Drug interactions
Arformoterol + Salmeterol
Severity: Major
Arformoterol 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
Two long-acting beta-2 agonists given together duplicate therapy and increase the risk of cardiovascular effects such as tachycardia and arrhythmia, as well as tremor and hypokalemia. This combination offers no added benefit.
What this interaction means in plain words
Arformoterol 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.
Arformoterol belongs to Respiratory; Salmeterol belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive beta-2 adrenergic receptor stimulation from duplicate long-acting agonists.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use; use only one long-acting beta-agonist. If both have been taken, monitor heart rate, rhythm and serum 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
- Amitriptyline + Salmeterol Major
- Atazanavir + Salmeterol Major
- Budesonide-formoterol + Salmeterol Major
- Carvedilol + Salmeterol Major
Other interactions of Arformoterol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Arformoterol with Salmeterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Arformoterol 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. Two long-acting beta-2 agonists given together duplicate therapy and increase the risk of cardiovascular effects such as tachycardia and arrhythmia, as well as tremor and hypokalemia. This combination offers no added benefit.
How serious is the interaction between Arformoterol 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 concurrent use; use only one long-acting beta-agonist. If both have been taken, monitor heart rate, rhythm and serum potassium.
What other medicines interact with Salmeterol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Salmeterol with, for example, Ritonavir, Saquinavir, Amitriptyline. The full list is on the Salmeterol page.
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