Drug interactions
Propafenone + Timolol
Severity: Major
Propafenone and Timolol: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Propafenone inhibits CYP2D6 and may increase timolol exposure, and it also has beta-blocking and negative inotropic properties of its own. The combination can cause marked bradycardia, AV block and hypotension.
What this interaction means in plain words
Propafenone and Timolol 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.
Propafenone belongs to Cardiovascular; Timolol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
CYP2D6 inhibition reduces timolol clearance, with additive beta-blocking and conduction-slowing effects.
What to do
Monitor heart rate, ECG and blood pressure closely, and reduce the timolol dose if bradycardia or conduction delay occurs. Consider an alternative if conduction disease is present.
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?
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References
Other interactions of Timolol
- Acebutolol + Timolol Major
- Aldesleukin + Timolol Major
- Amifostine + Timolol Major
- Amiodarone + Timolol Major
- Arformoterol + Timolol Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Timolol Major
Other interactions of Propafenone
- Dofetilide + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nirmatrelvir + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Propafenone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Propafenone with Timolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Propafenone and Timolol 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. Propafenone inhibits CYP2D6 and may increase timolol exposure, and it also has beta-blocking and negative inotropic properties of its own. The combination can cause marked bradycardia, AV block and hypotension.
How serious is the interaction between Propafenone and Timolol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor heart rate, ECG and blood pressure closely, and reduce the timolol dose if bradycardia or conduction delay occurs. Consider an alternative if conduction disease is present.
What other medicines interact with Timolol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Timolol with, for example, Acebutolol, Aldesleukin, Amifostine. The full list is on the Timolol page.
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