Drug interactions
Ephedrine + Esmolol
Severity: Moderate
Ephedrine and Esmolol: 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
Esmolol blocks the beta-adrenergic effects of ephedrine, reducing its cardiac stimulation and bronchodilation. Unopposed alpha stimulation by ephedrine can raise blood pressure and cause reflex bradycardia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ephedrine and Esmolol 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.
Ephedrine belongs to Cardiovascular; Esmolol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism of beta stimulation, leaving alpha-mediated vasoconstriction unopposed.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and heart rate and adjust doses to response. Avoid combining where possible in patients with hypertension.
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 Esmolol
- Acebutolol + Esmolol Major
- Amifostine + Esmolol Major
- Amiodarone + Esmolol Major
- Celiprolol + Esmolol Major
- Diltiazem + Esmolol Major
- Epinephrine racemic + Esmolol Major
Other interactions of Ephedrine
- Ephedrine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ephedrine with Esmolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ephedrine and Esmolol 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. Esmolol blocks the beta-adrenergic effects of ephedrine, reducing its cardiac stimulation and bronchodilation. Unopposed alpha stimulation by ephedrine can raise blood pressure and cause reflex bradycardia.
How serious is the interaction between Ephedrine and Esmolol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood pressure and heart rate and adjust doses to response. Avoid combining where possible in patients with hypertension.
What other medicines interact with Esmolol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Esmolol with, for example, Acebutolol, Amifostine, Amiodarone. The full list is on the Esmolol page.
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