Drug interactions
Terbutaline + Timolol
Severity: Major
Terbutaline and Timolol: major 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
Timolol is a non-selective beta-blocker and can antagonize terbutaline, reducing bronchodilation and possibly triggering bronchospasm. This applies to oral timolol and can also occur with ophthalmic timolol because of systemic absorption in sensitive asthmatic patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Terbutaline 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.
Terbutaline belongs to Respiratory; Timolol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Competitive blockade of beta-2 adrenoceptors by timolol opposes terbutaline's agonist effect.
What to do
Avoid timolol in patients who depend on terbutaline for airway disease and choose an alternative such as a prostaglandin analogue for glaucoma. If unavoidable, monitor respiratory status closely.
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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Other interactions of Terbutaline
Other interactions of Timolol
- Acebutolol + Timolol Major
- Albuterol + Timolol Major
- Aldesleukin + Timolol Major
- Amifostine + Timolol Major
- Amiodarone + Timolol Major
- Arformoterol + Timolol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Terbutaline with Timolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Terbutaline 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. Timolol is a non-selective beta-blocker and can antagonize terbutaline, reducing bronchodilation and possibly triggering bronchospasm. This applies to oral timolol and can also occur with ophthalmic timolol because of systemic absorption in sensitive asthmatic patients.
How serious is the interaction between Terbutaline 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: Avoid timolol in patients who depend on terbutaline for airway disease and choose an alternative such as a prostaglandin analogue for glaucoma. If unavoidable, monitor respiratory status closely.
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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