Can you take Amiodarone with Bitolterol?
1 drug interaction and 24 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:
- amiodarone
- bitolterol
Drug interactions
Moderate drug interactions
Moderate:
amiodarone bitolterol
Applies to: amiodarone and bitolterol
Using bitolterol together with amiodarone can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a rare side effect.
You may be more susceptible if you have:
- a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome
- other cardiac diseases
- conduction abnormalities
- electrolyte disturbances (for example, magnesium or potassium loss due to severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting)
The risk may exist even when bitolterol or similar medications are given by oral inhalation directly into the lungs, and more so if these products are overused. Do not exceed the dose and frequency of use recommended on the product label or prescribed by your doctor.
Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may already be aware of the risks, but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you and has taken appropriate precautions and is monitoring you closely for any potential complications.
You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with these medications.
It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Food/lifestyle interactions
Major food/lifestyle interactions
Major:
amiodarone Food/Lifestyle
Applies to: amiodarone
Amiodarone may be taken with or without food but should be taken at the same way each time.
You should avoid consuming grapefruits and grapefruit juice while taking amiodarone. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
Grapefruit can raise the levels of amiodarone in your body and lead to dangerous side effects. This can affect the rhythm of your heart.
Call your doctor if you have symptoms of:
- irregular heartbeat
- chest tightness
- blurred vision
- nausea
Moderate food/lifestyle interactions
Moderate:
bitolterol Caffeine
Applies to: bitolterol
Both bitolterol and caffeine can increase blood pressure and heart rate, and combining them may enhance these effects.
Talk to your doctor before using these medications, especially if you have a history of high blood pressure or heart disease. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications.
Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects.
It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Disease interactions
22 potential interactions Applies to: 20 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, Underactive Thyroid, Heart Failure, Seizures, and Psoriasis.
Cardiogenic Shock
Major:
amiodarone
Amiodarone has a major potential interaction with Cardiogenic Shock.
The use of amiodarone is contraindicated for use in patients with cardiogenic shock, severe sinus node dysfunction causing marked sinus bradycardia, second- or third-degree AV block, or symptomatic bradycardia in the absence of a functioning pacemaker.
Diabetes Mellitus
Moderate:
bitolterol
Bitolterol has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.
Adrenergic bronchodilators may cause increases in blood glucose concentrations. These effects are usually transient and slight, but may be significant with dosages higher than those normally recommended. Large doses of IV albuterol (not commercially available in the U.S.) and terbutaline sulfate have been reported to cause exacerbation of preexisting diabetes mellitus and ketoacidosis. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus. Closer monitoring of blood glucose concentrations may be appropriate. Systemic adverse effects are minimized, but not abolished, by administration of these agents via oral inhalation.
Heart Block
Major:
amiodarone
Amiodarone has a major potential interaction with Heart Block.
The use of amiodarone is contraindicated for use in patients with cardiogenic shock, severe sinus node dysfunction causing marked sinus bradycardia, second- or third-degree AV block, or symptomatic bradycardia in the absence of a functioning pacemaker.
Heart Disease
Moderate:
bitolterol
Bitolterol has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Disease.
Adrenergic bronchodilators can stimulate cardiovascular beta- 1 and beta- 2 receptors, resulting in adverse effects such as tachycardia, palpitation, peripheral vasodilation, blood pressure changes, and ECG changes (e.g., flattening of the T wave; prolongation of the QT interval; ST segment depression). Direct stimulation of cardiac tissues is mediated by beta- 1 receptors and thus less likely to occur with beta-2-selective agents such as albuterol. However, beta-2-selectivity is not absolute and can be lost with larger doses. High dosages of these agents have been associated with precipitation or aggravation of angina, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac arrhythmias. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, and/or underlying cardiovascular disorders such as coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, or hypertension. The recommended dosages should not be exceeded.
Heart Failure
Major:
amiodarone
Amiodarone has a major potential interaction with Heart Failure.
Antiarrhythmic agents can induce severe hypotension (particularly with IV administration) or induce or worsen congestive heart failure (CHF). Patients with primary cardiomyopathy or inadequately compensated CHF are at increased risk. Antiarrhythmic agents should be administered cautiously and dosage and/or frequency of administration modified in patients with hypotension or adequately compensated CHF. Alternative therapy should be considered unless these conditions are secondary to cardiac arrhythmia.
Hemodialysis
Major:
amiodarone
Amiodarone has a major potential interaction with Hemodialysis.
Amiodarone and its active metabolite are not removed by hemodialysis.
High Blood Pressure
Moderate:
bitolterol
Bitolterol has a moderate potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.
Adrenergic bronchodilators can stimulate cardiovascular beta- 1 and beta- 2 receptors, resulting in adverse effects such as tachycardia, palpitation, peripheral vasodilation, blood pressure changes, and ECG changes (e.g., flattening of the T wave; prolongation of the QT interval; ST segment depression). Direct stimulation of cardiac tissues is mediated by beta- 1 receptors and thus less likely to occur with beta-2-selective agents such as albuterol. However, beta-2-selectivity is not absolute and can be lost with larger doses. High dosages of these agents have been associated with precipitation or aggravation of angina, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac arrhythmias. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, and/or underlying cardiovascular disorders such as coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, or hypertension. The recommended dosages should not be exceeded.
Hyperkalemia
Moderate:
amiodarone
Amiodarone has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperkalemia.
Electrolyte imbalance can alter the therapeutic effectiveness of antiarrhythmic agents. Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia can reduce the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic agents. In some cases, these disorders can exaggerate the degree of QTc prolongation and increase the potential for torsade de pointes. Hyperkalemia can potentiate the toxic effects of antiarrhythmic agents. Electrolyte imbalance should be corrected prior to initiating antiarrhythmic therapy. Clinical monitoring of cardiac function and electrolyte concentrations is recommended.
Hyperthyroidism
Moderate:
amiodarone
Amiodarone has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.
Amiodarone inhibits peripheral conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3) and also contributes inorganic iodine that can result in altered thyroid function tests, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism. Therapy with amiodarone should be administered cautiously in patients with thyroid dysfunction. Clinical monitoring, including baseline and periodic evaluation of thyroid function is recommended. Modification of thyroid therapy may be necessary.
Moderate:
bitolterol
Bitolterol has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.
Adrenergic bronchodilators can stimulate cardiovascular beta- 1 and beta- 2 receptors, resulting in adverse effects such as tachycardia, palpitation, peripheral vasodilation, blood pressure changes, and ECG changes (e.g., flattening of the T wave; prolongation of the QT interval; ST segment depression). Direct stimulation of cardiac tissues is mediated by beta- 1 receptors and thus less likely to occur with beta-2-selective agents such as albuterol. However, beta-2-selectivity is not absolute and can be lost with larger doses. High dosages of these agents have been associated with precipitation or aggravation of angina, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac arrhythmias. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, and/or underlying cardiovascular disorders such as coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, or hypertension. The recommended dosages should not be exceeded.
Hypokalemia
Moderate:
amiodarone
Amiodarone has a moderate potential interaction with Hypokalemia.
Electrolyte imbalance can alter the therapeutic effectiveness of antiarrhythmic agents. Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia can reduce the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic agents. In some cases, these disorders can exaggerate the degree of QTc prolongation and increase the potential for torsade de pointes. Hyperkalemia can potentiate the toxic effects of antiarrhythmic agents. Electrolyte imbalance should be corrected prior to initiating antiarrhythmic therapy. Clinical monitoring of cardiac function and electrolyte concentrations is recommended.
Moderate:
bitolterol
Bitolterol has a moderate potential interaction with Hypokalemia.
Adrenergic bronchodilators may cause decreases in serum potassium concentrations, primarily when given by nebulization or intravenous administration. Although this effect is usually transient and does not require supplementation, clinically significant hypokalemia may occur in some patients, with the potential to induce cardiovascular adverse effects. The relevance of these observations to oral or oral aerosol/powder for inhalation therapy is unknown. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to hypokalemia.
Hypotension
Major:
amiodarone
Amiodarone has a major potential interaction with Hypotension.
Antiarrhythmic agents can induce severe hypotension (particularly with IV administration) or induce or worsen congestive heart failure (CHF). Patients with primary cardiomyopathy or inadequately compensated CHF are at increased risk. Antiarrhythmic agents should be administered cautiously and dosage and/or frequency of administration modified in patients with hypotension or adequately compensated CHF. Alternative therapy should be considered unless these conditions are secondary to cardiac arrhythmia.
Liver Disease
Moderate:
amiodarone
Amiodarone has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
There have been rare reports of fatal hepatocellular necrosis after treatment with amiodarone. In patients with life-threatening arrhythmias, the potential risk of hepatic injury should be weighed against the potential benefit of amiodarone therapy. Patients with hepatic impairment should be monitored for evidence of progressive hepatic injury. Consideration should be given to reducing the rate of administration or withdrawing treatment if needed.
Magnesium Imbalance
Moderate:
amiodarone
Amiodarone has a moderate potential interaction with Magnesium Imbalance.
Electrolyte imbalance can alter the therapeutic effectiveness of antiarrhythmic agents. Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia can reduce the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic agents. In some cases, these disorders can exaggerate the degree of QTc prolongation and increase the potential for torsade de pointes. Hyperkalemia can potentiate the toxic effects of antiarrhythmic agents. Electrolyte imbalance should be corrected prior to initiating antiarrhythmic therapy. Clinical monitoring of cardiac function and electrolyte concentrations is recommended.
Neurological Disorders
Moderate:
amiodarone
Amiodarone has a moderate potential interaction with Neurological Disorders.
Reversible and dose-related nervous system toxicity such as dizziness, paresthesia, tremor and involuntary movements, lack of coordination, abnormal gait and ataxia is commonly noted in patients receiving amiodarone. Therapy with amiodarone should be administered cautiously and dosage modifications considered in patients with or predisposed to neurologic dysfunction.
Parkinsonism
Moderate:
amiodarone
Amiodarone has a moderate potential interaction with Parkinsonism.
Reversible and dose-related nervous system toxicity such as dizziness, paresthesia, tremor and involuntary movements, lack of coordination, abnormal gait and ataxia is commonly noted in patients receiving amiodarone. Therapy with amiodarone should be administered cautiously and dosage modifications considered in patients with or predisposed to neurologic dysfunction.
Psoriasis
Major:
amiodarone
Amiodarone has a major potential interaction with Psoriasis.
The use of certain antimalarial agents is contraindicated in patients with known prolongation of QT interval as these patients can develop fatal arrhythmias. These drugs should also be avoided in patients with clinical conditions known to prolong the QT interval, such as uncorrected hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, bradycardia, and certain other cardiac conditions. Caution is advised in patients taking other medications that can prolong the QT interval.
Pulmonary Impairment
Major:
amiodarone
Amiodarone has a major potential interaction with Pulmonary Impairment.
Pulmonary toxicities such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis or interstitial/alveolar pneumonitis are potentially fatal (approximately 10% of the time) and have occurred in as many as 10% to 17% of patients administered daily dosages of approximately 400 mg of amiodarone. More frequently, asymptomatic abnormal diffusion capacity has been observed. Patients with preexisting pulmonary dysfunction does not appear to have an increased risk of pulmonary toxicity; however, they have a poorer prognosis if toxicity does develop. Thus, the risks and benefits of amiodarone therapy should be weighed carefully. Clinical monitoring of pulmonary function, including chest X-ray (baseline and every 3 to 6 months) and pulmonary function tests (with diffusion capacity), is recommended in all patients receiving amiodarone therapy. Any new respiratory symptom during treatment should be evaluated promptly and thoroughly, since toxicity is more likely to be reversible if diagnosed and managed early. Patients who develop hypersensitivity pneumonitis should be withdrawn permanently from amiodarone therapy and treated with steroids. In the case of interstitial/alveolar pneumonitis, steroid therapy and dosage reduction or discontinuation of amiodarone, if possible, usually result in clinical improvement. Subsequent rechallenge with amiodarone at reduced dosages does not always lead to return of toxicity and may be considered in some patients. The use of a lower loading dose and maintenance doses may also decrease the incidence of amiodarone- induced pulmonary toxicity.
Seizures
Moderate:
bitolterol
Bitolterol has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.
Adrenergic bronchodilators may cause CNS stimulation. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with seizure disorders. Systemic adverse effects are minimized, but not abolished, by administration of these agents via oral inhalation.
Underactive Thyroid
Moderate:
amiodarone
Amiodarone has a moderate potential interaction with Underactive Thyroid.
Amiodarone inhibits peripheral conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3) and also contributes inorganic iodine that can result in altered thyroid function tests, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism. Therapy with amiodarone should be administered cautiously in patients with thyroid dysfunction. Clinical monitoring, including baseline and periodic evaluation of thyroid function is recommended. Modification of thyroid therapy may be necessary.
Visual Defect/Disturbance
Major:
amiodarone
Amiodarone has a major potential interaction with Visual Defect/Disturbance.
Optic neuropathy and/or neuritis has occurred during administration of amiodarone and has resulted in visual impairment such as changes in visual acuity, decrease in peripheral vision, and blindness. Optic toxicity can occur at any time following initiation of amiodarone. Therapy with amiodarone should be administered cautiously in patients with visual defects. Regular ophthalmologic examinations including fundoscopy and slit- lamp examinations are recommended.
More resources
amiodarone
A total of 782 drugs are known to interact with amiodarone.
- Amiodarone is in the drug class group III antiarrhythmics.
- Amiodarone is used to treat the following conditions:
bitolterol
A total of 396 drugs are known to interact with bitolterol.
- Bitolterol is in the drug class adrenergic bronchodilators.
- Bitolterol is used to treat the following conditions:
Drug Interaction Classification
| Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
| Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
| Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan. | |
| No interaction information available. |
Further information
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