Selected Beta-Blockers/Barbiturates Interactions

This information is generalized and not intended as specific medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional before taking or discontinuing any drug or commencing any course of treatment.

Medical warning:

Moderate. These medicines may cause some risk when taken together. Contact your healthcare professional (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) for more information.

How the interaction occurs:

The barbiturate may increase how quickly your body processes the beta-blocker.

What might happen:

The effects of the beta-blocker will be decreased. You may have an increased pulse and your blood pressure may be increased.

What you should do about this interaction:

If you are taking the beta-blocker to decrease your blood pressure, monitor your blood pressure when taking these medications together. The effects of this interaction are usually seen after taking the medicines together for four or five days.Your healthcare professionals (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of this interaction and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.