Drug interactions
Amiodarone + Betaxolol
Severity: Major
Amiodarone and Betaxolol: 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
Both drugs slow sinus rate and AV conduction, and combining them can cause marked bradycardia, AV block or sinus arrest. The risk is highest in patients with existing conduction disease or at initiation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amiodarone and Betaxolol 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.
Amiodarone belongs to Cardiovascular; Betaxolol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive negative chronotropic and dromotropic effects, with amiodarone's beta-blocking and calcium-channel-like actions adding to beta-1 blockade.
What to do
Monitor ECG and heart rate closely when starting the combination and reduce the betaxolol dose if bradycardia occurs. Avoid in patients with significant conduction disease unless a pacemaker is in place.
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 Betaxolol
- Acebutolol + Betaxolol Major
- Aldesleukin + Betaxolol Major
- Amifostine + Betaxolol Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Betaxolol Major
- Atenolol + Betaxolol Major
- Betaxolol + Bisoprolol Major
Other interactions of Amiodarone
- Amiodarone + Amisulpride Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Eliglustat Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amiodarone with Betaxolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amiodarone and Betaxolol 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. Both drugs slow sinus rate and AV conduction, and combining them can cause marked bradycardia, AV block or sinus arrest. The risk is highest in patients with existing conduction disease or at initiation.
How serious is the interaction between Amiodarone and Betaxolol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor ECG and heart rate closely when starting the combination and reduce the betaxolol dose if bradycardia occurs. Avoid in patients with significant conduction disease unless a pacemaker is in place.
What other medicines interact with Betaxolol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Betaxolol with, for example, Acebutolol, Aldesleukin, Amifostine. The full list is on the Betaxolol page.
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