Drug interactions
Nadolol + Phenylephrine
Severity: Moderate
Nadolol and Phenylephrine: 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
Nonselective beta-blockade leaves alpha-1 mediated vasoconstriction from phenylephrine unopposed and blunts reflex tachycardia compensation. This can produce a marked rise in blood pressure and reflex bradycardia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nadolol and Phenylephrine 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.
Nadolol belongs to Cardiovascular; Phenylephrine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Nonselective beta-blockade prevents beta-2 vasodilation and reflex cardiac compensation, unmasking alpha-1 pressor effects of phenylephrine.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and heart rate when systemic phenylephrine is given to patients on nadolol. Use lower phenylephrine doses and avoid oral decongestants in patients with hypertension.
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 Phenylephrine
- Isocarboxazid + Phenylephrine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Phenylephrine Contraindicated
- Phenylephrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Bromocriptine + Phenylephrine Major
- Cocaine + Phenylephrine Major
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Phenylephrine Major
Other interactions of Nadolol
- Acebutolol + Nadolol Major
- Adrenaline-articaine + Nadolol Major
- Albuterol + Nadolol Major
- Amifostine + Nadolol Major
- Amiodarone + Nadolol Major
- Arformoterol + Nadolol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nadolol with Phenylephrine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Nadolol and Phenylephrine 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. Nonselective beta-blockade leaves alpha-1 mediated vasoconstriction from phenylephrine unopposed and blunts reflex tachycardia compensation. This can produce a marked rise in blood pressure and reflex bradycardia.
How serious is the interaction between Nadolol and Phenylephrine?
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 when systemic phenylephrine is given to patients on nadolol. Use lower phenylephrine doses and avoid oral decongestants in patients with hypertension.
What other medicines interact with Phenylephrine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Phenylephrine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine. The full list is on the Phenylephrine page.
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