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Betapace vs. Nexterone

Are Betapace and Nexterone the Same Thing?

Betapace (sotalol) and Nexterone (amiodarone HC1) are used to treat ventricular arrhythmias.

Betapace and Nexterone belong to different drug classes. Betapace is a beta-blocker and Nexterone is an antiarrhythmic drug.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Betapace?

Side effects of Betapace include:

  • headache,
  • indigestion,
  • dizziness,
  • fatigue,
  • weakness,
  • tiredness,
  • slow heart rate,
  • chest pain,
  • palpitations,
  • diarrhea,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • upset stomach,
  • sleep problems (insomnia),
  • pain in your arms or legs, or
  • decreased sexual ability.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Nexterone?

Common side effects of Nexterone include:

  • low fever
  • slight dizziness
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • slow heart rate
  • low blood pressure, or
  • abnormal liver function tests

What Is Betapace?

Betapace (sotalol) is an antiarrhythmic agent used for treating ventricular arrhythmias. Betapace is available in generic form.

What Is Nexterone?

Nexterone (amiodarone HC1) Injection is an antiarrhythmic drug used to help keep the heart beating normally in people with life-threatening heart rhythm disorders of the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart that allow blood to flow out of the heart). Nexterone is used to treat or prevent ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Nexterone is available in generic form.

What Drugs Interact With Betapace?

Betapace may interact with:
  • amiodarone,
  • ketoconazole,
  • itraconazole,
  • calcium channel blockers,
  • beta-blockers, beta-agonists,
  • tricyclic antidepressants, and
  • antacids containing aluminum or magnesium.

What Drugs Interact With Nexterone?

Nexterone may interact with:
  • cimetidine,
  • clopidogrel,
  • cyclosporine,
  • dextromethorphan,
  • digoxin,
  • fentanyl,
  • loratadine,
  • phenytoin,
  • St. John's wort,
  • blood thinners,
  • diuretics,
  • antibiotics,
  • antifungals,
  • arthritis medications,
  • cholesterol-lowering medicines,
  • heart or blood pressure medications,
  • heart rhythm medications,
  • insulin or oral diabetes medication, or
  • medication to treat HIV or AIDS.

Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

How Should Betapace Be Taken?

The recommended dose for adults is 80 to 160 mg twice daily.

How Should Nexterone Be Taken?

The recommended starting dose of Nexterone is about 1000 mg over the first 24 hours of therapy. Close monitoring with adjustment of dose is essential.