the conductive cardiac system.
- In the case of dissociation of the atrioventricular node.
- With angina pectoris, including when combined with supraventricular arrhythmia.
- With heart palpitations with thyrotoxicosis.
- In case of high blood pressure, as well as with cardiomyopathy of hypertrophic etiology.
- In the presence of mitral valve leaflet prolapse.
- For the prevention of myocardial infarction in stable patients.
Mode of application
What else can you learn from the instructions to "Sotaleks"?
The tablets are taken orally one hour before a meal. The initial dosage is 160 milligrams per day. It is divided into two doses: 80 milligrams are taken in the morning and the same amount in the evening. To achieve the desired therapeutic effect, the dosage is gradually increased, it is adjusted to 240 or 300 milligrams per day.
The choice of dosage depends on the health of the kidneys, since the removal of the drug from the body occurs exclusively with urine. Antiarrhythmic action begins one hour after use, the maximum concentration in the blood is observed after three hours. The action of the drug in this case can last for a day. From the digestive system the drug is absorbed very well and quickly.
For the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias such as tachyarrhythmias, it is recommended at first to take 40 mg of Sotaleksa 2 times a day (according to instructions).
Three days later, a constant concentration of the active component begins to be maintained in the blood. This medication does not establish any connection with plasma proteins. Elderly patients need to be very careful with this medicine, as there is a risk of cumulative effects.
According to the instructions for use with Sotalex, a dosage exceeding 320 milligrams per day can worsen the psychomotor reaction. Dosing reduction may be required in patients with obstructive disease of the bronchopulmonary system. In the case of the use of this drug during pregnancy, it is necessary to cancel it a few days before the expected date of birth. It is not recommended to operate the machine during treatment with Sotaleks medicine.
Release form and composition
The drug is released in the form of tablets with a dosage of 160 milligrams.
The tablets contain the active component, which is sotalol hydrochloride, and in addition, additional components in the form of lactose monohydrate, corn starch, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate and so on.
Interaction with other medicines
Instructions for the drug "Sotaleks" should be strictly observed.
It is not recommended to combine this drug with inhibitors and Norepinephrine, since patients at the same time increase the risk of a sharp increase in pressure. When used concomitantly with Tubokurarin, muscle block can be aggravated. Antidepressants, along with barbiturates, can provoke hypotension; the drug Haloperidol also has a similar effect.
An excessive decrease in heart rate is possible with the simultaneous use of vasodilators and narcotic analgesics. A pronounced decrease in pressure should be expected in the case of the appointment of the drug in question with diuretics.
Glycoside intake significantly reduces heart rate. It causes bradycardia “Clonidine” along with “Methyldof” and “Guangfatsin”. Blockade of adrenergic receptors may occur when this drug is combined with calcium antagonists. Quinolones can increase the bioavailability of a drug. When taking the drug in question, the effectiveness of "Theophylline" and adrenergic agonists also decreases, and in addition, the concentration of "Flecainide" increases.
Side effects
According to the instructions for use with "Sotalex", most often with the use of this medicine, undesirable reactions can occur from the side of the nervous system in the form of dizziness, decreased reactions and various sleep disorders. It is also possible to develop pathology of motor functions and enhance emotional reactions.
Overdose
When an overdose of this drug occurs, people experience weakness along with dilated pupils, loss of consciousness, seizures, bronchospasm, ventricular tachycardia or asystole, and shock. To exit from this condition, gastric lavage is used along with dialysis, Atropine is introduced, as well as vasopressor substances and Glucagon.
Contraindications
The following diseases and conditions are contraindications:
- The presence of sensitivity to the components of the drug.
- The development of heart failure of the fourth class along with atrioventricular block.
- With the phenomena of cardiogenic shock.
- With bradycardia with a heart rate of less than five beats per minute.
- With edema of the larynx and nasal cavity.
With great care, this medicine is used for bronchial obstruction, against the background of psoriasis, diabetes, low sugar, metabolic acidosis, advanced age and so on.
This is confirmed by the instructions for use with the SOTALEX preparation.
Cost
The average cost of this medication for twenty tablets with a dosage of 160 milligrams is 145 rubles. It depends on the region and the pharmacy network.
Analogs
Today, there are direct analogues of Sotaleks, which also contain sotalol as the main active ingredient. We are talking about Darob, Sotageksal, Sotalol and Conanon.
Drug Reviews
The drug "Sotaleks" among other adrenergic blockers is characterized by mild gradual action and good tolerance. Patients noted its effectiveness in the treatment of a constant form of supraventricular arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation. People also praise this remedy for its help in the treatment of serious ventricular arrhythmias.
Patients write that Sotalex is an ideal choice for the treatment of angina pectoris. It is noted that this medicine helps against compressive burning pains behind the sternum, which are combined with tachyarrhythmias of various parts of the heart.
There are some complaints about side effects. People write that when taking this medicine they rarely have headaches and nausea. An acceptable price for the drug is positively noted by patients.
Conclusions about the drug
So, the Sotaleks drug effectively reduces myocardial oxygen demand, normalizing a person’s blood pressure. Thanks to its effect, potassium current slows down, and in addition, atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmia is stopped. The presented remedy rarely causes allergic reactions in patients, but sometimes it provokes increased emotionality.
We have reviewed the instructions for use, analogues and reviews for the Sotalex preparation.