Drug interactions
Carvedilol + Sotalol
Severity: Major
Carvedilol and Sotalol: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 are beta-blockers, so combining them duplicates beta-blockade. This can cause marked bradycardia, hypotension, AV block and worsening heart failure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carvedilol 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.
Carvedilol belongs to Cardiovascular; Sotalol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic beta-adrenergic receptor antagonism, with carvedilol also adding alpha-1 blockade.
What to do
Avoid using two beta-blockers together; choose one agent. If both are unavoidable, monitor ECG, heart rate and blood pressure.
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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References
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 Carvedilol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carvedilol with Sotalol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Carvedilol 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 are beta-blockers, so combining them duplicates beta-blockade. This can cause marked bradycardia, hypotension, AV block and worsening heart failure.
How serious is the interaction between Carvedilol 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 using two beta-blockers together; choose one agent. If both are unavoidable, monitor ECG, heart rate and blood pressure.
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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