Drug interactions
Betaxolol + Verapamil
Severity: Major
Betaxolol 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 depresses sinus and AV node function and contractility, and betaxolol adds to these effects. The combination can cause severe bradycardia, AV block, hypotension, and acute heart failure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Betaxolol 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.
Betaxolol belongs to Cardiovascular; Verapamil belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive negative chronotropic, dromotropic, and inotropic effects from calcium channel blockade and beta-blockade.
What to do
Avoid the combination when possible, especially with ventricular dysfunction or conduction disease. If used, start low 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 Verapamil
- Dofetilide + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Flibanserin + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Lomitapide + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Lonafarnib + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Verapamil Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Betaxolol with Verapamil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Betaxolol 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 depresses sinus and AV node function and contractility, and betaxolol adds to these effects. The combination can cause severe bradycardia, AV block, hypotension, and acute heart failure.
How serious is the interaction between Betaxolol 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 the combination when possible, especially with ventricular dysfunction or conduction disease. If used, start low 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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