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Drug interactions

Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Verapamil

Severity: Major

Atenolol-chlorthalidone and Verapamil: 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

Verapamil with atenolol can cause severe bradycardia, AV block, hypotension and acute heart failure. Risk is greatest with intravenous verapamil, conduction disease or reduced ventricular function.

What this interaction means in plain words

Atenolol-chlorthalidone and Verapamil 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; Verapamil belongs to Cardiovascular.

Evidence level: High

Why it happens

Additive negative chronotropic, dromotropic and inotropic effects of beta-blockade and non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockade.

What to do

Avoid, especially intravenous verapamil, and in patients with LV dysfunction or conduction defects. If used orally, monitor ECG, heart rate and blood pressure closely.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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References

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Atenolol-chlorthalidone with Verapamil?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Atenolol-chlorthalidone and Verapamil 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. Verapamil with atenolol can cause severe bradycardia, AV block, hypotension and acute heart failure. Risk is greatest with intravenous verapamil, conduction disease or reduced ventricular function.

How serious is the interaction between Atenolol-chlorthalidone and Verapamil?

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, especially intravenous verapamil, and in patients with LV dysfunction or conduction defects. If used orally, monitor ECG, heart rate and blood pressure closely.

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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