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Drug interactions

Clozapine + Vilanterol / fluticasone furoate inhaled

Severity: Moderate

Clozapine and Vilanterol / fluticasone furoate inhaled: 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

Vilanterol is a long-acting beta-agonist that can cause tachycardia, hypokalemia and QT prolongation, which may add to the cardiac effects of clozapine. Systemic exposure after inhalation is low, so the risk is modest but relevant in patients with cardiac risk factors.

What this interaction means in plain words

Clozapine and Vilanterol / fluticasone furoate inhaled 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.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Additive pharmacodynamic effects on cardiac repolarization and heart rate (beta-2 agonism plus clozapine).

What to do

Monitor heart rate, ECG and serum potassium when the combination is started or doses change. Take particular care in patients with known QT prolongation or arrhythmias.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Clozapine with Vilanterol / fluticasone furoate inhaled?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clozapine and Vilanterol / fluticasone furoate inhaled 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. Vilanterol is a long-acting beta-agonist that can cause tachycardia, hypokalemia and QT prolongation, which may add to the cardiac effects of clozapine. Systemic exposure after inhalation is low, so the risk is modest but relevant in patients with cardiac risk factors.

How serious is the interaction between Clozapine and Vilanterol / fluticasone furoate inhaled?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor heart rate, ECG and serum potassium when the combination is started or doses change. Take particular care in patients with known QT prolongation or arrhythmias.

What other medicines interact with Clozapine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Clozapine with, for example, Deferiprone, Irinotecan, Pimozide. The full list is on the Clozapine page.

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