Drug interactions
Atenolol + Salbutamol
Severity: Moderate
Atenolol and Salbutamol: 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 receptors and can reduce or abolish the bronchodilator effect of salbutamol. Even though atenolol is beta-1 selective, this selectivity is dose-dependent and bronchospasm may occur in asthma or COPD.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atenolol and Salbutamol 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; Salbutamol belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism at beta adrenoceptors.
What to do
Avoid beta-blockers in patients with significant asthma; if one is essential, use a cardioselective agent at the lowest dose and monitor respiratory function and response to salbutamol.
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 Salbutamol
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 Salbutamol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atenolol and Salbutamol 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 receptors and can reduce or abolish the bronchodilator effect of salbutamol. Even though atenolol is beta-1 selective, this selectivity is dose-dependent and bronchospasm may occur in asthma or COPD.
How serious is the interaction between Atenolol and Salbutamol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid beta-blockers in patients with significant asthma; if one is essential, use a cardioselective agent at the lowest dose and monitor respiratory function and response to salbutamol.
What other medicines interact with Salbutamol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Salbutamol with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Carvedilol, Droperidol. The full list is on the Salbutamol page.
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