Drug interactions
Atenolol + Dihydroergotamine
Severity: Moderate
Atenolol and Dihydroergotamine: 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
Dihydroergotamine causes vasoconstriction, and beta-blockers may blunt beta-2 mediated vasodilation. This can worsen peripheral ischemia or vasospasm, although the effect is uncommon with dihydroergotamine.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atenolol and Dihydroergotamine 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; Dihydroergotamine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive vasoconstriction from ergot alpha-agonism with loss of beta-2 mediated vasodilation.
What to do
Monitor for cold extremities, numbness, or pain suggesting peripheral ischemia. Stop dihydroergotamine if these signs appear.
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
Other interactions of Dihydroergotamine
- Almotriptan + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Dopamine Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Eletriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atenolol with Dihydroergotamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atenolol and Dihydroergotamine 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. Dihydroergotamine causes vasoconstriction, and beta-blockers may blunt beta-2 mediated vasodilation. This can worsen peripheral ischemia or vasospasm, although the effect is uncommon with dihydroergotamine.
How serious is the interaction between Atenolol and Dihydroergotamine?
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 for cold extremities, numbness, or pain suggesting peripheral ischemia. Stop dihydroergotamine if these signs appear.
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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