Drug interactions
Phenylephrine + Pirbuterol
Severity: Moderate
Phenylephrine and Pirbuterol: 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
Pirbuterol is a beta2-agonist that can raise heart rate and cause palpitations, and phenylephrine adds pressor activity. Concurrent use may result in additive cardiovascular stimulation, especially in patients with heart disease or hypertension.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phenylephrine and Pirbuterol 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 pharmacodynamic effects on heart rate and blood pressure.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and heart rate when systemic phenylephrine is used with pirbuterol. Avoid the combination in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or arrhythmia.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Phenylephrine with Pirbuterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Phenylephrine and Pirbuterol 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. Pirbuterol is a beta2-agonist that can raise heart rate and cause palpitations, and phenylephrine adds pressor activity. Concurrent use may result in additive cardiovascular stimulation, especially in patients with heart disease or hypertension.
How serious is the interaction between Phenylephrine and Pirbuterol?
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 used with pirbuterol. Avoid the combination in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or arrhythmia.
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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