Drug interactions
Carvedilol + Glucagon
Severity: Minor
Carvedilol and Glucagon: 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
Glucagon increases heart rate and contractility through a non-adrenergic pathway, so it can partly reverse beta-blocker effects and is used in beta-blocker overdose. In patients taking carvedilol, glucagon may transiently raise pulse and blood pressure, and this action is a therapeutic effect rather than a harmful interaction in most settings.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carvedilol and Glucagon have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Carvedilol belongs to Cardiovascular; Glucagon belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Glucagon stimulates cardiac cAMP production through glucagon receptors, bypassing blocked beta receptors.
What to do
No action is needed for routine use beyond awareness of transient haemodynamic changes. Monitor heart rate and blood pressure when glucagon is given for hypoglycaemia in patients on carvedilol.
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 Carvedilol
Other interactions of Glucagon
- Atropine + Glucagon Moderate
- Benztropine + Glucagon Moderate
- Dicyclomine + Glucagon Moderate
- Diphenoxylate-atropine + Glucagon Moderate
- Glucagon + Glycopyrronium Moderate
- Glucagon + Hyoscyamine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carvedilol with Glucagon?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Carvedilol and Glucagon have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Glucagon increases heart rate and contractility through a non-adrenergic pathway, so it can partly reverse beta-blocker effects and is used in beta-blocker overdose. In patients taking carvedilol, glucagon may transiently raise pulse and blood pressure, and this action is a therapeutic effect rather than a harmful interaction in most settings.
How serious is the interaction between Carvedilol and Glucagon?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No action is needed for routine use beyond awareness of transient haemodynamic changes. Monitor heart rate and blood pressure when glucagon is given for hypoglycaemia in patients on carvedilol.
What other medicines interact with Carvedilol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Carvedilol with, for example, Amifostine, Amiodarone, Arformoterol. The full list is on the Carvedilol page.
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