Drug interactions
Atenolol + Salmeterol
Severity: Moderate
Atenolol and Salmeterol: 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 reduce the bronchodilator effect of salmeterol. At higher doses or in sensitive patients, atenolol may lose selectivity and provoke bronchospasm in people with asthma or COPD.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atenolol and Salmeterol 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; Salmeterol belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism at beta-adrenergic receptors, with loss of cardioselectivity at higher doses.
What to do
Use the lowest effective atenolol dose and monitor respiratory symptoms and peak flow. Consider a non-beta-blocker alternative in patients with significant reactive airway disease.
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 Salmeterol
- Ritonavir + Salmeterol Contraindicated
- Salmeterol + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Salmeterol Major
- Arformoterol + Salmeterol Major
- Atazanavir + Salmeterol Major
- Budesonide-formoterol + Salmeterol Major
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 Salmeterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atenolol and Salmeterol 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 reduce the bronchodilator effect of salmeterol. At higher doses or in sensitive patients, atenolol may lose selectivity and provoke bronchospasm in people with asthma or COPD.
How serious is the interaction between Atenolol and Salmeterol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective atenolol dose and monitor respiratory symptoms and peak flow. Consider a non-beta-blocker alternative in patients with significant reactive airway disease.
What other medicines interact with Salmeterol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Salmeterol with, for example, Ritonavir, Saquinavir, Amitriptyline. The full list is on the Salmeterol page.
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