Drug interactions
Bisoprolol + Cocaine
Severity: Major
Bisoprolol and Cocaine: major 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
Cocaine stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors, and beta-blockade may leave this unopposed, increasing the potential for vasoconstriction, hypertension and coronary ischemia. This concern is most relevant with systemic or illicit cocaine, while topical medical use has low exposure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bisoprolol and Cocaine 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; Cocaine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Beta-blockade leaves cocaine-induced alpha-adrenergic vasoconstriction unopposed.
What to do
Avoid cocaine use in patients taking beta-blockers. If exposure occurs, treat hypertension and ischemia with vasodilators rather than additional beta-blockers.
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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Other interactions of Bisoprolol
Other interactions of Cocaine
- Cocaine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Cocaine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Cocaine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Cocaine Major
- Citalopram + Cocaine Major
- Clomipramine + Cocaine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bisoprolol with Cocaine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Bisoprolol and Cocaine 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. Cocaine stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors, and beta-blockade may leave this unopposed, increasing the potential for vasoconstriction, hypertension and coronary ischemia. This concern is most relevant with systemic or illicit cocaine, while topical medical use has low exposure.
How serious is the interaction between Bisoprolol and Cocaine?
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 cocaine use in patients taking beta-blockers. If exposure occurs, treat hypertension and ischemia with vasodilators rather than additional beta-blockers.
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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