Drug interactions
Carvedilol + Terbutaline
Severity: Major
Carvedilol and Terbutaline: 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
Carvedilol is a non-selective beta-blocker that blocks beta-2 receptors and can reduce the bronchodilator effect of terbutaline. In patients with asthma or COPD this may precipitate bronchospasm and make acute attacks harder to treat.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carvedilol and Terbutaline 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.
Carvedilol belongs to Cardiovascular; Terbutaline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism at beta-2 adrenergic receptors by non-selective beta blockade.
What to do
Avoid carvedilol in patients with reactive airway disease who need terbutaline; prefer a cardioselective beta-blocker at the lowest dose if a beta-blocker is essential. Monitor respiratory function and response to terbutaline.
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 Terbutaline
Other interactions of Carvedilol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carvedilol with Terbutaline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Carvedilol and Terbutaline 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. Carvedilol is a non-selective beta-blocker that blocks beta-2 receptors and can reduce the bronchodilator effect of terbutaline. In patients with asthma or COPD this may precipitate bronchospasm and make acute attacks harder to treat.
How serious is the interaction between Carvedilol and Terbutaline?
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 carvedilol in patients with reactive airway disease who need terbutaline; prefer a cardioselective beta-blocker at the lowest dose if a beta-blocker is essential. Monitor respiratory function and response to terbutaline.
What other medicines interact with Terbutaline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Terbutaline with, for example, Droperidol, Fexinidazole, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Terbutaline page.
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