Drug interactions
Ephedrine + Propranolol
Severity: Moderate
Ephedrine and Propranolol: 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
Non-selective beta blockade reduces the cardiac and bronchodilator effects of ephedrine. Unopposed alpha-mediated vasoconstriction may cause hypertension with reflex bradycardia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ephedrine and Propranolol 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; Propranolol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Propranolol antagonizes beta-adrenergic effects of ephedrine, leaving alpha-adrenergic pressor effects unopposed.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and heart rate when ephedrine is used in patients on propranolol. Expect reduced bronchodilator effect and consider alternative therapy for asthma.
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 Propranolol
- Propranolol + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Propranolol Major
- Adrenaline-articaine + Propranolol Major
- Amifostine + Propranolol Major
- Amiodarone + Propranolol Major
- Arformoterol + Propranolol 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 Propranolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ephedrine and Propranolol 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. Non-selective beta blockade reduces the cardiac and bronchodilator effects of ephedrine. Unopposed alpha-mediated vasoconstriction may cause hypertension with reflex bradycardia.
How serious is the interaction between Ephedrine and Propranolol?
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 when ephedrine is used in patients on propranolol. Expect reduced bronchodilator effect and consider alternative therapy for asthma.
What other medicines interact with Propranolol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Propranolol with, for example, Thioridazine, Acebutolol, Adrenaline-articaine. The full list is on the Propranolol page.
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