Drug interactions
Amiodarone + Budesonide-formoterol
Severity: Major
Amiodarone and Budesonide-formoterol: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Amiodarone markedly prolongs the QT interval and formoterol can add to QT effects and cause hypokalemia and tachyarrhythmias. Together they may increase the risk of torsades de pointes, particularly with higher formoterol doses or electrolyte disturbances.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amiodarone and Budesonide-formoterol can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Amiodarone belongs to Cardiovascular; Budesonide-formoterol belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with beta-2 agonist-induced hypokalemia increasing arrhythmia susceptibility.
What to do
Monitor ECG and keep potassium and magnesium within normal range. Use the lowest effective formoterol dose and avoid other QT-prolonging drugs.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Budesonide-formoterol
Other interactions of Amiodarone
- Amiodarone + Amisulpride Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Eliglustat Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amiodarone with Budesonide-formoterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amiodarone and Budesonide-formoterol can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Amiodarone markedly prolongs the QT interval and formoterol can add to QT effects and cause hypokalemia and tachyarrhythmias. Together they may increase the risk of torsades de pointes, particularly with higher formoterol doses or electrolyte disturbances.
How serious is the interaction between Amiodarone and Budesonide-formoterol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor ECG and keep potassium and magnesium within normal range. Use the lowest effective formoterol dose and avoid other QT-prolonging drugs.
What other medicines interact with Budesonide-formoterol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Budesonide-formoterol with, for example, Adagrasib, Amisulpride, Amitriptyline. The full list is on the Budesonide-formoterol page.
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