Drug interactions
Metoprolol + Nitroglycerin rectal
Severity: Moderate
Metoprolol 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
Metoprolol blunts the reflex tachycardia caused by nitroglycerin, while the vasodilator's blood pressure-lowering effect continues. The combination is often used in angina but can cause excess hypotension, dizziness or syncope.
What this interaction means in plain words
Metoprolol 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.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic hypotension, with beta-blockade suppressing compensatory reflex tachycardia.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and heart rate, particularly when starting or raising doses. Advise the patient to rise slowly and reduce a dose if symptomatic hypotension 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?
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Other interactions of Metoprolol
- Metoprolol + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amifostine + Metoprolol Major
- Amiodarone + Metoprolol Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Metoprolol Major
- Atenolol + Metoprolol Major
- Betaxolol + Metoprolol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Metoprolol with Nitroglycerin rectal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Metoprolol 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. Metoprolol blunts the reflex tachycardia caused by nitroglycerin, while the vasodilator's blood pressure-lowering effect continues. The combination is often used in angina but can cause excess hypotension, dizziness or syncope.
How serious is the interaction between Metoprolol 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 heart rate, particularly when starting or raising doses. Advise the patient to rise slowly and reduce a dose if symptomatic hypotension occurs.
What other medicines interact with Metoprolol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metoprolol with, for example, Thioridazine, Amifostine, Amiodarone. The full list is on the Metoprolol page.
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