Drug interactions
Epinephrine + Pentamidine
Severity: Major
Epinephrine and Pentamidine: major 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
Pentamidine can prolong the QT interval and cause hypoglycemia and electrolyte disturbances, and epinephrine adds arrhythmogenic stimulation. The combination may raise the risk of ventricular arrhythmias.
What this interaction means in plain words
Epinephrine and Pentamidine 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; Pentamidine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive proarrhythmic effects from QT prolongation and catecholamine stimulation.
What to do
Avoid nonessential use of epinephrine with systemic pentamidine. Monitor ECG, potassium and magnesium.
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?
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Other interactions of Epinephrine
- Epinephrine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Epinephrine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Epinephrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Epinephrine Major
- Amitriptyline + Epinephrine Major
- Amoxapine + Epinephrine Major
Other interactions of Pentamidine
- Clomipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Moxifloxacin + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Nortriptyline + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Pentamidine + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Epinephrine with Pentamidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Epinephrine and Pentamidine 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. Pentamidine can prolong the QT interval and cause hypoglycemia and electrolyte disturbances, and epinephrine adds arrhythmogenic stimulation. The combination may raise the risk of ventricular arrhythmias.
How serious is the interaction between Epinephrine and Pentamidine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid nonessential use of epinephrine with systemic pentamidine. Monitor ECG, potassium and magnesium.
What other medicines interact with Epinephrine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Epinephrine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine. The full list is on the Epinephrine page.
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