Skip to main content

Can you take Bitolterol with Esmolol?

1 drug interaction and 27 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

Add/remove drugs

Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

esmolol bitolterol

Applies to: esmolol and bitolterol

Using bitolterol together with esmolol may reduce the benefits of both medications, since they have opposing effects in the body.

In addition, bitolterol can sometimes cause narrowing of the airways, which may worsen your breathing problems or trigger severe asthmatic attacks.

You may not be able to use bitolterol if you have frequent asthma attacks or severe asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), or you may need a dose adjustment and more frequent monitoring of your lung function to safely use both medications.

Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact.

Let your doctor know if you experience wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or other breathing difficulties during treatment with these 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:

esmolol Alcohol (Ethanol)

Applies to: esmolol

Ethanol and esmolol may have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure.

You may experience headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or changes in pulse or heart rate, especially when treatment is started, the dose is changed, or treatment is restarted.

Tell your doctor promptly if these symptoms occur and seek urgent medical help if you faint or have severe dizziness.

Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you, and use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position.

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.

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

25 potential interactions Applies to: 23 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, Allergies, Heart Failure, Asthma, and COPD.

Allergies

Major:

esmolol

Esmolol has a major potential interaction with Allergies.

The use of beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) in patients with a history of allergic reactions or anaphylaxis may be associated with heightened reactivity to culprit allergens. The frequency and/or severity of attacks may be increased during beta-blocker therapy. In addition, these patients may be refractory to the usual doses of epinephrine used to treat acute hypersensitivity reactions and may require a beta-agonist such as isoproterenol.

Asthma

Moderate:

esmolol

Esmolol has a moderate potential interaction with Asthma.

Patients with bronchospastic disease, should, in general, not receive beta blockers, including cardioselective beta-blockers. Because of the relative beta-1 selectivity, cardioselective beta-blockers may be used in patients with bronchospastic disease who do not respond to, or cannot tolerate, other antihypertensive treatment. Because beta-1 selectivity is not absolute, the lowest possible dose of these agents should be used. Consider administering in smaller doses to avoid the higher plasma levels associated with the longer dosing intervals. If dosage must be increased, dividing the dose should be considered to achieve lower peak blood levels. It is recommended to have bronchodilators, including beta-2 agonists, readily available or administered concomitantly if necessary.

Cardiogenic Shock

Major:

esmolol

Esmolol has a major potential interaction with Cardiogenic Shock.

The use of beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) is contraindicated in patients with hypotension or cardiogenic shock. Due to their negative inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart, the use of beta-blockers is likely to further depress cardiac output and blood pressure, which can be detrimental in these patients.

Cerebrovascular Insufficiency

Moderate:

esmolol

Esmolol has a moderate potential interaction with Cerebrovascular Insufficiency.

Beta-adrenergic blocking agents (beta-blockers), should be used with caution in patients with cerebrovascular insufficiency because of their potential effects relative to blood pressure and pulse. If signs or symptoms suggesting reduced cerebral blood flow are observed, consideration should be given to discontinuing these agents.

COPD

Moderate:

esmolol

Esmolol has a moderate potential interaction with COPD.

Patients with bronchospastic disease, should, in general, not receive beta blockers, including cardioselective beta-blockers. Because of the relative beta-1 selectivity, cardioselective beta-blockers may be used in patients with bronchospastic disease who do not respond to, or cannot tolerate, other antihypertensive treatment. Because beta-1 selectivity is not absolute, the lowest possible dose of these agents should be used. Consider administering in smaller doses to avoid the higher plasma levels associated with the longer dosing intervals. If dosage must be increased, dividing the dose should be considered to achieve lower peak blood levels. It is recommended to have bronchodilators, including beta-2 agonists, readily available or administered concomitantly if necessary.

Diabetes Mellitus

Major:

esmolol

Esmolol has a major potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) may mask symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremors, tachycardia and blood pressure changes. In addition, the nonselective beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, pindolol, timolol) may inhibit catecholamine-mediated glycogenolysis, thereby potentiating insulin-induced hypoglycemia and delaying the recovery of normal blood glucose levels. Since cardioselectivity is not absolute, larger doses of beta-1 selective agents may demonstrate these effects as well. Therapy with beta-blockers should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes or predisposed to spontaneous hypoglycemia.

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.

Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension

Moderate:

esmolol

Esmolol has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.

Systemic beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) may lower intraocular pressure. Therefore, patients with glaucoma or intraocular hypertension may require adjustments in their ophthalmic regimen following a dosing change or discontinuation of beta-blocker therapy.

Heart Block

Major:

esmolol

Esmolol has a major potential interaction with Heart Block.

The use of beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) is contraindicated in patients with sinus bradyarrhythmia or heart block greater than the first degree (unless a functioning pacemaker is present). Due to their negative inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart, the use of beta-blockers is likely to exacerbate these conditions.

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.

Heart Failure

Major:

esmolol

Esmolol has a major potential interaction with Heart Failure.

Beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) in general should not be used in patients with overt congestive heart failure (CHF). Sympathetic stimulation may be important in maintaining the hemodynamic function in these patients, thus beta-blockade can worsen the heart failure. However, therapy with beta-blockers may be beneficial and can be administered cautiously in some CHF patients provided they are well compensated and receiving digitalis, diuretics, an ACE inhibitor, and/or nitrates. Carvedilol, specifically, is indicated for use with these agents in the treatment of mild to severe heart failure of ischemic or cardiomyopathic origin. There is also increasing evidence that the addition of a beta-blocker to standard therapy can improve morbidity and mortality in patients with advanced heart failure, although it is uncertain whether effectiveness varies significantly with the different agents. Data from one meta-analysis study suggest a greater reduction of mortality risk for nonselective beta-blockers than for beta-1 selective agents.

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:

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.

Moderate:

esmolol

Esmolol has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

When beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) are used to alleviate symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as tachycardia, anxiety, tremor and heat intolerance, abrupt withdrawal can exacerbate thyrotoxicosis or precipitate a thyroid storm. To minimize this risk, cessation of beta-blocker therapy, when necessary, should occur gradually with incrementally reduced dosages over a period of 1 to 2 weeks. Patients should be advised not to discontinue treatment without first consulting with the physician. Close monitoring is recommended during and after therapy withdrawal.

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.

Hypotension

Major:

esmolol

Esmolol has a major potential interaction with Hypotension.

The use of beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) is contraindicated in patients with hypotension or cardiogenic shock. Due to their negative inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart, the use of beta-blockers is likely to further depress cardiac output and blood pressure, which can be detrimental in these patients.

Ischemic Heart Disease

Major:

esmolol

Esmolol has a major potential interaction with Ischemic Heart Disease.

Heightened sensitivity to catecholamines may occur after prolonged use of beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers). Exacerbation of angina, myocardial infarction and ventricular arrhythmias have been reported in patients with coronary artery disease following abrupt withdrawal of therapy. Cessation of beta-blocker therapy, whenever necessary, should occur gradually with incrementally reduced dosages over a period of 1 to 2 weeks in patients with coronary insufficiency. Patients should be advised not to discontinue treatment without first consulting with the physician. In patients who experience an exacerbation of angina following discontinuation of beta-blocker therapy, the medication should generally be reinstituted, at least temporarily, along with other clinically appropriate measures.

Myasthenia Gravis

Moderate:

esmolol

Esmolol has a moderate potential interaction with Myasthenia Gravis.

Beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) may potentiate muscle weakness consistent with certain myasthenic symptoms such as diplopia, ptosis, and generalized weakness. Several beta-blockers have been associated rarely with aggravation of muscle weakness in patients with preexisting myasthenia gravis or myasthenic symptoms. Use cautiously in patients with myasthenia gravis.

Peripheral Arterial Disease

Major:

esmolol

Esmolol has a major potential interaction with Peripheral Arterial Disease.

Due to their negative inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart, beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) reduce cardiac output and may precipitate or aggravate symptoms of arterial insufficiency in patients with peripheral vascular disease. In addition, the nonselective beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, pindolol, timolol) may attenuate catecholamine-mediated vasodilation during exercise by blocking beta-2 receptors in peripheral vessels. Therapy with beta-blockers should be administered cautiously in patients with peripheral vascular disease. Close monitoring for progression of arterial obstruction is advised.

Pheochromocytoma

Moderate:

esmolol

Esmolol has a moderate potential interaction with Pheochromocytoma.

Administration of beta-blockers alone in the setting of pheochromocytoma has been associated with a paradoxical increase in blood pressure due to the attenuation of beta receptor-mediated vasodilatation in skeletal muscle. In patients with pheochromocytoma, an alpha-blocking agent should be initiated prior to the use of any beta-blocking agent. Caution should be taken in the administration of these agents to patients suspected of having pheochromocytoma.

Psoriasis

Moderate:

esmolol

Esmolol has a moderate potential interaction with Psoriasis.

The use of beta-blockers in psoriatic patients should be carefully weighed since the use of these agents may cause an aggravation in psoriasis.

Renal Dysfunction

Moderate:

esmolol

Esmolol has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Esmolol is metabolized in the cytosol of red blood cells. The resultant acid metabolite is slightly active and is primarily eliminated by the kidney. The clearance of this metabolite is significantly decreased in patients with renal impairment, although the clinical consequences of metabolite accumulation are unknown. Therapy with esmolol should be administered cautiously in patients with renal dysfunction.

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.

Sinus Node Dysfunction

Major:

esmolol

Esmolol has a major potential interaction with Sinus Node Dysfunction.

The use of beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) is contraindicated in patients with sinus bradyarrhythmia or heart block greater than the first degree (unless a functioning pacemaker is present). Due to their negative inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart, the use of beta-blockers is likely to exacerbate these conditions.

Tachyarrhythmia

Moderate:

esmolol

Esmolol has a moderate potential interaction with Tachyarrhythmia.

Beta-adrenergic blockade in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and tachycardia has been associated with severe bradycardia requiring treatment with a pacemaker. In one case, this result was reported after an initial dose of 5 mg propranolol. The use of beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) should be administered cautiously in these patients.

More resources

bitolterol

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

esmolol

A total of 457 drugs are known to interact with esmolol.

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.