Drug interactions
Glucagon + Propranolol
Severity: Minor
Glucagon and Propranolol: 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
In patients on beta-blockers, glucagon may cause a transient rise in heart rate and blood pressure. Its hyperglycemic effect is generally preserved, and glucagon is sometimes used for beta-blocker overdose.
What this interaction means in plain words
Glucagon and Propranolol 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 belongs to Endocrine; Propranolol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Glucagon stimulates catecholamine release and has direct cardiac stimulation via glucagon receptors, which unmasks unopposed alpha effects under beta-blockade.
What to do
No dose change is usually needed; observe blood pressure and pulse after glucagon administration, particularly in patients with hypertension.
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 Propranolol
- Propranolol + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Propranolol Major
- Adrenaline-articaine + Propranolol Major
- Albuterol + Propranolol Major
- Amifostine + Propranolol Major
- Amiodarone + Propranolol Major
Other interactions of Glucagon
- Atropine + Glucagon Moderate
- Benztropine + Glucagon Moderate
- Dicyclomine + Glucagon Moderate
- Diphenoxylate-atropine + Glucagon Moderate
- Glucagon + Glycopyrrolate Moderate
- Glucagon + Glycopyrronium Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Glucagon with Propranolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Glucagon and Propranolol have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. In patients on beta-blockers, glucagon may cause a transient rise in heart rate and blood pressure. Its hyperglycemic effect is generally preserved, and glucagon is sometimes used for beta-blocker overdose.
How serious is the interaction between Glucagon and Propranolol?
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 dose change is usually needed; observe blood pressure and pulse after glucagon administration, particularly in patients with hypertension.
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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