Drug interactions
Foscarnet + Sotalol
Severity: Major
Foscarnet 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 class III antiarrhythmic with a substantial risk of torsades de pointes, and foscarnet adds QT prolongation and electrolyte depletion. The combination substantially raises the risk of life-threatening arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Foscarnet 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.
Foscarnet belongs to Anti Virals; Sotalol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, amplified by foscarnet-induced hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia.
What to do
Avoid the combination; if unavoidable, monitor ECG continuously, keep electrolytes in the normal range and consider reducing the sotalol dose.
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 Foscarnet
- Cidofovir + Foscarnet Contraindicated
- Foscarnet + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Foscarnet + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Foscarnet + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Foscarnet Major
- Adefovir + Foscarnet 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 Foscarnet with Sotalol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Foscarnet 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 class III antiarrhythmic with a substantial risk of torsades de pointes, and foscarnet adds QT prolongation and electrolyte depletion. The combination substantially raises the risk of life-threatening arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Foscarnet 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 the combination; if unavoidable, monitor ECG continuously, keep electrolytes in the normal range and consider reducing the sotalol dose.
What other medicines interact with Foscarnet?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Foscarnet with, for example, Cidofovir, Pimozide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Foscarnet page.
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