Drug interactions
Labetalol + Physostigmine
Severity: Moderate
Labetalol and Physostigmine: 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
Physostigmine increases cholinergic tone and can cause bradycardia, and labetalol also slows heart rate and AV conduction. Together they may cause pronounced bradycardia or heart block, and physostigmine may also provoke bronchospasm in susceptible patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Labetalol and Physostigmine 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 bradycardic effects from acetylcholinesterase inhibition and beta-adrenergic blockade.
What to do
Monitor heart rate and ECG during physostigmine administration, and keep atropine available. Avoid or use cautiously in patients with conduction disease.
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 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 Labetalol with Physostigmine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Labetalol and Physostigmine 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. Physostigmine increases cholinergic tone and can cause bradycardia, and labetalol also slows heart rate and AV conduction. Together they may cause pronounced bradycardia or heart block, and physostigmine may also provoke bronchospasm in susceptible patients.
How serious is the interaction between Labetalol and Physostigmine?
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 heart rate and ECG during physostigmine administration, and keep atropine available. Avoid or use cautiously in patients with conduction disease.
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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