Drug interactions
Betaxolol + Epinephrine
Severity: Major
Betaxolol and Epinephrine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Beta-blockers can reduce the effect of epinephrine, including in anaphylaxis, where response may be poor. Even with a cardioselective agent like betaxolol, unopposed alpha stimulation can cause hypertension and reflex bradycardia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Betaxolol and Epinephrine 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; Epinephrine belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Beta-receptor blockade antagonizes epinephrine's beta effects and leaves its alpha-mediated vasoconstriction unopposed.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and heart rate when epinephrine is given. In anaphylaxis unresponsive to epinephrine in a beta-blocked patient, give glucagon.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Betaxolol and Epinephrine, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
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 Epinephrine
- Epinephrine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Epinephrine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Epinephrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Epinephrine Major
- Amitriptyline + Epinephrine Major
- Amoxapine + Epinephrine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Betaxolol with Epinephrine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Betaxolol and Epinephrine 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. Beta-blockers can reduce the effect of epinephrine, including in anaphylaxis, where response may be poor. Even with a cardioselective agent like betaxolol, unopposed alpha stimulation can cause hypertension and reflex bradycardia.
How serious is the interaction between Betaxolol and Epinephrine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood pressure and heart rate when epinephrine is given. In anaphylaxis unresponsive to epinephrine in a beta-blocked patient, give glucagon.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
