Drug interactions
Formoterol + Sotalol
Severity: Major
Formoterol 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
Sotalol is a non-selective beta-blocker that antagonizes formoterol's bronchodilation and may provoke bronchospasm in asthma or COPD. It also prolongs QT, and formoterol can add to this effect and lower potassium, raising the risk of torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Formoterol 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.
Formoterol belongs to Respiratory; Sotalol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism at beta-2 receptors plus additive QT prolongation and beta-agonist hypokalemia.
What to do
Avoid in patients with asthma or COPD and use an alternative antiarrhythmic. If unavoidable, monitor ECG, potassium and respiratory status closely.
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 Formoterol
- Adagrasib + Formoterol Major
- Amiodarone + Formoterol Major
- Amisulpride + Formoterol Major
- Amitriptyline + Formoterol Major
- Amoxapine + Formoterol Major
- Arformoterol + Formoterol Major
Other interactions of Sotalol
- Arsenic trioxide + Sotalol Contraindicated
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Sotalol Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Sotalol Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Sotalol Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Sotalol Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Sotalol Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Formoterol with Sotalol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Formoterol 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. Sotalol is a non-selective beta-blocker that antagonizes formoterol's bronchodilation and may provoke bronchospasm in asthma or COPD. It also prolongs QT, and formoterol can add to this effect and lower potassium, raising the risk of torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Formoterol 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 in patients with asthma or COPD and use an alternative antiarrhythmic. If unavoidable, monitor ECG, potassium and respiratory status closely.
What other medicines interact with Formoterol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Formoterol with, for example, Adagrasib, Amiodarone, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Formoterol page.
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