Betapace vs. Tambocor

• Are Betapace and Tambocor the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Betapace?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Tambocor?
• What Is Betapace?
• What Is Tambocor?
• What drugs interact with Betapace?
• What drugs interact with Tambocor?
• How Should Betapace Be Taken?
• How Should Tambocor Be Taken?

Betapace (sotalol) and Tambocor (flecainide) are used for treating ventricular arrhythmias.

Tambocor is also used to prevent certain types of irregular heartbeat from returning (such as atrial fibrillation).

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

Side effects of Betapace and Tambocor that are similar include headache, dizziness, weakness, tiredness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach upset or pain.

Side effects of Betapace that are different from Tambocor include indigestion, fatigue, slow heart rate, chest pain, palpitations, sleep problems (insomnia), pain in your arms or legs, and decreased sexual ability.

Side effects of Tambocor that are different from Betapace include vision problems (such as blurred vision, problems focusing, seeing spots), shortness of breath, constipation, tremor or shaking, anxiety, depression, and numbness or tingling.

Both Betapace and Tambocor may interact with digoxin, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers.

Betapace may also interact with amiodarone, ketoconazole, itraconazole, beta-agonists, tricyclic antidepressants, insulin or oral diabetes medicines, blood pressure medications, other medicines that contain sotalol, and antacids containing aluminum or magnesium.

Tambocor may also interact with cimetidine, diuretics (water pills), seizure medications, and other heart rhythm medications.

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.

Common side effects of Tambocor include:

• dizziness,
• vision problems (such as blurred vision, problems focusing, seeing spots),
• shortness of breath,
• headache,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• stomach pain,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• tremor or shaking,
• tiredness,
• weakness,
• anxiety,
• depression,
• numbness or
• tingling.

Tell your doctor if you have unlikely but serious side effects of Tambocor including new or worsening symptoms of heart failure (such as ankle/leg swelling, increased tiredness, or increased shortness of breath when lying down).

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

Tambocor is an antiarrhythmic prescribed in certain situations to prevent serious heart rhythm disorders including irregular heartbeat (such as persistent ventricular tachycardia and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia). Tambocor is also used to prevent certain types of irregular heartbeat from returning (such as atrial fibrillation). Tambocor is available in generic form.

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

Tambocor may have adverse interactions with many other medications. Interactions may occur with cimetidine, digoxin, diuretics, seizure medications, beta blockers, other heart rhythm medications, and other drugs.

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

The first few doses of Tambocor are administered in a hospital setting in case the medication causes serious side effects. Tell your doctor all medications you are taking.