Drug interactions
Metoprolol + Terbutaline
Severity: Major
Metoprolol 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
Beta-blockers oppose the bronchodilator effect of terbutaline and can provoke bronchospasm, particularly in asthma or COPD. Metoprolol is relatively beta-1 selective, but selectivity is lost at higher doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Metoprolol 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.
Metoprolol belongs to Cardiovascular; Terbutaline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism at beta-adrenergic receptors, with partial beta-2 blockade at higher doses reducing terbutaline efficacy.
What to do
Avoid in patients with significant reactive airway disease where possible; if a beta-blocker is required use the lowest dose of a cardioselective agent. Monitor respiratory status and asthma control.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Metoprolol and Terbutaline, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Terbutaline
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 Terbutaline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Metoprolol 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. Beta-blockers oppose the bronchodilator effect of terbutaline and can provoke bronchospasm, particularly in asthma or COPD. Metoprolol is relatively beta-1 selective, but selectivity is lost at higher doses.
How serious is the interaction between Metoprolol 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 in patients with significant reactive airway disease where possible; if a beta-blocker is required use the lowest dose of a cardioselective agent. Monitor respiratory status and asthma control.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
