Drug interactions
Cocaine + Labetalol
Severity: Moderate
Cocaine and Labetalol: moderate 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
Beta blockade in the presence of cocaine may leave alpha-mediated vasoconstriction unopposed, with a risk of hypertension and coronary vasospasm. Labetalol has some alpha blocking activity, which reduces but may not eliminate this concern. Systemic exposure from topical medical use is limited, so the risk is greatest with illicit or large-dose use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cocaine and Labetalol can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Cocaine belongs to Central Nervous System; Labetalol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Beta blockade can allow unopposed alpha-adrenergic vasoconstriction caused by cocaine's sympathomimetic effect.
What to do
Avoid beta blockers in acute cocaine toxicity with chest pain, and use benzodiazepines, nitrates or other agents instead. With topical medical cocaine, monitor blood pressure and heart rate.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Labetalol
- Amifostine + Labetalol Major
- Amiodarone + Labetalol Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Labetalol Major
- Atenolol + Labetalol Major
- Betaxolol + Labetalol Major
- Bisoprolol + Labetalol Major
Other interactions of Cocaine
- Cocaine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Cocaine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Cocaine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Cocaine Major
- Bisoprolol + Cocaine Major
- Citalopram + Cocaine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cocaine with Labetalol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cocaine and Labetalol can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Beta blockade in the presence of cocaine may leave alpha-mediated vasoconstriction unopposed, with a risk of hypertension and coronary vasospasm. Labetalol has some alpha blocking activity, which reduces but may not eliminate this concern. Systemic exposure from topical medical use is limited, so the risk is greatest with illicit or large-dose use.
How serious is the interaction between Cocaine and Labetalol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid beta blockers in acute cocaine toxicity with chest pain, and use benzodiazepines, nitrates or other agents instead. With topical medical cocaine, monitor blood pressure and heart rate.
What other medicines interact with Labetalol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Labetalol with, for example, Amifostine, Amiodarone, Atenolol-chlorthalidone. The full list is on the Labetalol page.
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