Drug interactions
Clonidine + Timolol
Severity: Major
Clonidine and Timolol: 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 lower heart rate and blood pressure, so together they can cause bradycardia and hypotension. If clonidine is stopped while a beta-blocker continues, rebound hypertension can be exaggerated.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clonidine and Timolol 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; Timolol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive effects of central sympatholysis and beta-blockade; unopposed alpha stimulation during clonidine withdrawal.
What to do
Monitor heart rate and blood pressure. When stopping, withdraw the beta-blocker several days before gradually tapering clonidine.
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 Timolol
- Acebutolol + Timolol Major
- Aldesleukin + Timolol Major
- Amifostine + Timolol Major
- Amiodarone + Timolol Major
- Arformoterol + Timolol Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Timolol 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 Timolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clonidine and Timolol 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 lower heart rate and blood pressure, so together they can cause bradycardia and hypotension. If clonidine is stopped while a beta-blocker continues, rebound hypertension can be exaggerated.
How serious is the interaction between Clonidine and Timolol?
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. When stopping, withdraw the beta-blocker several days before gradually tapering clonidine.
What other medicines interact with Timolol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Timolol with, for example, Acebutolol, Aldesleukin, Amifostine. The full list is on the Timolol page.
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