Drug interactions
Esmolol + Terbutaline
Severity: Moderate
Esmolol 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
Beta-blockade can blunt the bronchodilator effect of terbutaline and, with less selective doses, may provoke bronchospasm in asthmatic patients. Esmolol is relatively beta-1 selective and short-acting, which limits but does not remove this risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Esmolol 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.
Esmolol belongs to Cardiovascular; Terbutaline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism at beta-adrenergic receptors; selectivity of esmolol is lost at higher doses.
What to do
Use the lowest effective esmolol dose and monitor respiratory status and heart rate. Stop esmolol if bronchospasm develops, since its effect wears off quickly.
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 Esmolol
- Acebutolol + Esmolol Major
- Amifostine + Esmolol Major
- Amiodarone + Esmolol Major
- Celiprolol + Esmolol Major
- Diltiazem + Esmolol Major
- Epinephrine racemic + Esmolol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Esmolol with Terbutaline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Esmolol 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. Beta-blockade can blunt the bronchodilator effect of terbutaline and, with less selective doses, may provoke bronchospasm in asthmatic patients. Esmolol is relatively beta-1 selective and short-acting, which limits but does not remove this risk.
How serious is the interaction between Esmolol 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: Use the lowest effective esmolol dose and monitor respiratory status and heart rate. Stop esmolol if bronchospasm develops, since its effect wears off quickly.
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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