This NHS content is written for people in England. Medicine names, availability, prescribing and services may differ in other countries.
Common side effects of sotalol
These common side effects of sotalol happen in more than 1 in 100 people. They're usually mild and do not last long. There are things you can do to help cope with them:
Headaches
Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller.
Headaches usually go away as your body gets used to the medicine. Talk to your doctor if the headaches do not go away or are severe.
Feeling tired, dizzy or weak
If sotalol makes you feel dizzy or weak, stop what you're doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. Do not drive, ride a bike or use tools or machinery if you're feeling tired. Do not drink alcohol as it will make you feel worse.
Cold fingers or toes
Put your hands or feet under warm running water, massage them and wiggle your fingers and toes.
Do not smoke or have drinks with caffeine in, as these can make your blood vessels narrower and restrict your blood flow. Smoking also makes your skin colder.
Try wearing mittens (they're warmer than gloves) and warm socks. Do not wear tight watches or bracelets.
Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
Stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food. It might help to take your sotalol after you've eaten.
If you're being sick, try small frequent sips of water to avoid dehydration. Speak to a pharmacist if you have signs of dehydration, such as peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee.
Do not take any other medicines to treat vomiting without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
If you take the combined contraceptive pill or the progestogen-only pill and you're being sick, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy. Look on the pill packet to find out what to do.
Diarrhoea
Drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Speak to a pharmacist if you have signs of dehydration such as peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee.
Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
If you take the combined contraceptive pill or the progestogen-only pill and you have severe watery diarrhoea, or any diarrhoea that lasts for more than 24 hours, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.
Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.
View the original NHS website page ↗. Refreshed 19 August 2026.
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