Drug interactions
Betaxolol + Diltiazem
Severity: Major
Betaxolol 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 slows sinus and AV node conduction and reduces contractility, and betaxolol adds to these effects. This can lead to severe bradycardia, AV block, hypotension, or heart failure decompensation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Betaxolol 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.
Betaxolol belongs to Cardiovascular; Diltiazem belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive negative chronotropic, dromotropic, and inotropic effects; diltiazem may also inhibit CYP-mediated beta-blocker clearance.
What to do
Avoid in patients with conduction abnormalities or reduced ventricular function. If combined, use low doses and monitor ECG, heart rate, and blood pressure.
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 Betaxolol
- Acebutolol + Betaxolol Major
- Aldesleukin + Betaxolol Major
- Amifostine + Betaxolol Major
- Amiodarone + Betaxolol Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Betaxolol Major
- Atenolol + Betaxolol Major
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 Betaxolol with Diltiazem?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Betaxolol 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 slows sinus and AV node conduction and reduces contractility, and betaxolol adds to these effects. This can lead to severe bradycardia, AV block, hypotension, or heart failure decompensation.
How serious is the interaction between Betaxolol 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 reduced ventricular function. If combined, use low doses and monitor ECG, heart rate, and blood pressure.
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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