Drug interactions
Atenolol + Bretylium
Severity: Moderate
Atenolol and Bretylium: 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
Bretylium causes adrenergic neuron blockade and frequently produces hypotension, which atenolol can add to. Bradycardia and reduced cardiac output are possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atenolol and Bretylium 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.
Why it happens
Additive hypotensive effects from adrenergic neuron blockade and beta-blockade.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and heart rate continuously during bretylium use and adjust or hold atenolol if hypotension occurs.
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 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 Bretylium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atenolol and Bretylium 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. Bretylium causes adrenergic neuron blockade and frequently produces hypotension, which atenolol can add to. Bradycardia and reduced cardiac output are possible.
How serious is the interaction between Atenolol and Bretylium?
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 blood pressure and heart rate continuously during bretylium use and adjust or hold atenolol if hypotension occurs.
What other medicines interact with Atenolol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Atenolol with, for example, Amifostine, Amiodarone, Atenolol-chlorthalidone. The full list is on the Atenolol page.
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