Drug interactions
Arformoterol + Formoterol
Severity: Major
Arformoterol 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
Arformoterol is the active R-enantiomer of formoterol, so using both gives duplicate long-acting beta-agonist therapy. This increases the risk of tachycardia, arrhythmia, tremor and hypokalemia without added benefit.
What this interaction means in plain words
Arformoterol 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.
Arformoterol belongs to Respiratory; Formoterol belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Therapeutic duplication leading to additive beta2-adrenergic stimulation and cardiac effects.
What to do
Do not use two long-acting beta-agonists together; choose one agent and stop the other.
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 Arformoterol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Arformoterol with Formoterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Arformoterol 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. Arformoterol is the active R-enantiomer of formoterol, so using both gives duplicate long-acting beta-agonist therapy. This increases the risk of tachycardia, arrhythmia, tremor and hypokalemia without added benefit.
How serious is the interaction between Arformoterol 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: Do not use two long-acting beta-agonists together; choose one agent and stop the other.
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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