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Can you take Afrin with Bitolterol?

1 drug interaction and 13 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

bitolterol oxymetazoline nasal

Applies to: bitolterol and Afrin (oxymetazoline nasal)

Using bitolterol together with oxymetazoline nasal may increase cardiovascular side effects such as elevations in heart rate and blood pressure or irregular heart rhythm.

Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns, particularly if you have a history of high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or heart disease.

Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications.

It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

bitolterol Caffeine

Applies to: bitolterol

Both bitolterol and caffeine can increase blood pressure and heart rate, and combining them may enhance these effects.

Talk to your doctor before using these medications, especially if you have a history of high blood pressure or heart disease. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications.

Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects.

It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Disease interactions

12 potential interactions Applies to: 10 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Seizures, Hypokalemia, and Hyperthyroidism.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Moderate:

Afrin

The oxymetazoline nasal in Afrin has a moderate potential interaction with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

Topically applied sympathomimetic agents are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing clinically significant systemic effects, particularly during prolonged or indiscriminate use. In patients with prostate enlargement, urinary difficulty may develop or worsen due to smooth muscle contraction in the bladder neck via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Therapy with topical sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with hypertrophy or neoplasm of the prostate. It is important that the recommended dosages of the individual products not be exceeded.

Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders

Moderate:

Afrin

The oxymetazoline nasal in Afrin has a moderate potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.

Topically applied sympathomimetic agents are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing clinically significant systemic effects, particularly during prolonged or indiscriminate use. In cardiac tissues, these agents may produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects via stimulation of beta-1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and the work of the heart may be increased. In the peripheral vasculature, vasoconstriction may occur via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, and coronary occlusion have been reported rarely during the use of ophthalmic and nasal sympathomimetic agents, but may be more likely if the corneal epithelium is damaged or if an excessive amount of drug is swallowed during nasal administration. Therapy with topical sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with corneal abrasion, sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmia, or hypertension. The potent ophthalmic formulations (e.g., phenylephrine 2.5% or 10%) that are used for diagnostic and pre-surgical purposes should not be used in such patients. For other preparations, it is important that the recommended dosages of the individual products not be exceeded.

Cerebrovascular Insufficiency

Moderate:

Afrin

The oxymetazoline nasal in Afrin has a moderate potential interaction with Cerebrovascular Insufficiency.

Topically applied sympathomimetic agents are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing clinically significant systemic effects, particularly during prolonged or indiscriminate use. In cardiac tissues, these agents may produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects via stimulation of beta-1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and the work of the heart may be increased. In the peripheral vasculature, vasoconstriction may occur via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, and coronary occlusion have been reported rarely during the use of ophthalmic and nasal sympathomimetic agents, but may be more likely if the corneal epithelium is damaged or if an excessive amount of drug is swallowed during nasal administration. Therapy with topical sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with corneal abrasion, sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmia, or hypertension. The potent ophthalmic formulations (e.g., phenylephrine 2.5% or 10%) that are used for diagnostic and pre-surgical purposes should not be used in such patients. For other preparations, it is important that the recommended dosages of the individual products not be exceeded.

Diabetes Mellitus

Moderate:

Afrin

The oxymetazoline nasal in Afrin has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Topically applied sympathomimetic agents are systemically absorbed, particularly during prolonged or indiscriminate use. Slight increases in blood glucose concentrations may occur with the use of these drugs. Therapy with topical sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus. Closer monitoring of blood glucose concentrations may be appropriate. It is important that the recommended dosages of the individual products not be exceeded.

Moderate:

bitolterol

Bitolterol has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Adrenergic bronchodilators may cause increases in blood glucose concentrations. These effects are usually transient and slight, but may be significant with dosages higher than those normally recommended. Large doses of IV albuterol (not commercially available in the U.S.) and terbutaline sulfate have been reported to cause exacerbation of preexisting diabetes mellitus and ketoacidosis. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus. Closer monitoring of blood glucose concentrations may be appropriate. Systemic adverse effects are minimized, but not abolished, by administration of these agents via oral inhalation.

Heart Disease

Moderate:

bitolterol

Bitolterol has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Disease.

Adrenergic bronchodilators can stimulate cardiovascular beta- 1 and beta- 2 receptors, resulting in adverse effects such as tachycardia, palpitation, peripheral vasodilation, blood pressure changes, and ECG changes (e.g., flattening of the T wave; prolongation of the QT interval; ST segment depression). Direct stimulation of cardiac tissues is mediated by beta- 1 receptors and thus less likely to occur with beta-2-selective agents such as albuterol. However, beta-2-selectivity is not absolute and can be lost with larger doses. High dosages of these agents have been associated with precipitation or aggravation of angina, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac arrhythmias. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, and/or underlying cardiovascular disorders such as coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, or hypertension. The recommended dosages should not be exceeded.

High Blood Pressure

Moderate:

bitolterol

Bitolterol has a moderate potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.

Adrenergic bronchodilators can stimulate cardiovascular beta- 1 and beta- 2 receptors, resulting in adverse effects such as tachycardia, palpitation, peripheral vasodilation, blood pressure changes, and ECG changes (e.g., flattening of the T wave; prolongation of the QT interval; ST segment depression). Direct stimulation of cardiac tissues is mediated by beta- 1 receptors and thus less likely to occur with beta-2-selective agents such as albuterol. However, beta-2-selectivity is not absolute and can be lost with larger doses. High dosages of these agents have been associated with precipitation or aggravation of angina, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac arrhythmias. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, and/or underlying cardiovascular disorders such as coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, or hypertension. The recommended dosages should not be exceeded.

Hyperthyroidism

Moderate:

Afrin

The oxymetazoline nasal in Afrin has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

Topically applied sympathomimetic agents are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing clinically significant systemic effects, particularly during prolonged or indiscriminate use. In cardiac tissues, these agents may produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects via stimulation of beta-1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and the work of the heart may be increased. In the peripheral vasculature, vasoconstriction may occur via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, and coronary occlusion have been reported rarely during the use of ophthalmic and nasal sympathomimetic agents, but may be more likely if the corneal epithelium is damaged or if an excessive amount of drug is swallowed during nasal administration. Therapy with topical sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with corneal abrasion, sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmia, or hypertension. The potent ophthalmic formulations (e.g., phenylephrine 2.5% or 10%) that are used for diagnostic and pre-surgical purposes should not be used in such patients. For other preparations, it is important that the recommended dosages of the individual products not be exceeded.

Moderate:

bitolterol

Bitolterol has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

Adrenergic bronchodilators can stimulate cardiovascular beta- 1 and beta- 2 receptors, resulting in adverse effects such as tachycardia, palpitation, peripheral vasodilation, blood pressure changes, and ECG changes (e.g., flattening of the T wave; prolongation of the QT interval; ST segment depression). Direct stimulation of cardiac tissues is mediated by beta- 1 receptors and thus less likely to occur with beta-2-selective agents such as albuterol. However, beta-2-selectivity is not absolute and can be lost with larger doses. High dosages of these agents have been associated with precipitation or aggravation of angina, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac arrhythmias. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, and/or underlying cardiovascular disorders such as coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, or hypertension. The recommended dosages should not be exceeded.

Hypokalemia

Moderate:

bitolterol

Bitolterol has a moderate potential interaction with Hypokalemia.

Adrenergic bronchodilators may cause decreases in serum potassium concentrations, primarily when given by nebulization or intravenous administration. Although this effect is usually transient and does not require supplementation, clinically significant hypokalemia may occur in some patients, with the potential to induce cardiovascular adverse effects. The relevance of these observations to oral or oral aerosol/powder for inhalation therapy is unknown. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to hypokalemia.

Prostate Tumor, Benign

Moderate:

Afrin

The oxymetazoline nasal in Afrin has a moderate potential interaction with Prostate Tumor, Benign.

Topically applied sympathomimetic agents are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing clinically significant systemic effects, particularly during prolonged or indiscriminate use. In patients with prostate enlargement, urinary difficulty may develop or worsen due to smooth muscle contraction in the bladder neck via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Therapy with topical sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with hypertrophy or neoplasm of the prostate. It is important that the recommended dosages of the individual products not be exceeded.

Seizures

Moderate:

bitolterol

Bitolterol has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.

Adrenergic bronchodilators may cause CNS stimulation. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with seizure disorders. Systemic adverse effects are minimized, but not abolished, by administration of these agents via oral inhalation.

More resources

Afrin

A total of 62 drugs are known to interact with Afrin.

bitolterol

A total of 396 drugs are known to interact with bitolterol.

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.