What Is Cardol 80 mg Used For?

Cardol contains sotalol hydrochloride, which belongs to a family of medications called beta-blockers. It’s specifically designed to help people with heart rhythm problems.

Primary Uses

Cardol is used to treat arrhythmias, which occur when your heart beats too quickly or with an irregular rhythm. This medication is only available with a doctor’s prescription.

How It Works

Cardol works by slowing down and steadying your heartbeat, which reduces the effort your heart needs to put into pumping blood throughout your body.

How to Take Cardol 80 mg

Your doctor will determine the right dose for you and may need to adjust it several times to find the best level for your condition.

Dosage Instructions

The usual dose is 80mg to 160mg twice a day. Some patients may need up to three to four 160mg tablets spread throughout the day. If you have kidney problems, your dosage may need to be different. Take your tablets with water one to two hours before meals. Do not take Cardol with milk or meals.

What If You Miss a Dose?

It’s important not to miss a dose, but if you do, take your next dose at the normal time with the normal amount. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

Available Tablet Strengths

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting (especially when getting up)
• tiredness, lack of energy, weakness
• headache, fever
• cramps
• irritated eyes, blurred vision, worsening eyesight, increased light sensitivity, eye infections
• feeling sick, vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhea, wind
• change in taste sensation
• anxiety, depression, mood changes
• confusion, hallucinations
• problems with sexual function
• sleep problems, unusual dreams
• worsening of psoriasis, thickening of skin, itching, hair loss
• hearing disturbances
• tingling or numbness in hands or feet, cold limbs
• muscle spasms
• excessive sweating
• dry mouth

Important Warnings

There are several important conditions and situations where Cardol should not be used or requires special caution.

Who Should Not Take Cardol 80 mg

Do not use Cardol if you are allergic to sotalol hydrochloride, other beta-blockers, or any ingredients in the medication. Do not take this medicine if you have asthma. Signs of allergic reaction include shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or other body parts.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have problems with your heart, circulation, magnesium levels in your blood, kidneys, thyroid gland, diabetes, phaeochromocytoma, slow or irregular pulse, hardening of arteries (cold fingers and toes or leg pain when walking), asthma, bronchitis, allergies, or if you’ve had trouble with salt levels like potassium or magnesium in your blood. Also inform your doctor if you’re scheduled for surgery involving general anesthesia.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

You should not take this medicine if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or breastfeed. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking Cardol.

Drug Interactions

Some medicines can affect how Cardol works. Always tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking, including those bought without a prescription.

• medicines which lower blood pressure (including other beta-blockers)
• floctafenine (pain medicine)
• antibiotics for infections (erythromycin IV, amphotericin B, pentamidine, halofantrine)
• steroids
• laxatives
• clonidine (for hot flushes or headaches)
• medicines for irregular heart rhythm
• digoxin (for heart failure)
• medicines for angina or heart conditions
• antidepressants
• insulin or diabetes medications
• asthma medicines (inhalers or tablets) or allergy medications
• antihistamines including terfenadine and astemizole
• quinolone antibiotics
• diuretics (water tablets)
• neuromuscular blocking agents like tubocurarine
• anesthetics and emergency medicines

Alcohol & Driving

Cardol may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.

Alcohol

No specific alcohol interactions mentioned in the source material. Consult your doctor about alcohol consumption while taking Cardol.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Cardol affects you. This medicine may cause dizziness, light-headedness, or drowsiness in some people. If this occurs, do not drive or operate machinery or undertake any activity that could be dangerous.

Temperature Regulation

No specific temperature regulation warnings mentioned in the source material.

Storage

Keep your tablets in the original packaging until it’s time to take them, as they won’t keep well if removed from the blister pack. Store in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. Protect from moisture and light. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children – a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half meters above ground is recommended. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

Overdose Information

If you think you have taken too much Cardol, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you feel fine. Too much of this medicine will cause your blood pressure and heart rate to drop to dangerous levels, and serious heart problems may develop, which could be fatal.

Frequently Asked Questions