Drug interactions
Bretylium + Propranolol
Severity: Moderate
Bretylium and Propranolol: 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 causes hypotension through adrenergic neuron blockade, and propranolol adds negative inotropic and hypotensive effects. Together they can produce significant hypotension and bradycardia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bretylium and Propranolol 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 from adrenergic neuron blockade and beta-adrenergic receptor blockade.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and heart rate continuously during bretylium therapy and be ready to support circulation. Reduce or hold propranolol 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 Propranolol
- Propranolol + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Propranolol Major
- Adrenaline-articaine + Propranolol Major
- Amifostine + Propranolol Major
- Amiodarone + Propranolol Major
- Arformoterol + Propranolol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bretylium with Propranolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bretylium and Propranolol 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 causes hypotension through adrenergic neuron blockade, and propranolol adds negative inotropic and hypotensive effects. Together they can produce significant hypotension and bradycardia.
How serious is the interaction between Bretylium and Propranolol?
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 therapy and be ready to support circulation. Reduce or hold propranolol if hypotension develops.
What other medicines interact with Propranolol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Propranolol with, for example, Thioridazine, Acebutolol, Adrenaline-articaine. The full list is on the Propranolol page.
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