Drug interactions
Bisoprolol + Bretylium
Severity: Moderate
Bisoprolol and Bretylium: 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
Bretylium causes adrenergic neuron blockade and frequently produces hypotension, which can be additive with beta-blocker effects. Bradycardia and reduced cardiovascular compensation may also occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bisoprolol and Bretylium 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.
Why it happens
Additive hypotensive effects from adrenergic neuron blockade and beta-adrenergic receptor blockade.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and ECG continuously during bretylium use. Adjust or hold bisoprolol if hypotension or bradycardia develops.
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 Bisoprolol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bisoprolol with Bretylium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bisoprolol and Bretylium 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. Bretylium causes adrenergic neuron blockade and frequently produces hypotension, which can be additive with beta-blocker effects. Bradycardia and reduced cardiovascular compensation may also occur.
How serious is the interaction between Bisoprolol and Bretylium?
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 ECG continuously during bretylium use. Adjust or hold bisoprolol if hypotension or bradycardia develops.
What other medicines interact with Bisoprolol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Bisoprolol with, for example, Aldesleukin, Amifostine, Amiodarone. The full list is on the Bisoprolol page.
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