Drug interactions
Epinephrine racemic + Labetalol
Severity: Major
Epinephrine racemic 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 can reduce the effects of epinephrine, including in anaphylaxis, where response may be diminished. Beta blockade can also produce exaggerated hypertension with reflex bradycardia from unopposed alpha effects, though labetalol's own alpha blockade lessens this.
What this interaction means in plain words
Epinephrine racemic 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.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism at alpha and beta adrenergic receptors.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and heart rate closely when epinephrine is needed. In anaphylaxis refractory to epinephrine in a patient on a beta blocker, 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?
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References
Other interactions of Labetalol
- Amifostine + Labetalol Major
- Amiodarone + Labetalol Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Labetalol Major
- Atenolol + Labetalol Major
- Betaxolol + Labetalol Major
- Bisoprolol + Labetalol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Epinephrine racemic with Labetalol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Epinephrine racemic 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 can reduce the effects of epinephrine, including in anaphylaxis, where response may be diminished. Beta blockade can also produce exaggerated hypertension with reflex bradycardia from unopposed alpha effects, though labetalol's own alpha blockade lessens this.
How serious is the interaction between Epinephrine racemic 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 closely when epinephrine is needed. In anaphylaxis refractory to epinephrine in a patient on a beta blocker, 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.
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