Drug interactions
Amiodarone + Sotalol
Severity: Major
Amiodarone and Sotalol: 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
Both drugs prolong repolarisation and the QT interval, and amiodarone also slows the heart rate. The combination increases the risk of torsades de pointes and bradyarrhythmias.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amiodarone and Sotalol 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; Sotalol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive blockade of cardiac potassium channels (IKr) with added beta-blocker and nodal effects.
What to do
Avoid unless specialist-supervised; if used, monitor QTc, heart rate and electrolytes (potassium, magnesium).
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 Sotalol
- Arsenic trioxide + Sotalol Contraindicated
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Sotalol Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Sotalol Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Sotalol Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Sotalol Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Sotalol Contraindicated
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 Sotalol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amiodarone and Sotalol 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. Both drugs prolong repolarisation and the QT interval, and amiodarone also slows the heart rate. The combination increases the risk of torsades de pointes and bradyarrhythmias.
How serious is the interaction between Amiodarone and Sotalol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid unless specialist-supervised; if used, monitor QTc, heart rate and electrolytes (potassium, magnesium).
What other medicines interact with Sotalol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sotalol with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Artemether / lumefantrine, Disopyramide. The full list is on the Sotalol page.
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