Drug interactions
Carbenoxolone + Metolazone
Severity: Major
Carbenoxolone and Metolazone: major 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
Carbenoxolone has mineralocorticoid-like activity that causes potassium loss and sodium retention, adding to metolazone-induced hypokalemia. Severe hypokalemia may provoke arrhythmias and muscle weakness.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbenoxolone and Metolazone 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.
Why it happens
Carbenoxolone inhibits 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase causing mineralocorticoid excess, which adds to thiazide-like renal potassium wasting.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; otherwise monitor serum potassium and blood pressure closely and supplement potassium as needed.
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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Other interactions of Metolazone
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbenoxolone with Metolazone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Carbenoxolone and Metolazone 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. Carbenoxolone has mineralocorticoid-like activity that causes potassium loss and sodium retention, adding to metolazone-induced hypokalemia. Severe hypokalemia may provoke arrhythmias and muscle weakness.
How serious is the interaction between Carbenoxolone and Metolazone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible; otherwise monitor serum potassium and blood pressure closely and supplement potassium as needed.
What other medicines interact with Metolazone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metolazone with, for example, Amifostine, Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan, Amlodipine-olmesartan-hydrochlorothiazide. The full list is on the Metolazone page.
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