Drug interactions
Salmeterol + Sotalol
Severity: Major
Salmeterol 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 non-selective beta blocker that antagonizes beta-2 receptors, reducing salmeterol bronchodilation and potentially triggering bronchospasm. Both drugs also affect QT and potassium, so the combination can add arrhythmic risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Salmeterol 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.
Salmeterol belongs to Respiratory; Sotalol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Beta-2 receptor antagonism opposes salmeterol, with additive QT and hypokalemia-related proarrhythmic effects.
What to do
Avoid in patients with asthma or COPD and choose an alternative antiarrhythmic. If unavoidable, monitor lung function, ECG and serum potassium.
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 Salmeterol
- Ritonavir + Salmeterol Contraindicated
- Salmeterol + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Salmeterol Major
- Arformoterol + Salmeterol Major
- Atazanavir + Salmeterol Major
- Budesonide-formoterol + Salmeterol 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 Salmeterol with Sotalol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Salmeterol 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 beta-2 receptors, reducing salmeterol bronchodilation and potentially triggering bronchospasm. Both drugs also affect QT and potassium, so the combination can add arrhythmic risk.
How serious is the interaction between Salmeterol 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 choose an alternative antiarrhythmic. If unavoidable, monitor lung function, ECG and serum potassium.
What other medicines interact with Salmeterol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Salmeterol with, for example, Ritonavir, Saquinavir, Amitriptyline. The full list is on the Salmeterol page.
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