Drug interactions
Esmolol + Glucagon
Severity: Minor
Esmolol and Glucagon: minor 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
Glucagon exerts positive inotropic and chronotropic effects independent of beta receptors and is used to treat beta-blocker toxicity. It can therefore counteract the effects of esmolol.
What this interaction means in plain words
Esmolol and Glucagon have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Esmolol belongs to Cardiovascular; Glucagon belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Glucagon raises cAMP through its own receptors, bypassing blocked beta-adrenergic receptors.
What to do
No action needed except awareness; this effect is used therapeutically in beta-blocker overdose, with monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure and glucose.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Esmolol
- Acebutolol + Esmolol Major
- Amifostine + Esmolol Major
- Amiodarone + Esmolol Major
- Celiprolol + Esmolol Major
- Diltiazem + Esmolol Major
- Epinephrine racemic + Esmolol Major
Other interactions of Glucagon
- Atropine + Glucagon Moderate
- Benztropine + Glucagon Moderate
- Dicyclomine + Glucagon Moderate
- Diphenoxylate-atropine + Glucagon Moderate
- Glucagon + Glycopyrronium Moderate
- Glucagon + Hyoscyamine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Esmolol with Glucagon?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Esmolol and Glucagon have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Glucagon exerts positive inotropic and chronotropic effects independent of beta receptors and is used to treat beta-blocker toxicity. It can therefore counteract the effects of esmolol.
How serious is the interaction between Esmolol and Glucagon?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No action needed except awareness; this effect is used therapeutically in beta-blocker overdose, with monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure and glucose.
What other medicines interact with Esmolol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Esmolol with, for example, Acebutolol, Amifostine, Amiodarone. The full list is on the Esmolol page.
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