Drug interactions
Bisoprolol + Lofexidine
Severity: Major
Bisoprolol and Lofexidine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Lofexidine lowers blood pressure and heart rate through central alpha-2 stimulation, and bisoprolol adds to these effects. The combination can cause symptomatic bradycardia, hypotension and syncope, and lofexidine also prolongs the QT interval.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bisoprolol and Lofexidine 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; Lofexidine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive hypotensive and bradycardic effects of central alpha-2 agonism and beta-blockade.
What to do
If combined, monitor pulse, blood pressure and ECG including QTc, and reduce the lofexidine dose if bradycardia or hypotension develops. Avoid in patients with baseline bradycardia or conduction disease.
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 Lofexidine
- Adagrasib + Lofexidine Major
- Alfuzosin + Lofexidine Major
- Amiodarone + Lofexidine Major
- Amisulpride + Lofexidine Major
- Anagrelide + Lofexidine Major
- Apomorphine + Lofexidine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bisoprolol with Lofexidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Bisoprolol and Lofexidine 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. Lofexidine lowers blood pressure and heart rate through central alpha-2 stimulation, and bisoprolol adds to these effects. The combination can cause symptomatic bradycardia, hypotension and syncope, and lofexidine also prolongs the QT interval.
How serious is the interaction between Bisoprolol and Lofexidine?
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 pulse, blood pressure and ECG including QTc, and reduce the lofexidine dose if bradycardia or hypotension develops. Avoid in patients with baseline bradycardia or conduction disease.
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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