Drug interactions
Epinephrine + Terbutaline
Severity: Moderate
Epinephrine and Terbutaline: 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
Combining these sympathomimetics gives additive cardiovascular stimulation, with a risk of tachycardia, hypertension and arrhythmia. Both also lower serum potassium, which increases arrhythmic risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Epinephrine and Terbutaline 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.
Epinephrine belongs to Endocrine; Terbutaline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive beta-adrenergic agonism, including beta-2 mediated intracellular potassium shift.
What to do
Monitor heart rate, blood pressure and serum potassium, and use the lowest effective doses. Avoid routine concurrent use outside emergency situations.
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 Terbutaline
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 Terbutaline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Epinephrine and Terbutaline 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. Combining these sympathomimetics gives additive cardiovascular stimulation, with a risk of tachycardia, hypertension and arrhythmia. Both also lower serum potassium, which increases arrhythmic risk.
How serious is the interaction between Epinephrine and Terbutaline?
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 heart rate, blood pressure and serum potassium, and use the lowest effective doses. Avoid routine concurrent use outside emergency situations.
What other medicines interact with Terbutaline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Terbutaline with, for example, Carvedilol, Droperidol, Fexinidazole. The full list is on the Terbutaline page.
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