Drug interactions
Atenolol + Pirbuterol
Severity: Moderate
Atenolol and Pirbuterol: 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
Atenolol blocks beta-1 receptors and can blunt the bronchodilator effect of pirbuterol. Although atenolol is cardioselective, selectivity is lost at higher doses, so bronchospasm or reduced response to the inhaled beta-agonist may occur in patients with reactive airway disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atenolol and Pirbuterol 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.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism between a beta-blocker and a beta-2 agonist at beta-adrenergic receptors.
What to do
Monitor respiratory status and the response to pirbuterol, and keep the atenolol dose as low as possible. Consider a non-beta-blocker alternative if the patient has significant asthma or COPD.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atenolol with Pirbuterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atenolol and Pirbuterol 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 blocks beta-1 receptors and can blunt the bronchodilator effect of pirbuterol. Although atenolol is cardioselective, selectivity is lost at higher doses, so bronchospasm or reduced response to the inhaled beta-agonist may occur in patients with reactive airway disease.
How serious is the interaction between Atenolol and Pirbuterol?
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 respiratory status and the response to pirbuterol, and keep the atenolol dose as low as possible. Consider a non-beta-blocker alternative if the patient has significant asthma or COPD.
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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