Drug interactions
Isoproterenol + Terbutaline
Severity: Major
Isoproterenol and Terbutaline: major 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
Using two beta-agonists together adds to tachycardia, palpitations, tremor and hypokalemia, and increases the risk of arrhythmia and myocardial ischemia. Isoproterenol is a potent nonselective agent, so the combination is poorly justified.
What this interaction means in plain words
Isoproterenol and Terbutaline can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Isoproterenol belongs to Respiratory; Terbutaline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive beta-adrenergic stimulation of the heart and beta-2 mediated potassium shift.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use where possible. If unavoidable, monitor ECG, heart rate and serum potassium continuously.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Isoproterenol and Terbutaline, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Terbutaline
Other interactions of Isoproterenol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Isoproterenol with Terbutaline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Isoproterenol and Terbutaline can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Using two beta-agonists together adds to tachycardia, palpitations, tremor and hypokalemia, and increases the risk of arrhythmia and myocardial ischemia. Isoproterenol is a potent nonselective agent, so the combination is poorly justified.
How serious is the interaction between Isoproterenol and Terbutaline?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concurrent use where possible. If unavoidable, monitor ECG, heart rate and serum potassium continuously.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
