Esmolol and Nifedipine interaction

Esmolol and Nifedipine: both prescribing labels flag this combination with the strongest language, such as a contraindication, a boxed warning, or an instruction to avoid it.

Major

Do not combine without a prescriber's guidance. The label language below is the strongest FDA uses.

What the FDA labels say

From the Esmolol (Brevibloc) label · effective 2026-08-06

Major

IV administration of cardiodepressant calcium-channel antagonists (e.g., verapamil) and BREVIBLOC in close proximity (i.e., while cardiac effects from the other are still present); fatal cardiac arrests have occurred in patients receiving BREVIBLOC and intravenous verapamil.

Contraindicationsby drug classView label on DailyMed
Major

Coadministration of IV cardiodepressant calcium-channel antagonists (e.g. verapamil) in close proximity to BREVIBLOC injection (4, 7)

Contraindicationsby drug classView label on DailyMed
Moderate

Antihypertensive agents clonidine, guanfacine, or moxonidine: Beta blockers also increase the risk of clonidine-, guanfacine-, or moxonidine-withdrawal rebound hypertension.

Drug interactionsby drug classView label on DailyMed
Moderate

Antihypertensive agents: Risk of rebound hypertension (7)

Drug interactionsby drug classView label on DailyMed
Minor

If, during concomitant use of a beta blocker, antihypertensive therapy needs to be interrupted or discontinued, discontinue the beta blocker first, and the discontinuation should be gradual.

Drug interactionsby drug classView label on DailyMed

From the Nifedipine label · effective 2026-02-05

Moderate

These responses have usually occurred during initial titration or at the time of subsequent upward dosage adjustment, and may be more likely in patients using concomitant beta-blockers.

Warningsby drug classView label on DailyMed
Moderate

Severe hypotension and/or increased fluid volume requirements have been reported in patients who received immediate-release capsules together with a beta-blocking agent and who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery using high-dose fentanyl anesthesia.

Warningsby drug classView label on DailyMed
Moderate

The interaction with high-dose fentanyl appears to be due to the combination of nifedipine and a beta-blocker, but the possibility that it may occur with nifedipine alone, with low doses of fentanyl, in other surgical procedures, or with other narcotic analgesics cannot be ruled out.

Warningsby drug classView label on DailyMed
Moderate

Beta-Blocker Withdrawal When discontinuing a beta-blocker it is important to taper its dose, if possible, rather than stopping abruptly before beginning nifedipine.

Warningsby drug classView label on DailyMed
Moderate

Patients recently withdrawn from beta-blockers may develop a withdrawal syndrome with increased angina, probably related to increased sensitivity to catecholamines.

Warningsby drug classView label on DailyMed

Taking more than these two? Interactions stack. Check your whole list at once; it stays in your browser.

Open in the checker

Not medical advice. Interaction Checker quotes FDA label text and NIH fact sheets. Whether an interaction matters for you depends on doses, timing, kidney and liver function, and other conditions. Confirm with a pharmacist or prescriber.