Drug interactions
Clonidine + Propranolol
Severity: Major
Clonidine and Propranolol: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Both drugs lower heart rate and blood pressure, so together they can cause marked bradycardia and hypotension. If clonidine is stopped abruptly while propranolol continues, rebound hypertension may be exaggerated because of unopposed alpha stimulation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clonidine and Propranolol 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.
Clonidine belongs to Cardiovascular; Propranolol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive sympathetic suppression (central alpha-2 agonism plus beta-blockade), with exaggerated rebound hypertension on clonidine withdrawal.
What to do
Monitor heart rate and blood pressure. If clonidine must be discontinued, stop the beta-blocker first, then taper clonidine gradually.
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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References
Other interactions of Propranolol
- Propranolol + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Propranolol Major
- Adrenaline-articaine + Propranolol Major
- Amifostine + Propranolol Major
- Amiodarone + Propranolol Major
- Arformoterol + Propranolol Major
Other interactions of Clonidine
- Acebutolol + Clonidine Major
- Amifostine + Clonidine Major
- Amiodarone + Clonidine Major
- Amoxapine + Clonidine Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Clonidine Major
- Atenolol + Clonidine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clonidine with Propranolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clonidine and Propranolol 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. Both drugs lower heart rate and blood pressure, so together they can cause marked bradycardia and hypotension. If clonidine is stopped abruptly while propranolol continues, rebound hypertension may be exaggerated because of unopposed alpha stimulation.
How serious is the interaction between Clonidine and Propranolol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor heart rate and blood pressure. If clonidine must be discontinued, stop the beta-blocker first, then taper clonidine gradually.
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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