Betapace vs. Zebeta

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

Betapace (sotalol) and Zebeta (bisoprolol fumarate) are beta-blockers used to treat different heart and circulation conditions.

Betapace is used for treating ventricular arrhythmias.

Zebeta is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Side effects of Betapace and Zebeta that are similar include dizziness, weakness, tiredness, slow heart rate, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset or pain, sleep problems (insomnia), and decreased sex drive.

Side effects of Betapace that are different from Zebeta include headache, indigestion, fatigue, chest pain, palpitations, and pain in your arms or legs.

Side effects of Zebeta that are different from Betapace include drowsiness, lightheadedness on standing, spinning sensation (vertigo), constipation, increased urination, runny or stuffy nose, ringing in your ears, depression, anxiety, restless feeling, joint or muscle pain, and itching or skin rash.

Both Betapace and Zebeta may interact with other heart medicines, other beta-blockers, and insulin or oral diabetes medicines.

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

Zebeta may also interact with clonidine, digitalis, disopyramide, guanethidine, rifampin, and medicines for asthma or other breathing disorders.

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 Zebeta include:

• tiredness,
• drowsiness,
• slow heartbeat,
• lightheadedness upon standing,
• dizziness,
• spinning sensation,
• dry mouth,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• stomach pain,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• increased urination,
• runny or stuffy nose,
• ringing in your ears,
• weakness,
• sleep problems (insomnia),
• depression,
• anxiety,
• restless feeling,
• joint or muscle pain,
• itching or skin rash, or
• loss of interest in sex.

Tell your doctor if you experience unlikely but serious side effects of Zebeta including:

• very slow heartbeat,
• severe dizziness,
• fainting,
• blue fingers/toes,
• trouble breathing, or
• mental/mood changes (such as confusion, mood swings, depression).

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

Zebeta (bisoprolol fumarate) is a type of antihypertensive drug called a beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent (beta blocker) used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

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

Zebeta may interact with other medications including other beta blockers, heart medicines, clonidine, digitalis, disopyramide, guanethidine, rifampin, insulin or diabetes medication you take by mouth, and medicine for asthma or other breathing disorders.

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

The dose of Zebeta is individualized to the needs of the patient, ranging from 2.5 to 20 mg once daily.