Drug interactions
Atenolol + Phentolamine
Severity: Moderate
Atenolol and Phentolamine: 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
Phentolamine is an alpha-blocking vasodilator and atenolol lowers blood pressure through beta blockade, so hypotension can be additive. Beta blockade also blunts the reflex tachycardia caused by phentolamine.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atenolol and Phentolamine 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; Phentolamine belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive hypotensive effects from alpha-adrenergic blockade and beta-adrenergic blockade.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and heart rate continuously with parenteral phentolamine and titrate cautiously. Keep fluids available for hypotension.
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 Phentolamine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atenolol with Phentolamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atenolol and Phentolamine 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. Phentolamine is an alpha-blocking vasodilator and atenolol lowers blood pressure through beta blockade, so hypotension can be additive. Beta blockade also blunts the reflex tachycardia caused by phentolamine.
How serious is the interaction between Atenolol and Phentolamine?
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 with parenteral phentolamine and titrate cautiously. Keep fluids available for hypotension.
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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