Drug interactions
Sotalol + Theophylline
Severity: Major
Sotalol and Theophylline: 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 can oppose theophylline's bronchodilation and trigger bronchospasm in patients with reactive airways. Theophylline may also cause tachyarrhythmias that complicate antiarrhythmic therapy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Sotalol and Theophylline 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 belongs to Cardiovascular; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism at beta-2 adrenoceptors by nonselective beta blockade.
What to do
Avoid sotalol in patients with asthma or COPD requiring theophylline; choose an alternative antiarrhythmic and monitor respiratory status and theophylline levels if unavoidable.
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 Theophylline
- Riociguat + Theophylline Contraindicated
- Adenosine + Theophylline Major
- Apalutamide + Theophylline Major
- Bupropion + Theophylline Major
- Carvedilol + Theophylline Major
- Cimetidine + Theophylline 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 Sotalol with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Sotalol and Theophylline 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 can oppose theophylline's bronchodilation and trigger bronchospasm in patients with reactive airways. Theophylline may also cause tachyarrhythmias that complicate antiarrhythmic therapy.
How serious is the interaction between Sotalol and Theophylline?
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 requiring theophylline; choose an alternative antiarrhythmic and monitor respiratory status and theophylline levels if unavoidable.
What other medicines interact with Theophylline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Theophylline with, for example, Riociguat, Adenosine, Apalutamide. The full list is on the Theophylline page.
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