What it means
A class III antiarrhythmic that also blocks beta receptors. It keeps a normal rhythm in atrial fibrillation and flutter and treats dangerous ventricular rhythms. It lengthens the QT interval on the ECG, which can trigger a life-threatening rhythm called torsades de pointes, and it slows the heart.
For the nurse
It is started or restarted in a facility with continuous ECG monitoring for at least 3 days, with kidney function checked. Check the pulse, blood pressure and QT interval, and keep potassium and magnesium in range.
At a glance
| Drug class | antiarrhythmic (class III, with beta-blocking action) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Betapace, Betapace AF, Sorine, Sotylize |
| Also written | Betapace, Betapace AF, Sorine |
Related terms
bradycardia
A heart rate slower than normal; in an adult, fewer than 60 beats per minute.
arrhythmia
A heart rhythm that is not normal: too fast, too slow or irregular.
electrocardiogram
A test that records the heart's electrical activity as waves on paper or a screen.
atrial fibrillation
An irregular heart rhythm in which the upper chambers of the heart quiver instead of beating in an organized way.