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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.

Evidence level: High

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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References

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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