Drug interactions
Caffeine + Terbutaline
Severity: Minor
Caffeine and Terbutaline: minor 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
Caffeine is a stimulant with cardiac effects, and combined with terbutaline it may add to tachycardia, tremor, nervousness and palpitations. The effect is usually modest at dietary caffeine intake but can matter with high intake or cardiac disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Caffeine and Terbutaline have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Caffeine belongs to Miscellaneous; Terbutaline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive stimulation through adenosine receptor antagonism and phosphodiesterase inhibition by caffeine alongside beta-2 agonism.
What to do
Advise limiting caffeine intake while on terbutaline, and monitor heart rate and tremor in patients with cardiac disease.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Terbutaline
Other interactions of Caffeine
- Caffeine + Ephedrine Major
- Caffeine + Fezolinetant Major
- Caffeine + Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Major
- Caffeine + Selegiline transdermal Major
- Adenosine + Caffeine Moderate
- Benzphetamine + Caffeine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Caffeine with Terbutaline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Caffeine and Terbutaline have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Caffeine is a stimulant with cardiac effects, and combined with terbutaline it may add to tachycardia, tremor, nervousness and palpitations. The effect is usually modest at dietary caffeine intake but can matter with high intake or cardiac disease.
How serious is the interaction between Caffeine and Terbutaline?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise limiting caffeine intake while on terbutaline, and monitor heart rate and tremor in patients with cardiac disease.
What other medicines interact with Terbutaline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Terbutaline with, for example, Carvedilol, Droperidol, Fexinidazole. The full list is on the Terbutaline page.
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