Drug interactions
Arformoterol + Cisapride
Severity: Major
Arformoterol and Cisapride: 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
Cisapride prolongs the QT interval, and long-acting beta-agonists such as arformoterol can cause hypokalemia, tachycardia and QT prolongation. The combination increases the risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Arformoterol and Cisapride 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.
Arformoterol belongs to Respiratory; Cisapride belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation with beta-agonist-related hypokalemia and increased heart rate.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible and use a non-QT-prolonging prokinetic. If unavoidable, monitor ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.
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 Cisapride
- Apomorphine + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Artemether + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Chloroquine + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Citalopram Contraindicated
Other interactions of Arformoterol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Arformoterol with Cisapride?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Arformoterol and Cisapride 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. Cisapride prolongs the QT interval, and long-acting beta-agonists such as arformoterol can cause hypokalemia, tachycardia and QT prolongation. The combination increases the risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Arformoterol and Cisapride?
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 the combination if possible and use a non-QT-prolonging prokinetic. If unavoidable, monitor ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.
What other medicines interact with Cisapride?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cisapride with, for example, Apomorphine, Artemether, Azithromycin. The full list is on the Cisapride page.
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