Drug interactions
Ketamine + Propranolol
Severity: Moderate
Ketamine 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
Ketamine normally supports blood pressure through sympathetic stimulation, and beta-blockade can blunt this effect. Hypotension and reduced cardiac output may result, particularly in patients with limited cardiovascular reserve.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ketamine 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.
Ketamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Propranolol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Beta-blockade opposes ketamine-induced sympathetic stimulation, and both can have direct myocardial depressant effects.
What to do
Continue chronic beta-blockers perioperatively as indicated, but titrate ketamine carefully and monitor blood pressure and heart rate continuously.
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 Ketamine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ketamine with Propranolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ketamine 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. Ketamine normally supports blood pressure through sympathetic stimulation, and beta-blockade can blunt this effect. Hypotension and reduced cardiac output may result, particularly in patients with limited cardiovascular reserve.
How serious is the interaction between Ketamine 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: Continue chronic beta-blockers perioperatively as indicated, but titrate ketamine carefully and monitor blood pressure and heart rate continuously.
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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