Drug interactions
Epinephrine + Labetalol
Severity: Major
Epinephrine and Labetalol: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 blocks the beta-effects of epinephrine, which can leave alpha-mediated vasoconstriction unopposed and cause hypertension with reflex bradycardia. Epinephrine may also be less effective for bronchospasm or anaphylaxis.
What this interaction means in plain words
Epinephrine and Labetalol can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Epinephrine belongs to Endocrine; Labetalol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism: nonselective beta-blockade removes beta-mediated vasodilation and cardiac stimulation, unmasking alpha effects.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and heart rate when epinephrine is given to patients on labetalol. In anaphylaxis unresponsive to epinephrine, consider glucagon.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Epinephrine and Labetalol, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
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 Epinephrine
- Epinephrine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Epinephrine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Epinephrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Epinephrine Major
- Amitriptyline + Epinephrine Major
- Amoxapine + Epinephrine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Epinephrine with Labetalol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Epinephrine and Labetalol can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Labetalol blocks the beta-effects of epinephrine, which can leave alpha-mediated vasoconstriction unopposed and cause hypertension with reflex bradycardia. Epinephrine may also be less effective for bronchospasm or anaphylaxis.
How serious is the interaction between Epinephrine and Labetalol?
MediHelp rates it major, 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 epinephrine is given to patients on labetalol. In anaphylaxis unresponsive to epinephrine, consider glucagon.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
