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Drug interactions

Amitriptyline + Metaproterenol

Severity: Moderate

Amitriptyline and Metaproterenol: moderate 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

Tricyclic antidepressants can potentiate the cardiovascular effects of beta-agonists such as metaproterenol, leading to tachycardia, arrhythmias and blood pressure changes. The risk is higher with oral dosing and in patients with heart disease.

What this interaction means in plain words

Amitriptyline and Metaproterenol can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Tricyclic inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake and anticholinergic effects add to beta-adrenergic stimulation.

What to do

Monitor heart rate, rhythm and blood pressure, and use the lowest effective beta-agonist dose. Consider an alternative if cardiovascular symptoms develop.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Should I take them at different times of day?
  • Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
  • Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Amitriptyline with Metaproterenol?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amitriptyline and Metaproterenol can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Tricyclic antidepressants can potentiate the cardiovascular effects of beta-agonists such as metaproterenol, leading to tachycardia, arrhythmias and blood pressure changes. The risk is higher with oral dosing and in patients with heart disease.

How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Metaproterenol?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor heart rate, rhythm and blood pressure, and use the lowest effective beta-agonist dose. Consider an alternative if cardiovascular symptoms develop.

What other medicines interact with Amitriptyline?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Amitriptyline with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Amitriptyline page.

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