Multaq vs. Betapace

• Are Betapace and Multaq the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Multaq?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Betapace?
• What Is Multaq?
• What Is Betapace?
• What Drugs Interact with Multaq?
• What Drugs Interact with Betapace?
• How Should Multaq Be Taken?
• How Should Betapace Be Taken?

Multaq (dronedarone) and Betapace (sotalol) are antiarrhythmic drugs.

A difference is Multaq is used to treat atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, and Betapace is used to treat ventricular arrhythmias.

Common side effects of Multaq include:

• diarrhea,
• nausea,
• abdominal pain,
• vomiting, and
• weakness.

Common 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.

Multaq (dronedarone) is an antiarrythmic drug used to treat atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, types of abnormal heart rhythms.

Betapace (sotalol) is an antiarrhythmic agent used for treating ventricular arrhythmias.

Multaq may interact with cyclosporine, dexamethasone, medications for treating tuberculosis, cyclosporine, sirolimus, tacrolimus, St. John's wort, theophylline, antibiotics, antifungals, antidepressants, anti-malaria medications, barbiturates, beta-blockers, cholesterol-lowering medicines, heart or blood pressure medications, heart rhythm medicines, medicines to prevent blood clots, medicines to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting, medicines to treat HIV/AIDS or hepatitis C, medicines to treat psychiatric disorders, migraine headache medicines, narcotics, seizure medications, and other drugs. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Do not use Multaq if you are pregnant.

Betapace may interact with amiodarone, ketoconazole, itraconazole, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, beta-agonists, tricyclic antidepressants, and antacids containing aluminum or magnesium. Abrupt withdrawal may lead to to myocardial infarction due to catecholamine sensitivity. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment with Betapace.

The recommended dosage of Multaq is 400 mg twice daily in adults. Multaq should be taken as one tablet with the morning meal and one tablet with the evening meal.

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