Drug interactions
Ephedrine + Labetalol
Severity: Moderate
Ephedrine 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
Labetalol can blunt the pressor and cardiac effects of ephedrine. Ephedrine given to treat hypotension in a patient taking labetalol may produce a weaker response. Unopposed alpha stimulation is less likely because labetalol also blocks alpha-1 receptors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ephedrine 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.
Ephedrine belongs to Cardiovascular; Labetalol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism: alpha and beta receptor blockade opposes the sympathomimetic action of ephedrine.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and heart rate and titrate ephedrine to response. Higher doses or a different vasopressor may be needed.
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 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 Labetalol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ephedrine 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. Labetalol can blunt the pressor and cardiac effects of ephedrine. Ephedrine given to treat hypotension in a patient taking labetalol may produce a weaker response. Unopposed alpha stimulation is less likely because labetalol also blocks alpha-1 receptors.
How serious is the interaction between Ephedrine 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: Monitor blood pressure and heart rate and titrate ephedrine to response. Higher doses or a different vasopressor may be needed.
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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