Betapace

The recommended initial dose of Betapace antiarrhythmic drug is 80mg twice a day (in the morning and in the evening). If necessary, the daily Betapace dose can be increased to 240 or 320mg. As a rule, the daily dose is equally divided into 2 doses and taken orally 1-2 hours before a meal.

Most patients demonstrate appropriate therapeutic responses in administration of the daily Betapace dose of 160-320mg. Sometimes, the patients can be indicated with maximum doses of the antianginal drug, which vary from 460 to 640mg per day. However, if the maximum doses of Betapace are indicated, the benefits and potential risks to the patient’s health should be evaluated.

Missed dose

Treatment of arrhythmias requires the compliance and adherence to Betapace dosage. Due to the relatively long half-life of the drug, Betapace provides the long therapeutic benefit. Therefore, if the patient did not take an antianginal pill on time, nothing bad happens.

The missed dose of Betapace can be taken if the next dose is supposed to be used in 6 hours and more. The drug should be skipped if less than six hours remain till the next dose of Betapace. The patients with arrhythmias are not recommended take two doses of antiarrhythmic drug Betapace at once, as a double dose of the drug may cause an overdose.

More Information

Bioavailability of Betapace is reduced if the patient takes a pill of the antianginal medicine with a meal. Especially dairy products decrease the antiarrhythmic effect of Betapace. If Betapace should be discontinued, the dose is advised to be gradually reduced. Abrupt withdrawal of the beta-adrenoceptor blocker may lead to serious arrhythmias and myocardial infarction.