Drug interactions
Dronedarone + Formoterol
Severity: Major
Dronedarone and Formoterol: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Dronedarone prolongs the QT interval and formoterol can add to this through tachycardia and hypokalemia. The combination raises the risk of torsades de pointes, especially with structural heart disease or electrolyte abnormalities.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dronedarone and Formoterol 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.
Dronedarone belongs to Cardiovascular; Formoterol belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with beta-2 agonist-induced hypokalemia increasing proarrhythmic risk.
What to do
Correct potassium and magnesium and monitor the ECG for QTc prolongation. Use only if needed and at the lowest effective formoterol dose.
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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References
Other interactions of Formoterol
- Adagrasib + Formoterol Major
- Amiodarone + Formoterol Major
- Amisulpride + Formoterol Major
- Amitriptyline + Formoterol Major
- Amoxapine + Formoterol Major
- Arformoterol + Formoterol Major
Other interactions of Dronedarone
- Adagrasib + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Dronedarone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dronedarone with Formoterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dronedarone and Formoterol 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. Dronedarone prolongs the QT interval and formoterol can add to this through tachycardia and hypokalemia. The combination raises the risk of torsades de pointes, especially with structural heart disease or electrolyte abnormalities.
How serious is the interaction between Dronedarone and Formoterol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Correct potassium and magnesium and monitor the ECG for QTc prolongation. Use only if needed and at the lowest effective formoterol dose.
What other medicines interact with Formoterol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Formoterol with, for example, Adagrasib, Amiodarone, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Formoterol page.
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