Drug interactions
Labetalol + Terbutaline
Severity: Major
Labetalol 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
Labetalol is a nonselective beta-blocker with alpha-blocking activity and can blunt terbutaline's bronchodilator effect, possibly provoking bronchospasm in asthma or COPD. Terbutaline may in turn reduce the antihypertensive and heart-rate effects of labetalol.
What this interaction means in plain words
Labetalol 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.
Labetalol belongs to Cardiovascular; Terbutaline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism at beta-2 adrenergic receptors by a nonselective beta-blocker.
What to do
Avoid labetalol in patients with asthma or reversible airway disease who need terbutaline; choose a different antihypertensive class. If unavoidable, monitor respiratory function closely.
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?
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Other interactions of Terbutaline
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 Terbutaline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Labetalol 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. Labetalol is a nonselective beta-blocker with alpha-blocking activity and can blunt terbutaline's bronchodilator effect, possibly provoking bronchospasm in asthma or COPD. Terbutaline may in turn reduce the antihypertensive and heart-rate effects of labetalol.
How serious is the interaction between Labetalol 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 labetalol in patients with asthma or reversible airway disease who need terbutaline; choose a different antihypertensive class. If unavoidable, monitor respiratory function closely.
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.
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