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Sotalol

Prescription
Class III antiarrhythmic / Non-selective beta-blocker
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
4 available
Interactions
3 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Combines non-selective beta-adrenergic blockade (Class II) with potassium channel blockade (Class III), prolonging action potential duration and effective refractory period in cardiac tissue

At a glance

Class
Class III antiarrhythmic / Non-selective beta-blocker
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Below 25°C, protect from light and moisture

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Ventricular tachyarrhythmias, supraventricular arrhythmias, Boxer cardiomyopathy
Dose
1–3.5 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID
Max dose
160 mg/dose; 320 mg/day
Duration: Long-term; titrate based on ECG
🐈

Cat

Ventricular arrhythmias
Dose
1–2 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID
Max dose
20 mg/dose; 40 mg/day
Duration: Long-term; titrate based on ECG

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 2

Strength
80mg
Available in India
Strength
160mg
Available in India

Storage

Below 25°C, protect from light and moisture

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Sinus bradycardia, 2nd/3rd degree AV block
  • Uncompensated heart failure
    Beta-blockade may worsen CHF

Use with caution

  • Asthma or bronchospasm
    Non-selective beta-blockade causes bronchospasm

Adverse effects

Common
Bradycardia
Lethargy
GI upset
Serious
Proarrhythmia (torsades de pointes)
Severe hypotension
Heart block

Monitoring parameters

ECG (QT interval)Heart rateBlood pressureClinical signs of heart failure

Interactions

Major — 2

Amiodarone
major
Both prolong QT interval via different mechanisms (sotalol: Class III K+ channel; amiodarone: multi-class). Combined use markedly increases torsades de pointes risk.
Management: Avoid combination. If both antiarrhythmics needed, use under cardiologist supervision with continuous ECG monitoring.
Procainamide
major
Both prolong QT interval (sotalol: Class III; procainamide/NAPA: Class IA/III). Additive QT prolongation and torsades risk.
Management: Avoid. If combined, continuous ECG monitoring mandatory. Monitor QTc interval closely.

Moderate — 1

Mexiletine
moderate
Mexiletine (Class IB — shortens APD) + sotalol (Class III — prolongs APD): pharmacologically complementary combination used intentionally for refractory ventricular arrhythmias.
Management: Recognized therapeutic combination for refractory VT in dogs (Boxers with ARVC). Start both at low doses. Monitor ECG and Holter.

Brands

International

Betapace
Berlex/Bayer
Sotacor
Bristol-Myers Squibb

India

Sotagard
Torrent
Sotret
Sun Pharma

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Sotalol?
Sotalol is a class iii antiarrhythmic / non-selective beta-blocker used in pets. Combines non-selective beta-adrenergic blockade (Class II) with potassium channel blockade (Class III), prolonging action potential duration and effective refractory period in cardiac tissue
›What is Sotalol used for in pets?
Sotalol is used in veterinary medicine for: Ventricular tachyarrhythmias, supraventricular arrhythmias, Boxer cardiomyopathy; Ventricular arrhythmias.
›What is the Sotalol dose for dogs?
For dogs, Sotalol is typically dosed as follows — Ventricular tachyarrhythmias, supraventricular arrhythmias, Boxer cardiomyopathy: 1–3.5 mg/kg PO BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Sotalol dose for cats?
For cats, Sotalol is typically dosed as follows — Ventricular arrhythmias: 1–2 mg/kg PO BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Sotalol?
Common: Bradycardia, Lethargy, GI upset. Serious (call your vet immediately): Proarrhythmia (torsades de pointes), Severe hypotension, Heart block.
›Does Sotalol need a prescription?
Yes. Sotalol is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Sotalol not be used?
Do not use Sotalol if: Sinus bradycardia, 2nd/3rd degree AV block; Uncompensated heart failure.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →