Method of converting atrial fibrillation to normal sinus rhythm and loading oral sotalol in a shortened time frame
The present invention provides a novel method of converting AF and monitoring normal sinus rhythm using an initial IV dose of sotalol followed by oral sotalol maintenance therapy. This method provides a method of acute assessment of QTc prolongation to determine the safety of chronic oral sotalol therapy and reduces the hospitalization stay required for conversion and sotalol initiation.
1. A method of converting atrial fibrillation (AF) and initiating oral sotalol, comprising:
a. administering an intravenous (IV) dose of sotalol hydrochloride over a period of 1 hour to a hospitalized patient with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) to convert the AF to normal sinus rhythm (NSR); and,
b. administering oral dosing of sotalol hydrochloride at a 12-hour interval, wherein the oral dosing is initiated after the AF conversion;
c. wherein the sotalol hydrochloride is administered in an amount in the range of:
100-150 mg as the IV dose based on an oral target dose of 160 mg; and
135-165 mg as an oral dose.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the oral dosing is initiated after completion of the IV dose.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the oral dosing is initiated 4-6 hours after completion of the IV dose.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the patient is discharged from the hospital 24 hours after IV initiation.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the IV dose is 105 mg sotalol hydrochloride.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the oral dose is 160 mg.
7. The method of claim 5 , wherein the oral dose is 160 mg.
8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising administering additional oral dose(s) of sotalol hydrochloride.
9. The method of claim 7 , further comprising administering additional oral dose(s) of sotalol hydrochloride.
10. The method of claim 8 , wherein one or more of the additional oral doses are administered at a 12-hour interval from initiation of the oral dosing.
11. The method of claim 9 , wherein one or more of the additional oral doses are administered at a 12-hour interval from initiation of the oral dosing.