Pharm Adjunct: Drug Interactions

Question 1

Are the effects of CCBs and β-blockers additive?

Answer 1

No, synergistic

S14

Question 2

What two scenarios were given in class for a β1 indication over a non-selective β blocker?

Answer 2

• DM: β2 can cause hypoglycemia by insulin potentiation
• Airway: blocking β2 potentiates bronchospasm

Question 3

What volatile anesthetic will cause the greatest additive depression when combined with a β blocker?
The least?
Why does this not matter?

Answer 3

• Enflurane = greatest additive depression
• Isoflurane = least additive depression
• Not significant between 1-2 MAC