Drug interactions
Budesonide-formoterol + Salmeterol
Severity: Major
Budesonide-formoterol 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
Both are long-acting beta-2 agonists, so combining them duplicates therapy. This increases the risk of tachycardia, tremor, hypokalemia and arrhythmia without added benefit.
What this interaction means in plain words
Budesonide-formoterol 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.
Budesonide-formoterol belongs to Respiratory; Salmeterol belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive beta-2 adrenergic stimulation causing cardiovascular effects and potassium shift into cells.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use of two long-acting beta-2 agonists and use only one. Monitor heart rate and potassium if overlap occurs.
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 Budesonide-formoterol
Other interactions of Salmeterol
- Ritonavir + Salmeterol Contraindicated
- Salmeterol + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Salmeterol Major
- Arformoterol + Salmeterol Major
- Atazanavir + Salmeterol Major
- Carvedilol + Salmeterol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Budesonide-formoterol with Salmeterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Budesonide-formoterol 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. Both are long-acting beta-2 agonists, so combining them duplicates therapy. This increases the risk of tachycardia, tremor, hypokalemia and arrhythmia without added benefit.
How serious is the interaction between Budesonide-formoterol 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 of two long-acting beta-2 agonists and use only one. Monitor heart rate and potassium if overlap occurs.
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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