What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about Cardol.
It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have benefits and risks. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking Cardol against the benefits expected for you.
If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet with your medicine.
You may need to read it again.
What Cardol is used for
Cardol is used to prevent and treat an irregular heart rhythm or beat, also called arrhythmia.
Cardol belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. It works by changing the body's response to some nerve impulses, especially in the heart. As a result, it helps the heart to beat more regularly.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Cardol has been prescribed for you.
Your doctor may have prescribed Cardol for another reason.
Cardol is available only with a doctor's prescription.
Before you take Cardol
When you must not take it
Do not take Cardol if you are allergic to any:
medicines containing sotalol hydrochloride (e.g. Sotacor)
ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include skin rash, itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips or tongue which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing; wheezing or shortness of breath.
Do not take Cardol if you have:
any breathing conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive airway disease or bronchitis
a history of allergies or allergic conditions such as hay fever
any heart conditions or problems with circulation
kidney problems
thyroid problems.
Do not take Cardol if you are receiving emergency treatment for shock or severely low blood pressure.
You should not take Cardol with any other medicines your doctor does not know about, particularly if they are to control high blood pressure, heart conditions, depression, hayfever, allergies, infections or diabetes.
Do not take Cardol after the expiry date (EXP) printed on the bottle.
If you take this medicine after the expiry date, it may not work as well.
Do not take Cardol if the packaging shows signs of tampering or the tablets not look quite right.
If you are not sure whether you should start taking this medicine, talk to your doctor.
Before you start to take it
Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Cardol may affect your baby if you take it during pregnancy. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking Cardol during pregnancy.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or wish to breastfeed.
Cardol is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it passes into breast milk and may affect your baby.
Tell your doctor if you have, or have had, any medical conditions, especially the following:
any kind of heart disease
thyroid problems
diabetes
kidney problems
phaeochromocytoma, a rare tumour of the adrenal gland
trouble with levels of salts like potassium or magnesium in your blood
history of irregular or slow pulse.
Your doctor may want to take special care if you have any of these conditions.
Tell your doctor if you have been given Cardol (or any other beta-blocker) before and if you have had any problems.
Tell your doctor if you have hardening of the arteries (cold fingers and toes or pain in the back of your legs when you walk).
Tell your doctor if you plan to have surgery involving a general anaesthetic, even if it is minor.
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell him/her before you start taking Cardol.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines may be affected by Cardol, or may affect how well it works. These include:
medicines which lower blood pressure (including other beta-blockers)
medicines used to treat diabetes including insulin
some medicines used for asthma and breathing problems such as salbutamol (eg. Ventolin,Asmol) and terbutaline (e.g. Bricanyl)
antihistamine medicines including terfenadine and astemizole that may be used to treat hayfever, allergies or to relieve symptoms of cold and flu
certain other medicines used to treat an irregular heart beat or rhythm such as
quinidine (Kinidin)
disopyramide (Rythmodan)
mexiletine (Mexitil)
flecainide (eg. Tambocor)
amiodarone (eg. Cordarone X)
some medicines used to treat depression
quinolone antibiotics, a class of antibiotics used to treat certain types of infections
digoxin (eg. Lanoxin), a medicine used to treat heart failure and fast irregular heart beats
medicines used to treat angina or other heart conditions
some diuretics, also known as fluid or water tablets
some medicines used during surgery or emergency situations, such as anaesthetics.
Your doctor can tell you what to do if you are taking any of these medicines.
If you are not sure whether you are taking any of these medicines, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking Cardol.
