Drug interactions
Hydrochlorothiazide + Pirbuterol
Severity: Moderate
Hydrochlorothiazide and Pirbuterol: 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
Pirbuterol drives potassium into cells while hydrochlorothiazide promotes renal potassium excretion, so combined use can cause significant hypokalemia. This increases the risk of arrhythmias, particularly in patients with cardiac disease or on digoxin.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrochlorothiazide and Pirbuterol 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.
Why it happens
Additive hypokalemia from beta-2 mediated cellular potassium uptake and thiazide-induced renal potassium loss.
What to do
Monitor serum potassium and magnesium, particularly at initiation and with frequent pirbuterol use. Supplement potassium or add a potassium-sparing agent if 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 Hydrochlorothiazide
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydrochlorothiazide with Pirbuterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hydrochlorothiazide and Pirbuterol 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. Pirbuterol drives potassium into cells while hydrochlorothiazide promotes renal potassium excretion, so combined use can cause significant hypokalemia. This increases the risk of arrhythmias, particularly in patients with cardiac disease or on digoxin.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrochlorothiazide and Pirbuterol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor serum potassium and magnesium, particularly at initiation and with frequent pirbuterol use. Supplement potassium or add a potassium-sparing agent if needed.
What other medicines interact with Hydrochlorothiazide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydrochlorothiazide with, for example, Dofetilide, Amifostine, Amiodarone. The full list is on the Hydrochlorothiazide page.
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