Display Mode:

    Main content

    Health Information


    Drug Information

    Sotalol is used to treat certain types of heart arrhythmia , and is in a family of drugs known as beta-adrenergic blockers.

    Common brand names:

    Betapace, Betapace AF

    Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods

    Types of interactions: Beneficial Adverse Check

    Replenish Depleted Nutrients

    • none

    Reduce Side Effects

    • Magnesium

      Two individuals taking sotalol developed a side effect of the drug (a heart arrhythmia known as torsades de pointes) which was effectively treated with intravenous magnesium.1 , 2 Additional research is needed to determine whether people taking sotalol might be able to prevent this side effect by taking supplemental magnesium.

    Support Medicine

    • none

    Reduces Effectiveness

    • Calcium

      One controlled study showed that taking sotalol with a calcium gluconate solution dramatically reduces the absorption of the drug.3 Consequently, people who take a calcium supplement should take sotalol an hour before or two hours after the calcium.

    Potential Negative Interaction

    • Pleurisy Root



    Explanation Required 

    • Potassium

      People with prolonged diarrhea and vomiting, as well as those taking potassium-depleting diuretics, might develop low blood potassium levels. Individuals with low blood potassium levels who take sotalol have an increased risk of developing a serious heart arrhythmia and fainting. Therefore, people taking sotalol should have their blood potassium levels checked regularly and may need to supplement with potassium, especially when taking potassium-depleting diuretics.

      Some beta-adrenergic blockers (called "nonselective" beta blockers) decrease the uptake of potassium from the blood into the cells,5 leading to excess potassium in the blood, a potentially dangerous condition known as hyperkalemia.6 People taking beta-blockers should therefore avoid taking potassium supplements, or eating large quantities of fruit (e.g., bananas), unless directed to do so by their doctor.



    1. Sasse M, Paul T, Bergmann P, Kallfelz HC. Sotalol associated torsades de pointes tachycardia in a 15-month-old child: successful therapy with magnesium aspartate. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 1998;21:1164-6.

    2. Arstall MA, Hii JT, Lehman RG, Horowitz JD. Sotalol-induced torsade de pointes: management with magnesium infusion. Postgrad Med J 1992;68:289-90.

    3. Kahela P, Anttila M, Tikkanen R, Sundquist H. Effect of food, food constituents and fluid volume on the bioavailability of sotalol. Acta Pharmacol Toxicol (Copenh) 1979;44:7-12.


    5. Rosa RM, Silva P, Young JB, et al. Adrenergic modulation of extrarenal potassium disposal. N Engl J Med 1980;302:431-4.

    6. Lundborg P. The effect of adrenergic blockade on potassium concentrations in different conditions. Acta Med Scand Suppl 1983;672:121-6 [review].

