Drug interactions
Bisoprolol + Clonidine
Severity: Major
Bisoprolol and Clonidine: 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
Both drugs lower heart rate and blood pressure, so together they may cause bradycardia and hypotension. Beta-blockers also exaggerate rebound hypertension if clonidine is stopped abruptly.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bisoprolol and Clonidine 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.
Bisoprolol belongs to Cardiovascular; Clonidine belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive effects: central sympatholytic action of clonidine plus beta-blockade, and unopposed alpha stimulation during clonidine withdrawal.
What to do
If combined, monitor heart rate and blood pressure. When stopping, withdraw the beta-blocker first and taper clonidine gradually over several days.
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 Bisoprolol
Other interactions of Clonidine
- Acebutolol + Clonidine Major
- Amifostine + Clonidine Major
- Amiodarone + Clonidine Major
- Amoxapine + Clonidine Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Clonidine Major
- Atenolol + Clonidine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bisoprolol with Clonidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Bisoprolol and Clonidine 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. Both drugs lower heart rate and blood pressure, so together they may cause bradycardia and hypotension. Beta-blockers also exaggerate rebound hypertension if clonidine is stopped abruptly.
How serious is the interaction between Bisoprolol and Clonidine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: If combined, monitor heart rate and blood pressure. When stopping, withdraw the beta-blocker first and taper clonidine gradually over several days.
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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