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Can you take Carvedilol with Primatene?

1 drug interaction and 35 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

ePHEDrine carvedilol

Applies to: Primatene (ephedrine / guaifenesin) and carvedilol

Talk to your doctor before using ephedrine-containing products together with a beta-blocker like carvedilol.

Some beta-blockers can reduce the effects of ephedrine in relaxing airway muscles to help you breathe. In addition, if you have been using carvedilol, you may not respond as well to ephedrine when it is given by injection to treat an emergency such as shock or falling blood pressure.

Your healthcare provider should always be told if you are receiving, or have recently received, beta-blocker therapy.

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:

ePHEDrine Caffeine

Applies to: Primatene (ephedrine / guaifenesin)

Both ePHEDrine 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

34 potential interactions Applies to: 26 conditions, including High Cholesterol, Allergies, Asthma, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, and COPD.

Allergies

Major:

carvedilol

Carvedilol 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

Major:

carvedilol

Carvedilol has a major potential interaction with Asthma.

Some beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (i.e., non-cardioselective beta-blockers) are contraindicated in patients with bronchial asthma or with a history of bronchial asthma, or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In general, beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents should not be used in patients with bronchospastic diseases. Beta blockade may adversely affect pulmonary function by counteracting the bronchodilation produced by catecholamine stimulation of beta-2 receptors. If beta-blocker therapy is necessary in these patients, an agent with beta-1 selectivity (e.g., atenolol, metoprolol, betaxolol) is considered safer, but should be used with caution nonetheless. Cardioselectivity is not absolute and can be lost with larger doses.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Moderate:

Primatene

The ePHEDrine in Primatene has a moderate potential interaction with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause or worsen urinary difficulty in patients with prostate enlargement due to smooth muscle contraction in the bladder neck via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with hypertrophy or neoplasm of the prostate.

Cardiogenic Shock

Major:

carvedilol

Carvedilol 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.

Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders

Major:

Primatene

The ePHEDrine in Primatene has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. 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, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

Cerebrovascular Insufficiency

Major:

carvedilol

Carvedilol has a major potential interaction with Cerebrovascular Insufficiency.

The beta-adrenergic receptor blocking effects of carvedilol may precipitate or aggravate symptoms of arterial insufficiency in patients with peripheral vascular disease. Carvedilol may also attenuate catecholamine-mediated vasodilation during exercise by blocking beta-2 receptors in peripheral vessels. Therapy with carvedilol should be administered cautiously in patients with peripheral vascular disease. Close monitoring for progression of arterial obstruction is advised.

Major:

Primatene

The ePHEDrine in Primatene has a major potential interaction with Cerebrovascular Insufficiency.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. 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, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

Moderate:

carvedilol

Carvedilol 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

Major:

carvedilol

Carvedilol has a major potential interaction with COPD.

Some beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (i.e., non-cardioselective beta-blockers) are contraindicated in patients with bronchial asthma or with a history of bronchial asthma, or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In general, beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents should not be used in patients with bronchospastic diseases. Beta blockade may adversely affect pulmonary function by counteracting the bronchodilation produced by catecholamine stimulation of beta-2 receptors. If beta-blocker therapy is necessary in these patients, an agent with beta-1 selectivity (e.g., atenolol, metoprolol, betaxolol) is considered safer, but should be used with caution nonetheless. Cardioselectivity is not absolute and can be lost with larger doses.

Diabetes Mellitus

Moderate:

Primatene

The ePHEDrine in Primatene has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Sympathomimetic agents 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. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus. Closer monitoring of blood glucose concentrations may be appropriate.

Moderate:

Primatene

The ePHEDrine in Primatene has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Ephedrine may produce slight increases in blood glucose concentrations. Therapy with ephedrine 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 ephedrine are not exceeded.

Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension

Moderate:

carvedilol

Carvedilol 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:

carvedilol

Carvedilol 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.

Hemodialysis

Major:

carvedilol

Carvedilol has a major potential interaction with Hemodialysis.

Therapy with beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) should be administered cautiously in patients requiring hemodialysis. When given after dialysis, hemodynamic stability should be established prior to drug administration to avoid marked falls in blood pressure. The hemodynamic status should be closely monitored before and after the dose.

High Cholesterol

Moderate:

carvedilol

Carvedilol has a moderate potential interaction with High Cholesterol.

Beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) may alter serum lipid profiles. Increases in serum VLDL and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as decreases in HDL cholesterol, have been reported with some beta-blockers. Patients with preexisting hyperlipidemia may require closer monitoring during beta-blocker therapy, and adjustments made accordingly in their lipid-lowering regimen.

Hyperthyroidism

Major:

Primatene

The ePHEDrine in Primatene has a major potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. 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, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

Moderate:

carvedilol

Carvedilol 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.

Hypotension

Major:

carvedilol

Carvedilol 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.

Moderate:

carvedilol

Carvedilol has a moderate potential interaction with Hypotension.

The use of carvedilol has rarely resulted in deterioration of renal function. Patients with low blood pressure (systolic BP < 100 mm Hg), ischemic heart disease and diffuse vascular disease, and/or underlying renal impairment may be at greater risk. In these patients, monitoring of renal function is recommended during dosage titration, and the dosing reduced or discontinued accordingly.

Ischemic Heart Disease

Major:

carvedilol

Carvedilol 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.

Liver Disease

Major:

carvedilol

Carvedilol has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Carvedilol is extensively metabolized by the liver. Patients with cirrhosis have demonstrated significantly higher plasma concentrations (approximately 4 to 7-fold) of carvedilol compared to healthy individuals. The use of carvedilol is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Major:

carvedilol

Carvedilol has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

The use of carvedilol is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment. Compared to healthy subjects, patients with severe liver impairment (cirrhosis) exhibit a 4- to 7-fold increase in carvedilol levels.

Myasthenia Gravis

Moderate:

carvedilol

Carvedilol 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:

carvedilol

Carvedilol 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.

Major:

carvedilol

Carvedilol has a major potential interaction with Peripheral Arterial Disease.

The beta-adrenergic receptor blocking effects of carvedilol may precipitate or aggravate symptoms of arterial insufficiency in patients with peripheral vascular disease. Carvedilol may also attenuate catecholamine-mediated vasodilation during exercise by blocking beta-2 receptors in peripheral vessels. Therapy with carvedilol should be administered cautiously in patients with peripheral vascular disease. Close monitoring for progression of arterial obstruction is advised.

Pheochromocytoma

Major:

Primatene

The ePHEDrine in Primatene has a major potential interaction with Pheochromocytoma.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. 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, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

Moderate:

carvedilol

Carvedilol 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.

Prinzmetal's Angina

Moderate:

carvedilol

Carvedilol has a moderate potential interaction with Prinzmetal's Angina.

Agents with non-selective beta-blocking activity may provoke chest pain in patients with Prinzmetal's variant angina. the use of non-selective beta blockers is not recommended in these patients. Caution should be taken in the administration of these agents to patients suspected of having Prinzmetal's variant angina.

Prostate Tumor, Benign

Moderate:

Primatene

The ePHEDrine in Primatene has a moderate potential interaction with Prostate Tumor, Benign.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause or worsen urinary difficulty in patients with prostate enlargement due to smooth muscle contraction in the bladder neck via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with hypertrophy or neoplasm of the prostate.

Psoriasis

Moderate:

carvedilol

Carvedilol 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:

carvedilol

Carvedilol has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

The use of carvedilol has rarely resulted in deterioration of renal function. Patients with low blood pressure (systolic BP < 100 mm Hg), ischemic heart disease and diffuse vascular disease, and/or underlying renal impairment may be at greater risk. In these patients, monitoring of renal function is recommended during dosage titration, and the dosing reduced or discontinued accordingly.

Sinus Node Dysfunction

Major:

carvedilol

Carvedilol 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:

carvedilol

Carvedilol 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.

Urinary Tract Obstruction

Moderate:

Primatene

The ePHEDrine in Primatene has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Tract Obstruction.

Sympathomimetic agents such as ephedrine have 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 ephedrine should be administered cautiously in patients with difficulty for urination due to hypertrophy or neoplasm of the prostate. It is important that the recommended dosages are not exceeded.

More resources

carvedilol

A total of 627 drugs are known to interact with carvedilol.

Primatene

A total of 243 drugs are known to interact with Primatene.

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.