Drug interactions
Clonidine + Sotalol
Severity: Major
Clonidine 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 lower heart rate and blood pressure. Beta-blockers can also exaggerate rebound hypertension when clonidine is stopped abruptly.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clonidine 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.
Clonidine belongs to Cardiovascular; Sotalol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive bradycardia and hypotension from central sympatholysis plus beta-blockade; beta-blockade leaves unopposed alpha stimulation at clonidine withdrawal.
What to do
Monitor heart rate and blood pressure. If stopping clonidine, withdraw the beta-blocker first and then taper clonidine gradually.
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 Clonidine
- Acebutolol + Clonidine Major
- Amifostine + Clonidine Major
- Amiodarone + Clonidine Major
- Amoxapine + Clonidine Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Clonidine Major
- Atenolol + Clonidine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clonidine with Sotalol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clonidine 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 lower heart rate and blood pressure. Beta-blockers can also exaggerate rebound hypertension when clonidine is stopped abruptly.
How serious is the interaction between Clonidine 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: Monitor heart rate and blood pressure. If stopping clonidine, withdraw the beta-blocker first and then taper clonidine gradually.
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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