Drug interactions
Ephedrine + Isoproterenol
Severity: Moderate
Ephedrine and Isoproterenol: 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
Ephedrine is a mixed-acting sympathomimetic and isoproterenol is a potent beta agonist, so together they can produce additive tachycardia, hypertension, palpitations and arrhythmias. Beta-2 stimulation by both may also lower serum potassium.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ephedrine and Isoproterenol 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; Isoproterenol belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive adrenergic effects from direct beta agonism and ephedrine-induced norepinephrine release plus direct receptor activity.
What to do
Monitor heart rate, blood pressure, ECG and potassium when combined. Use the lowest effective doses and stop or reduce one drug if arrhythmia develops.
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 Isoproterenol
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 Isoproterenol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ephedrine and Isoproterenol 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 is a mixed-acting sympathomimetic and isoproterenol is a potent beta agonist, so together they can produce additive tachycardia, hypertension, palpitations and arrhythmias. Beta-2 stimulation by both may also lower serum potassium.
How serious is the interaction between Ephedrine and Isoproterenol?
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 heart rate, blood pressure, ECG and potassium when combined. Use the lowest effective doses and stop or reduce one drug if arrhythmia develops.
What other medicines interact with Isoproterenol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Isoproterenol with, for example, Adrenaline-articaine, Bisoprolol, Budesonide-formoterol. The full list is on the Isoproterenol page.
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