Drug interactions
Glucagon intranasal + Labetalol
Severity: Minor
Glucagon intranasal and Labetalol: 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 can briefly raise heart rate and blood pressure through catecholamine release, and in patients taking beta-blockers this rise may be more marked because of unopposed alpha stimulation. The effect is usually short-lived after a single rescue dose. Labetalol's alpha blockade offsets this partly.
What this interaction means in plain words
Glucagon intranasal and Labetalol have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Glucagon-induced catecholamine release may cause transient pressor and chronotropic effects that are altered by beta blockade.
What to do
Give glucagon as needed for severe hypoglycemia and monitor blood pressure and pulse afterwards. Be aware that beta-blockers can also mask hypoglycemia symptoms.
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 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 Glucagon intranasal with Labetalol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Glucagon intranasal and Labetalol 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 can briefly raise heart rate and blood pressure through catecholamine release, and in patients taking beta-blockers this rise may be more marked because of unopposed alpha stimulation. The effect is usually short-lived after a single rescue dose. Labetalol's alpha blockade offsets this partly.
How serious is the interaction between Glucagon intranasal and Labetalol?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Give glucagon as needed for severe hypoglycemia and monitor blood pressure and pulse afterwards. Be aware that beta-blockers can also mask hypoglycemia symptoms.
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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