Drug interactions
Amoxapine + Formoterol
Severity: Major
Amoxapine 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
Amoxapine, a tricyclic-like antidepressant, can prolong the QT interval and may potentiate the cardiovascular effects of formoterol. Together they raise the risk of arrhythmia, especially with hypokalemia or heart disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amoxapine 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.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation plus tricyclic potentiation of adrenergic cardiovascular effects via noradrenaline reuptake inhibition.
What to do
Formoterol labeling advises extreme caution with tricyclics; monitor ECG and potassium, and consider an alternative antidepressant or bronchodilator in patients with QT risk factors.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amoxapine with Formoterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amoxapine 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. Amoxapine, a tricyclic-like antidepressant, can prolong the QT interval and may potentiate the cardiovascular effects of formoterol. Together they raise the risk of arrhythmia, especially with hypokalemia or heart disease.
How serious is the interaction between Amoxapine 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: Formoterol labeling advises extreme caution with tricyclics; monitor ECG and potassium, and consider an alternative antidepressant or bronchodilator in patients with QT risk factors.
What other medicines interact with Formoterol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Formoterol with, for example, Adagrasib, Amiodarone, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Formoterol page.
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