Drug interactions
Amiodarone + Formoterol
Severity: Major
Amiodarone and 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 this through hypokalemia and sympathetic stimulation, raising the risk of torsades de pointes. The risk is higher with high doses, hypokalemia or structural heart disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amiodarone and 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; Formoterol belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with beta-2 agonist induced hypokalemia and tachycardia worsening repolarization instability.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor QTc and serum potassium and magnesium during co-use. Use the lowest effective formoterol dose and keep electrolytes normal.
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 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 Formoterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amiodarone and 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 this through hypokalemia and sympathetic stimulation, raising the risk of torsades de pointes. The risk is higher with high doses, hypokalemia or structural heart disease.
How serious is the interaction between Amiodarone and 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: Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor QTc and serum potassium and magnesium during co-use. Use the lowest effective formoterol dose and keep electrolytes normal.
What other medicines interact with Formoterol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Formoterol with, for example, Adagrasib, Amisulpride, Amitriptyline. The full list is on the Formoterol page.
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