Betapace
Betapace is an antiarrhythmic drug with class II (beta-adrenoreceptor blocking) and class III (cardiac action potential duration prolongation) properties. It is used to manage and suppress serious ventricular and atrial arrhythmias.
Dosage by Body Weight
Betapace therapy must be initiated and up-titrated in an inpatient hospital setting with continuous ECG monitoring, cardiac resuscitation facilities, and assessment of renal function. The typical adult starting dose is 80 mg twice daily, adjusted based on renal function and QTc interval prolongation.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Strictly calculated by specialist
- Frequency
- Typically 3 times daily (or adjusted based on age/renal function)
- Tracking Notes
- Pediatric dosing is based on Body Surface Area (BSA) and modified by age-related clearance. Requires inpatient initiation.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Strictly calculated by specialist
- Frequency
- Typically 3 times daily (or adjusted based on age/renal function)
- Tracking Notes
- Must be calculated using BSA formulas. Younger infants require substantial dosage reductions due to immature renal function.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Strictly calculated by specialist
- Frequency
- Typically 3 times daily (or adjusted based on age/renal function)
- Tracking Notes
- Requires liquid formulation (e.g., Sotylize or extemporaneously compounded suspension) for accurate dosing.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Strictly calculated by specialist
- Frequency
- Typically 3 times daily
- Tracking Notes
- Dosing must be guided by pediatric cardiology, continuous ECG monitoring, and regular QTc evaluations.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Strictly calculated by specialist
- Frequency
- Typically 3 times daily
- Tracking Notes
- Doses are progressively titrated to clinical effect while monitoring for bradycardia and prolonged QT intervals.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Strictly calculated by specialist | Typically 3 times daily (or adjusted based on age/renal function) | Pediatric dosing is based on Body Surface Area (BSA) and modified by age-related clearance. Requires inpatient initiation. |
| 5-7 kg | Strictly calculated by specialist | Typically 3 times daily (or adjusted based on age/renal function) | Must be calculated using BSA formulas. Younger infants require substantial dosage reductions due to immature renal function. |
| 8-10 kg | Strictly calculated by specialist | Typically 3 times daily (or adjusted based on age/renal function) | Requires liquid formulation (e.g., Sotylize or extemporaneously compounded suspension) for accurate dosing. |
| 11-15 kg | Strictly calculated by specialist | Typically 3 times daily | Dosing must be guided by pediatric cardiology, continuous ECG monitoring, and regular QTc evaluations. |
| 16-20 kg | Strictly calculated by specialist | Typically 3 times daily | Doses are progressively titrated to clinical effect while monitoring for bradycardia and prolonged QT intervals. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of documented life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and maintenance of normal sinus rhythm in patients with highly symptomatic atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.
Generic Name
Sotalol hydrochlorideScheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.