Drug interactions
Glimepiride + Propranolol
Severity: Moderate
Glimepiride and Propranolol: 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
Propranolol can blunt the adrenergic warning symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor and palpitations, while sweating is preserved. It may also prolong hypoglycemia and modestly impair glycemic control.
What this interaction means in plain words
Glimepiride and Propranolol 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.
Glimepiride belongs to Endocrine; Propranolol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Non-selective beta-blockade suppresses adrenergic counter-regulation and glycogenolysis, and reduces insulin secretion.
What to do
Counsel the patient that sweating may be the main warning sign of hypoglycemia and monitor blood glucose more often. Consider a cardioselective beta-blocker if one is needed.
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 Propranolol
- Propranolol + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Propranolol Major
- Adrenaline-articaine + Propranolol Major
- Albuterol + Propranolol Major
- Amifostine + Propranolol Major
- Amiodarone + Propranolol Major
Other interactions of Glimepiride
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Glimepiride with Propranolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Glimepiride and Propranolol 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. Propranolol can blunt the adrenergic warning symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor and palpitations, while sweating is preserved. It may also prolong hypoglycemia and modestly impair glycemic control.
How serious is the interaction between Glimepiride and Propranolol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel the patient that sweating may be the main warning sign of hypoglycemia and monitor blood glucose more often. Consider a cardioselective beta-blocker if one is needed.
What other medicines interact with Propranolol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Propranolol with, for example, Thioridazine, Acebutolol, Adrenaline-articaine. The full list is on the Propranolol page.
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