Drug interactions
Atenolol + Phenobarbital
Severity: Minor
Atenolol and Phenobarbital: minor 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
Phenobarbital is a strong enzyme inducer that lowers the levels of beta-blockers metabolized in the liver. Atenolol is mainly cleared by the kidney, so a meaningful loss of effect is unlikely. Additive sedation and hypotension may occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atenolol and Phenobarbital have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Induction of hepatic metabolism by phenobarbital, with little effect on the renally eliminated atenolol.
What to do
Monitor heart rate and blood pressure when phenobarbital is started or withdrawn, and adjust the atenolol dose only if the response changes.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Atenolol and Phenobarbital, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
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 Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Atenolol and Phenobarbital have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Phenobarbital is a strong enzyme inducer that lowers the levels of beta-blockers metabolized in the liver. Atenolol is mainly cleared by the kidney, so a meaningful loss of effect is unlikely. Additive sedation and hypotension may occur.
How serious is the interaction between Atenolol and Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor heart rate and blood pressure when phenobarbital is started or withdrawn, and adjust the atenolol dose only if the response changes.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
