Drug interactions
Bretylium + Metoprolol
Severity: Moderate
Bretylium and Metoprolol: 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 metoprolol adds to this effect. Combined use can cause pronounced hypotension and bradycardia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bretylium and Metoprolol 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 hypotension from adrenergic neuron blockade by bretylium and beta-receptor blockade by metoprolol.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and heart rate continuously during bretylium use. Give fluids or vasopressors 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 Metoprolol
- Metoprolol + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amifostine + Metoprolol Major
- Amiodarone + Metoprolol Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Metoprolol Major
- Atenolol + Metoprolol Major
- Betaxolol + Metoprolol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bretylium with Metoprolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bretylium and Metoprolol 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 metoprolol adds to this effect. Combined use can cause pronounced hypotension and bradycardia.
How serious is the interaction between Bretylium and Metoprolol?
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 heart rate continuously during bretylium use. Give fluids or vasopressors if hypotension develops.
What other medicines interact with Metoprolol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metoprolol with, for example, Thioridazine, Amifostine, Amiodarone. The full list is on the Metoprolol page.
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