Drug interactions
Pirbuterol + Sotalol
Severity: Major
Pirbuterol 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
Sotalol is a nonselective beta-blocker that antagonizes pirbuterol's bronchodilation and may provoke bronchospasm in patients with airway disease. Sotalol also prolongs the QT interval, and beta-agonist-induced hypokalemia may add to the risk of torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pirbuterol 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.
Why it happens
Beta-receptor antagonism opposing pirbuterol, plus additive QT risk from hypokalemia caused by the beta-agonist.
What to do
Avoid sotalol in patients with asthma or COPD who need beta-agonists where possible. If combined, monitor potassium, magnesium, ECG and respiratory status.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Pirbuterol and Sotalol, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
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 Pirbuterol with Sotalol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Pirbuterol 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 nonselective beta-blocker that antagonizes pirbuterol's bronchodilation and may provoke bronchospasm in patients with airway disease. Sotalol also prolongs the QT interval, and beta-agonist-induced hypokalemia may add to the risk of torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Pirbuterol 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 sotalol in patients with asthma or COPD who need beta-agonists where possible. If combined, monitor potassium, magnesium, ECG and respiratory status.
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
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
