Pharmacokinetics of sotalol after chronic administration to patients with renal insufficiency

Ten hypertensive patients with modern to severe impairment of renal function were treated with sotalol for 5 to 10 weeks (average 6.4 weeks). Dosage was individually titrated (range 80 to 480 mg daily). The drug was given once daily in the morning. In eight patients blood pressure was satisfactorily controlled. Higher steady-state levels were observed than have been reported after similar doses in patients with normal renal function. The apparent first-order elimination rate constant and plasma clearance were significantly correlated with glomerular filtration rate. For an anuric patient, serum half-life was calculated to be 69 h. In relation to the raised plasma levels, side effects were uncommon. Since sotalol is excreted predominantly via the kidney, therapy in patients with impaired renal function should start with a low dose and any increase in dosage should be made carefully. As the anti-hypertensive effect does not appear to be correlated with the plasma level or with tolerance, adjustment of dose should be based on clinical response.