Drug interactions
Ephedrine + Timolol
Severity: Moderate
Ephedrine and Timolol: 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
Timolol blocks the beta effects of ephedrine, leaving alpha-mediated vasoconstriction unopposed. This can lead to hypertension with reflex bradycardia and reduced bronchodilator effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ephedrine and Timolol 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; Timolol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Nonselective beta-blockade antagonizes ephedrine's beta-agonist actions, unmasking its alpha-adrenergic pressor effects.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and heart rate when ephedrine is given to patients on timolol, and avoid it as a decongestant or bronchodilator where possible.
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 Timolol
- Acebutolol + Timolol Major
- Aldesleukin + Timolol Major
- Amifostine + Timolol Major
- Amiodarone + Timolol Major
- Arformoterol + Timolol Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Timolol 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 Timolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ephedrine and Timolol 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. Timolol blocks the beta effects of ephedrine, leaving alpha-mediated vasoconstriction unopposed. This can lead to hypertension with reflex bradycardia and reduced bronchodilator effect.
How serious is the interaction between Ephedrine and Timolol?
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 given to patients on timolol, and avoid it as a decongestant or bronchodilator where possible.
What other medicines interact with Timolol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Timolol with, for example, Acebutolol, Aldesleukin, Amifostine. The full list is on the Timolol page.
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