Drug interactions
Doxepin + Salmeterol
Severity: Moderate
Doxepin and Salmeterol: 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
Doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant that can prolong the QT interval and enhance the cardiovascular effects of beta-2 agonists. With salmeterol this may cause tachycardia, palpitations and arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Doxepin and Salmeterol 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.
Doxepin belongs to Dermatology; Salmeterol belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Tricyclic blockade of noradrenaline reuptake enhancing sympathomimetic effects, plus additive QT effects.
What to do
Monitor heart rate, rhythm and blood pressure, particularly at initiation or dose changes. Consider an alternative antidepressant if arrhythmia or QT risk is present.
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 Salmeterol
- Ritonavir + Salmeterol Contraindicated
- Salmeterol + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Salmeterol Major
- Arformoterol + Salmeterol Major
- Atazanavir + Salmeterol Major
- Budesonide-formoterol + Salmeterol Major
Other interactions of Doxepin
- Doxepin + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Doxepin with Salmeterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Doxepin and Salmeterol 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. Doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant that can prolong the QT interval and enhance the cardiovascular effects of beta-2 agonists. With salmeterol this may cause tachycardia, palpitations and arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Doxepin and Salmeterol?
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, rhythm and blood pressure, particularly at initiation or dose changes. Consider an alternative antidepressant if arrhythmia or QT risk is present.
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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