Drug interactions
Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Diltiazem
Severity: Major
Atenolol-chlorthalidone and Diltiazem: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Diltiazem and atenolol together can cause profound bradycardia, AV block, hypotension and heart failure exacerbation. Risk is higher in older patients and those with conduction disease or reduced ventricular function.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atenolol-chlorthalidone and Diltiazem can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Atenolol-chlorthalidone belongs to Cardiovascular; Diltiazem belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive negative chronotropic, dromotropic and inotropic effects from beta-blockade and non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockade.
What to do
Avoid in patients with conduction abnormalities or LV dysfunction. If used, monitor ECG, heart rate and blood pressure closely, especially at initiation.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Atenolol-chlorthalidone
Other interactions of Diltiazem
- Diltiazem + Flibanserin Contraindicated
- Diltiazem + Ivabradine Contraindicated
- Diltiazem + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Diltiazem + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Diltiazem Major
- Alfentanil + Diltiazem Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atenolol-chlorthalidone with Diltiazem?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Atenolol-chlorthalidone and Diltiazem can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Diltiazem and atenolol together can cause profound bradycardia, AV block, hypotension and heart failure exacerbation. Risk is higher in older patients and those with conduction disease or reduced ventricular function.
How serious is the interaction between Atenolol-chlorthalidone and Diltiazem?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid in patients with conduction abnormalities or LV dysfunction. If used, monitor ECG, heart rate and blood pressure closely, especially at initiation.
What other medicines interact with Atenolol-chlorthalidone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Atenolol-chlorthalidone with, for example, Acebutolol, Aldesleukin, Amiodarone. The full list is on the Atenolol-chlorthalidone page.
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