Drug interactions
Bretylium + Esmolol
Severity: Moderate
Bretylium and Esmolol: 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 frequently causes hypotension through adrenergic neuron blockade, and esmolol reduces cardiac output and blood pressure. Combined use may produce marked hypotension and bradycardia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bretylium and Esmolol 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 of adrenergic neuron blockade and beta-1 blockade.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and ECG continuously; reduce the esmolol infusion rate if hypotension 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 Esmolol
- Acebutolol + Esmolol Major
- Amifostine + Esmolol Major
- Amiodarone + Esmolol Major
- Celiprolol + Esmolol Major
- Diltiazem + Esmolol Major
- Epinephrine racemic + Esmolol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bretylium with Esmolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bretylium and Esmolol 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 frequently causes hypotension through adrenergic neuron blockade, and esmolol reduces cardiac output and blood pressure. Combined use may produce marked hypotension and bradycardia.
How serious is the interaction between Bretylium and Esmolol?
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; reduce the esmolol infusion rate if hypotension develops.
What other medicines interact with Esmolol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Esmolol with, for example, Acebutolol, Amifostine, Amiodarone. The full list is on the Esmolol page.
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