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Drug interactions

Labetalol + Nitroglycerin rectal

Severity: Moderate

Labetalol and Nitroglycerin rectal: 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

Nitroglycerin lowers blood pressure through vasodilation, and labetalol adds to this while blunting the reflex tachycardia. Hypotension may be greater, though the combination is sometimes used deliberately in angina.

What this interaction means in plain words

Labetalol and Nitroglycerin rectal 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.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive vasodilation and hypotension, with beta blockade preventing reflex tachycardia.

What to do

Monitor blood pressure and symptoms of hypotension when starting or increasing nitroglycerin. Reduce doses if dizziness or syncope occurs.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Labetalol with Nitroglycerin rectal?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Labetalol and Nitroglycerin rectal 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. Nitroglycerin lowers blood pressure through vasodilation, and labetalol adds to this while blunting the reflex tachycardia. Hypotension may be greater, though the combination is sometimes used deliberately in angina.

How serious is the interaction between Labetalol and Nitroglycerin rectal?

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 blood pressure and symptoms of hypotension when starting or increasing nitroglycerin. Reduce doses if dizziness or syncope occurs.

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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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