Drug interactions
Atenolol + Labetalol
Severity: Major
Atenolol and Labetalol: 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
Labetalol has beta and alpha-1 blocking activity, so adding atenolol duplicates beta blockade. This increases the risk of bradycardia, hypotension including orthostatic hypotension, and AV block.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atenolol and Labetalol 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; Labetalol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic beta-adrenergic blockade with added alpha-1 blockade.
What to do
Avoid using both and choose one agent. If switching, monitor heart rate and standing 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 + Carvedilol Major
Other interactions of Labetalol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atenolol with Labetalol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Atenolol and Labetalol 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. Labetalol has beta and alpha-1 blocking activity, so adding atenolol duplicates beta blockade. This increases the risk of bradycardia, hypotension including orthostatic hypotension, and AV block.
How serious is the interaction between Atenolol and Labetalol?
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 using both and choose one agent. If switching, monitor heart rate and standing 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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