Differences Between Sotalol & Metoprolol

Sotalol and metoprolol are generic names for prescription medications used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain or angina. Despite the fact that both sotalol and metoprolol are beta blockers, there are some differences.

Uses

• In addition to angina and blood pressure, doctors sometimes prescribe intravenous metoprolol to prevent damage to the heart in patients during and after a heart attack. Sotalol is usually prescribed for the treatment of arrhythmia or heart rhythm irregularities rather than hypertension, angina or heart attacks.

Features

• With the exception of intravenous dosages given in a hospital for heart attack patients, metoprolol is typically taken at home, even at the beginning of treatment. Sotalol treatment usually starts in a hospital, where patients can be monitored for signs of dangerous heart rhythm irregularities.

Dosage

• Metoprolol comes in two dosage strengths--50 mg and 100 mg. Sotalol is available in 80, 120 and 160-mg doses.

Drug Interactions

• Antacids have the potential to decrease the effectiveness of sotalol but do not have any effect upon metoprolol, according to RxList. Drugs like the antidepressant fluoxetine, the anti-psychotic thioridazine, the anti-arrhythmic propafenone and the HIV drug ritonavir have the potential to increase concentrations of metopolol in your body.

Risks

• Sotalol poses a risk for dangerous heart rhythm irregularities in some patients, warns RxList. Sotalol is sometimes used to treat arrhythmia in children, but metoprolol is not approved for use in those under the age of 18.