Drug interactions
Budesonide-formoterol + Escitalopram
Severity: Moderate
Budesonide-formoterol and Escitalopram: moderate 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
Escitalopram causes dose-related QT prolongation and formoterol can have a similar effect at higher exposures. Together they may raise the likelihood of arrhythmia, particularly in patients with cardiac disease or low potassium.
What this interaction means in plain words
Budesonide-formoterol and Escitalopram can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Budesonide-formoterol belongs to Respiratory; Escitalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic QT prolongation, with possible beta-agonist-induced hypokalemia contributing.
What to do
Keep escitalopram at the lowest effective dose and check potassium and magnesium in at-risk patients. Obtain an ECG if the patient has cardiac risk factors or symptoms such as palpitations.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Budesonide-formoterol
Other interactions of Escitalopram
- Cisapride + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Budesonide-formoterol with Escitalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Budesonide-formoterol and Escitalopram can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Escitalopram causes dose-related QT prolongation and formoterol can have a similar effect at higher exposures. Together they may raise the likelihood of arrhythmia, particularly in patients with cardiac disease or low potassium.
How serious is the interaction between Budesonide-formoterol and Escitalopram?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Keep escitalopram at the lowest effective dose and check potassium and magnesium in at-risk patients. Obtain an ECG if the patient has cardiac risk factors or symptoms such as palpitations.
What other medicines interact with Budesonide-formoterol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Budesonide-formoterol with, for example, Adagrasib, Amiodarone, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Budesonide-formoterol page.
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