Drug interactions
Atenolol + Carvedilol
Severity: Major
Atenolol and Carvedilol: 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
Carvedilol is a nonselective beta blocker with alpha-1 blocking activity, so adding atenolol duplicates beta blockade. This can cause excessive bradycardia, hypotension and AV block.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atenolol and Carvedilol 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.
Atenolol belongs to Cardiovascular; Carvedilol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic beta-adrenergic blockade, with added alpha-1 blockade from carvedilol.
What to do
Avoid combining them and use one beta blocker. If overlap occurs during a change, monitor heart rate and blood pressure.
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 Atenolol
- Amifostine + Atenolol Major
- Amiodarone + Atenolol Major
- Atenolol + Atenolol-chlorthalidone Major
- Atenolol + Betaxolol Major
- Atenolol + Bisoprolol Major
- Atenolol + Clonidine Major
Other interactions of Carvedilol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atenolol with Carvedilol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Atenolol and Carvedilol 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. Carvedilol is a nonselective beta blocker with alpha-1 blocking activity, so adding atenolol duplicates beta blockade. This can cause excessive bradycardia, hypotension and AV block.
How serious is the interaction between Atenolol and Carvedilol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid combining them and use one beta blocker. If overlap occurs during a change, monitor heart rate and blood pressure.
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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