Drug interactions
Pilocarpine + Propranolol
Severity: Minor
Pilocarpine and Propranolol: minor 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
Pilocarpine has cholinergic effects that may cause bradycardia or conduction disturbance, and propranolol can add to this. Bronchoconstriction may also be more likely with systemic pilocarpine in patients on non-selective beta-blockers.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pilocarpine and Propranolol have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Pilocarpine belongs to Miscellaneous; Propranolol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive effects on heart rate and conduction from muscarinic stimulation and beta blockade.
What to do
Monitor heart rate and respiratory symptoms, especially with oral pilocarpine. Use caution in patients with asthma or COPD.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Propranolol
- Propranolol + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Propranolol Major
- Adrenaline-articaine + Propranolol Major
- Albuterol + Propranolol Major
- Amifostine + Propranolol Major
- Amiodarone + Propranolol Major
Other interactions of Pilocarpine
- Amitriptyline + Pilocarpine Moderate
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Pilocarpine Moderate
- Atenolol + Pilocarpine Moderate
- Atropine + Pilocarpine Moderate
- Betaxolol + Pilocarpine Moderate
- Bethanechol + Pilocarpine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Pilocarpine with Propranolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Pilocarpine and Propranolol have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Pilocarpine has cholinergic effects that may cause bradycardia or conduction disturbance, and propranolol can add to this. Bronchoconstriction may also be more likely with systemic pilocarpine in patients on non-selective beta-blockers.
How serious is the interaction between Pilocarpine and Propranolol?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor heart rate and respiratory symptoms, especially with oral pilocarpine. Use caution in patients with asthma or COPD.
What other medicines interact with Propranolol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Propranolol with, for example, Thioridazine, Acebutolol, Adrenaline-articaine. The full list is on the Propranolol page.
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