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Drug interactions

Labetalol + Sotalol

Severity: Major

Labetalol 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 are beta-blockers, so combining them duplicates therapy and increases the risk of bradycardia, AV block and hypotension. There is little rationale for using two beta-blockers together.

What this interaction means in plain words

Labetalol 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.

Labetalol belongs to Cardiovascular; Sotalol belongs to Cardiovascular.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive beta-adrenergic blockade, with labetalol also adding alpha-1 blockade causing vasodilation.

What to do

Avoid using both and choose a single beta-blocker suited to the indication. If both are given, monitor heart rate, blood pressure and ECG 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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Labetalol with Sotalol?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Labetalol 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 are beta-blockers, so combining them duplicates therapy and increases the risk of bradycardia, AV block and hypotension. There is little rationale for using two beta-blockers together.

How serious is the interaction between Labetalol 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 both and choose a single beta-blocker suited to the indication. If both are given, monitor heart rate, blood pressure and ECG closely.

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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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