Drug interactions
Albuterol + Terbutaline
Severity: Moderate
Albuterol 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
Both are short-acting beta-2 agonists, so using them together duplicates therapy and increases tachycardia, tremor, hypokalemia and blood pressure effects. The risk is higher with high doses, cardiac disease or hypoxia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Albuterol 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 beta-2 adrenergic agonism with beta-mediated intracellular potassium shift.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use of two short-acting beta-agonists and choose one agent. If both were given, monitor heart rate and serum potassium.
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 Albuterol with Terbutaline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Albuterol 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. Both are short-acting beta-2 agonists, so using them together duplicates therapy and increases tachycardia, tremor, hypokalemia and blood pressure effects. The risk is higher with high doses, cardiac disease or hypoxia.
How serious is the interaction between Albuterol 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: Avoid concurrent use of two short-acting beta-agonists and choose one agent. If both were given, monitor heart rate and serum potassium.
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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