Drug interactions
Atenolol + Bismuth subsalicylate
Severity: Moderate
Atenolol and Bismuth subsalicylate: 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
Bismuth subsalicylate releases salicylate, which may inhibit renal prostaglandin synthesis, causing sodium and water retention and blunting the antihypertensive effect of beta-blockers. The effect is chiefly seen with regular high-dose salicylate use and is generally modest with short courses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atenolol and Bismuth subsalicylate 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.
Atenolol belongs to Cardiovascular; Bismuth subsalicylate belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Salicylate inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, causing sodium and fluid retention that opposes the antihypertensive effect.
What to do
Limit bismuth subsalicylate to short courses and monitor blood pressure if used repeatedly. Use an alternative antidiarrheal or antacid for prolonged treatment.
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?
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Other interactions of Bismuth subsalicylate
- Bismuth subsalicylate + Dichlorphenamide Major
- Bismuth subsalicylate + Warfarin Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Bismuth subsalicylate Moderate
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Bismuth subsalicylate Moderate
- Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate + Bismuth subsalicylate Moderate
- Aspirin rectal + Bismuth subsalicylate Moderate
Other interactions of Atenolol
- Amifostine + Atenolol Major
- Amiodarone + Atenolol Major
- Atenolol + Atenolol-chlorthalidone Major
- Atenolol + Betaxolol Major
- Atenolol + Bisoprolol Major
- Atenolol + Carvedilol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atenolol with Bismuth subsalicylate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atenolol and Bismuth subsalicylate 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. Bismuth subsalicylate releases salicylate, which may inhibit renal prostaglandin synthesis, causing sodium and water retention and blunting the antihypertensive effect of beta-blockers. The effect is chiefly seen with regular high-dose salicylate use and is generally modest with short courses.
How serious is the interaction between Atenolol and Bismuth subsalicylate?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Limit bismuth subsalicylate to short courses and monitor blood pressure if used repeatedly. Use an alternative antidiarrheal or antacid for prolonged treatment.
What other medicines interact with Bismuth subsalicylate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Bismuth subsalicylate with, for example, Dichlorphenamide, Warfarin, Acetylsalicylic acid. The full list is on the Bismuth subsalicylate page.
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