Drug interactions
Betaxolol + Cocaine
Severity: Moderate
Betaxolol and Cocaine: 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
Cocaine causes coronary vasoconstriction and sympathetic stimulation. A beta blocker may leave alpha-mediated vasoconstriction unopposed, which could worsen hypertension and myocardial ischemia. This concern is mainly with systemic or illicit cocaine, while topical medical use has low systemic exposure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Betaxolol and Cocaine 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.
Betaxolol belongs to Cardiovascular; Cocaine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Beta blockade leaves alpha-adrenergic vasoconstriction from cocaine unopposed, with possible coronary vasospasm.
What to do
Avoid betaxolol in patients with acute cocaine intoxication and use alternatives such as benzodiazepines, nitrates or phentolamine. With topical cocaine at standard doses, monitor blood pressure and chest symptoms.
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 Betaxolol
- Acebutolol + Betaxolol Major
- Aldesleukin + Betaxolol Major
- Amifostine + Betaxolol Major
- Amiodarone + Betaxolol Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Betaxolol Major
- Atenolol + Betaxolol Major
Other interactions of Cocaine
- Cocaine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Cocaine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Cocaine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Cocaine Major
- Bisoprolol + Cocaine Major
- Citalopram + Cocaine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Betaxolol with Cocaine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Betaxolol and Cocaine 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. Cocaine causes coronary vasoconstriction and sympathetic stimulation. A beta blocker may leave alpha-mediated vasoconstriction unopposed, which could worsen hypertension and myocardial ischemia. This concern is mainly with systemic or illicit cocaine, while topical medical use has low systemic exposure.
How serious is the interaction between Betaxolol and Cocaine?
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 betaxolol in patients with acute cocaine intoxication and use alternatives such as benzodiazepines, nitrates or phentolamine. With topical cocaine at standard doses, monitor blood pressure and chest symptoms.
What other medicines interact with Betaxolol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Betaxolol with, for example, Acebutolol, Aldesleukin, Amifostine. The full list is on the Betaxolol page.
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