Does Insulin Detemir Interact with Nonselective Beta Adrenergic Antagonists?
Insulin Detemir and Nonselective Beta Adrenergic Antagonists have a moderate drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. May increase or decrease blood glucose lowering effect and may blunt signs/symptoms of hypoglycemia. Dosage adjustment and increased glucose monitoring required. The mechanism involves variable effect on blood glucose and hypoglycemia symptom masking. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.
- Severity
- Moderate
- Insulin Detemir Class
- Insulin Analog
- Management
- Monitor for effects
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
How This Interaction Works
The interaction between Insulin Detemir and Nonselective Beta Adrenergic Antagonists occurs because variable effect on blood glucose and hypoglycemia symptom masking. Clinically, this means may increase or decrease blood glucose lowering effect and may blunt signs/symptoms of hypoglycemia. dosage adjustment and increased glucose monitoring required. This is classified as a moderate interaction. While it may not require stopping either medication, your healthcare provider should be aware you are taking both so they can monitor for potential effects and adjust treatment if necessary.
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Insulin Detemir and your doctor is considering prescribing Nonselective Beta Adrenergic Antagonists (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Ask whether any dosage adjustments are needed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider