Drug interactions
Norepinephrine + Terbutaline
Severity: Moderate
Norepinephrine 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
Norepinephrine is a potent vasopressor and terbutaline is a beta-2 agonist with systemic effects, so together they can intensify tachycardia, arrhythmias and blood pressure changes. Hypokalemia from terbutaline may further increase arrhythmia risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Norepinephrine 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 adrenergic receptor stimulation, with beta-2 mediated potassium shift into cells.
What to do
Monitor ECG, heart rate, blood pressure and serum potassium during coadministration, and correct hypokalemia. Titrate norepinephrine to the hemodynamic target.
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 Norepinephrine with Terbutaline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Norepinephrine 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. Norepinephrine is a potent vasopressor and terbutaline is a beta-2 agonist with systemic effects, so together they can intensify tachycardia, arrhythmias and blood pressure changes. Hypokalemia from terbutaline may further increase arrhythmia risk.
How serious is the interaction between Norepinephrine 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: Monitor ECG, heart rate, blood pressure and serum potassium during coadministration, and correct hypokalemia. Titrate norepinephrine to the hemodynamic target.
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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