Drug interactions
Metaproterenol + Terbutaline
Severity: Moderate
Metaproterenol and Terbutaline: 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
Both are beta-2 agonist bronchodilators, so using them together adds up adrenergic effects including tachycardia, palpitations, tremor, raised blood pressure and hypokalemia. The combination offers little added bronchodilation and raises the risk of arrhythmia, particularly in patients with cardiac disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Metaproterenol and Terbutaline 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 beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation causing cardiovascular stimulation and intracellular potassium shift.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use of two systemic or scheduled beta-2 agonists where possible and use a single agent optimized in dose. If combined, monitor heart rate, blood pressure and serum potassium.
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 Terbutaline
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Metaproterenol with Terbutaline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Metaproterenol and Terbutaline 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. Both are beta-2 agonist bronchodilators, so using them together adds up adrenergic effects including tachycardia, palpitations, tremor, raised blood pressure and hypokalemia. The combination offers little added bronchodilation and raises the risk of arrhythmia, particularly in patients with cardiac disease.
How serious is the interaction between Metaproterenol and Terbutaline?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concurrent use of two systemic or scheduled beta-2 agonists where possible and use a single agent optimized in dose. If combined, monitor heart rate, blood pressure and serum potassium.
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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