Drug interactions
Arformoterol + Timolol
Severity: Major
Arformoterol and Timolol: 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
Timolol blocks beta-2 receptors and can reduce or abolish the bronchodilator effect of arformoterol. It may precipitate bronchospasm in patients with reactive airway disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Arformoterol and Timolol 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; Timolol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Competitive antagonism at beta-2 adrenergic receptors by timolol opposes the agonist effect of arformoterol.
What to do
Avoid combining nonselective beta-blockers with arformoterol in patients with asthma or COPD. If a beta-blocker is required, choose a cardioselective one and monitor respiratory status.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Arformoterol and Timolol, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Timolol
- Acebutolol + Timolol Major
- Albuterol + Timolol Major
- Aldesleukin + Timolol Major
- Amifostine + Timolol Major
- Amiodarone + Timolol Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Timolol Major
Other interactions of Arformoterol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Arformoterol with Timolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Arformoterol and Timolol 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. Timolol blocks beta-2 receptors and can reduce or abolish the bronchodilator effect of arformoterol. It may precipitate bronchospasm in patients with reactive airway disease.
How serious is the interaction between Arformoterol and Timolol?
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 combining nonselective beta-blockers with arformoterol in patients with asthma or COPD. If a beta-blocker is required, choose a cardioselective one and monitor respiratory status.
What other medicines interact with Timolol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Timolol with, for example, Acebutolol, Albuterol, Aldesleukin. The full list is on the Timolol page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
