Drug interactions
Caffeine + Salmeterol
Severity: Minor
Caffeine and Salmeterol: minor 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
Caffeine and salmeterol both stimulate the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. Combined use may cause tremor, tachycardia or palpitations, and xanthines may also add to beta-agonist-related hypokalemia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Caffeine and Salmeterol have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Caffeine belongs to Miscellaneous; Salmeterol belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive sympathomimetic and xanthine-mediated pharmacodynamic effects.
What to do
Advise patients to moderate caffeine intake if tremor or palpitations occur. No routine dose change is needed.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Salmeterol
- Ritonavir + Salmeterol Contraindicated
- Salmeterol + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Salmeterol Major
- Arformoterol + Salmeterol Major
- Atazanavir + Salmeterol Major
- Budesonide-formoterol + Salmeterol Major
Other interactions of Caffeine
- Caffeine + Ephedrine Major
- Caffeine + Fezolinetant Major
- Caffeine + Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Major
- Caffeine + Selegiline transdermal Major
- Adenosine + Caffeine Moderate
- Benzphetamine + Caffeine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Caffeine with Salmeterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Caffeine and Salmeterol have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Caffeine and salmeterol both stimulate the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. Combined use may cause tremor, tachycardia or palpitations, and xanthines may also add to beta-agonist-related hypokalemia.
How serious is the interaction between Caffeine and Salmeterol?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to moderate caffeine intake if tremor or palpitations occur. No routine dose change is needed.
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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