Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Salmeterol
Severity: Major
Amitriptyline and Salmeterol: 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
Amitriptyline can prolong QT and potentiate sympathomimetic cardiovascular effects. Salmeterol labeling advises caution with tricyclics because vascular and cardiac effects of the beta-agonist may be enhanced.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Salmeterol 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.
Amitriptyline belongs to Central Nervous System; Salmeterol belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation and tricyclic potentiation of beta-agonist cardiovascular effects via noradrenergic actions.
What to do
Avoid if possible, especially around the start of tricyclic therapy. If both are required, monitor ECG, heart rate and potassium.
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 Salmeterol
- Ritonavir + Salmeterol Contraindicated
- Salmeterol + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Arformoterol + Salmeterol Major
- Atazanavir + Salmeterol Major
- Budesonide-formoterol + Salmeterol Major
- Carvedilol + Salmeterol Major
Other interactions of Amitriptyline
- Amitriptyline + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amitriptyline with Salmeterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amitriptyline and Salmeterol 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. Amitriptyline can prolong QT and potentiate sympathomimetic cardiovascular effects. Salmeterol labeling advises caution with tricyclics because vascular and cardiac effects of the beta-agonist may be enhanced.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Salmeterol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid if possible, especially around the start of tricyclic therapy. If both are required, monitor ECG, heart rate and potassium.
What other medicines interact with Salmeterol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Salmeterol with, for example, Ritonavir, Saquinavir, Arformoterol. The full list is on the Salmeterol page.
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