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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

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

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

Frequency

BID

Max dose

20 mg/dose; 40 mg/day

Duration: Long-term; titrate based on ECG

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 →

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

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database