Drug interactions
Atenolol + Terbutaline
Severity: Moderate
Atenolol and Terbutaline: 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 can reduce or abolish the bronchodilator effect of terbutaline and may trigger bronchospasm in patients with asthma or COPD. Higher doses of the beta-agonist may be needed, which increases adverse effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atenolol and Terbutaline 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; Terbutaline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism at beta-adrenergic receptors; atenolol is beta-1 selective but selectivity is lost at higher doses.
What to do
Use the lowest effective dose of atenolol in patients with airway disease, or choose a non-beta-blocker alternative where possible. Monitor respiratory symptoms and response to terbutaline.
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 Terbutaline
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 Terbutaline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atenolol and Terbutaline 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 can reduce or abolish the bronchodilator effect of terbutaline and may trigger bronchospasm in patients with asthma or COPD. Higher doses of the beta-agonist may be needed, which increases adverse effects.
How serious is the interaction between Atenolol and Terbutaline?
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 dose of atenolol in patients with airway disease, or choose a non-beta-blocker alternative where possible. Monitor respiratory symptoms and response to terbutaline.
What other medicines interact with Terbutaline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Terbutaline with, for example, Carvedilol, Droperidol, Fexinidazole. The full list is on the Terbutaline page.
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