Drug interactions
Albuterol + Sotalol
Severity: Major
Albuterol 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 opposes albuterol's bronchodilation and may precipitate bronchospasm in patients with asthma or COPD. Albuterol can also lower potassium and prolong the QT interval, adding to the proarrhythmic risk of sotalol.
What this interaction means in plain words
Albuterol 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-2 receptor antagonism opposes albuterol, while beta-agonist induced hypokalemia and QT effects add to sotalol's QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid sotalol in patients with reactive airway disease needing albuterol where possible; otherwise monitor respiratory status, potassium and QTc.
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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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 Albuterol with Sotalol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Albuterol 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 opposes albuterol's bronchodilation and may precipitate bronchospasm in patients with asthma or COPD. Albuterol can also lower potassium and prolong the QT interval, adding to the proarrhythmic risk of sotalol.
How serious is the interaction between Albuterol 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 reactive airway disease needing albuterol where possible; otherwise monitor respiratory status, potassium and QTc.
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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