Skip to content
ClinCalc Pro
Menu
Calculators Drugs Pathways AI Dx Donate Get the App
Antiarrhythmic

Sotalol

Brand names: Beta-Cardone, Sotacor

Used in: Atrial Fibrillation

Sotalol is an antiarrhythmic with both non-selective beta-blocking and class III (potassium-channel-blocking) activity, used for atrial and ventricular arrhythmias.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

US labelling (FDA)

Reference — US labelling, may differ from UK

Sotalol hydrochloride tablets: Initial dosage in adults is 80 mg twice daily. Increase the dose as needed in increments of 80 mg/day, every 3 days to a maximum 320 mg total daily dose ( 2.2 ) Pediatrics: Dosage depends on age ( 2.4 ) 2.1 General Safety Measures for Initiation of Oral Sotalol Therapy Withdraw other antiarrhythmic therapy before starting sotalol hydrochloride tablets and monitor for a minimum of 2 to 3 plasma half-lives prior to initiating sotalol hydrochloride tablets therapy if the patient's clinical condition permits [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . Hospitalize patients being initiated or re-initiated on sotalol for at least 3 days or until steady-state drug levels are …

Source: US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed), label dated 2024-04-03. Accessed 2026-06-12. US dosing and indications can differ from UK practice — use UK sources for prescribing decisions.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It blocks beta-adrenoceptors and prolongs cardiac repolarisation (class III), which is antiarrhythmic but also lengthens the QT interval.

Prescribing in practice

  • It prolongs the QT interval and can cause torsades de pointes — monitor the QT/ECG, correct electrolytes (potassium, magnesium), and avoid other QT-prolonging drugs.
  • It is renally cleared — reduce the dose in renal impairment.
  • Usual beta-blocker cautions apply (avoid in asthma; do not stop abruptly).

Monitoring

Monitor ECG (QT interval), heart rate, electrolytes and renal function; often initiated with ECG monitoring.

Counselling the patient

  • Report palpitations, fainting or dizziness.
  • Do not stop it suddenly.
  • Keep up your monitoring blood tests and ECGs.

Evidence & guidelines

Used for atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, with careful QT and electrolyte monitoring because of torsades risk.

Reference: NICE NG196 (AF); ESC 2020 AF Guidelines; SPC Sotacor; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators
Drugs
Pathways