Drug interactions
Betaxolol + Guanfacine
Severity: Moderate
Betaxolol and Guanfacine: 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
Both drugs lower heart rate and blood pressure, so additive bradycardia and hypotension may occur. If guanfacine is stopped abruptly while a beta blocker continues, rebound hypertension may be exaggerated.
What this interaction means in plain words
Betaxolol and Guanfacine 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; Guanfacine belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive sympatholytic effects from central alpha-2 agonism and beta blockade, with unopposed alpha activity during clonidine-like withdrawal.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and pulse after starting or changing doses. When stopping guanfacine, taper gradually and consider stopping the beta blocker only after guanfacine has been withdrawn.
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 Guanfacine
- Clonidine + Guanfacine Major
- Guanfacine + Lofexidine Major
- Aldesleukin + Guanfacine Moderate
- Amiodarone + Guanfacine Moderate
- Amisulpride + Guanfacine Moderate
- Amitriptyline + Guanfacine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Betaxolol with Guanfacine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Betaxolol and Guanfacine 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. Both drugs lower heart rate and blood pressure, so additive bradycardia and hypotension may occur. If guanfacine is stopped abruptly while a beta blocker continues, rebound hypertension may be exaggerated.
How serious is the interaction between Betaxolol and Guanfacine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood pressure and pulse after starting or changing doses. When stopping guanfacine, taper gradually and consider stopping the beta blocker only after guanfacine has been withdrawn.
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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