Drug interactions
Amiodarone + Carvedilol
Severity: Major
Amiodarone and Carvedilol: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Amiodarone inhibits CYP2D6 and CYP2C9 and raises carvedilol exposure. Both drugs slow heart rate and AV conduction, so bradycardia, heart block and hypotension may occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amiodarone and Carvedilol can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Amiodarone belongs to Cardiovascular; Carvedilol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Pharmacokinetic inhibition of carvedilol metabolism plus additive negative chronotropic and dromotropic effects.
What to do
Monitor ECG and heart rate, particularly at initiation, and start with a low carvedilol dose. Avoid in patients with sinus node dysfunction or conduction disease unless paced.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Carvedilol
Other interactions of Amiodarone
- Amiodarone + Amisulpride Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Eliglustat Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amiodarone with Carvedilol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amiodarone and Carvedilol can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Amiodarone inhibits CYP2D6 and CYP2C9 and raises carvedilol exposure. Both drugs slow heart rate and AV conduction, so bradycardia, heart block and hypotension may occur.
How serious is the interaction between Amiodarone and Carvedilol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor ECG and heart rate, particularly at initiation, and start with a low carvedilol dose. Avoid in patients with sinus node dysfunction or conduction disease unless paced.
What other medicines interact with Carvedilol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Carvedilol with, for example, Albuterol, Amifostine, Arformoterol. The full list is on the Carvedilol page.
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