Drug interactions
Droperidol + Salmeterol
Severity: Major
Droperidol 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
Droperidol has a boxed warning for QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and salmeterol can also prolong QT and lower potassium. The legacy sedation concern is not the key issue; the arrhythmia risk is.
What this interaction means in plain words
Droperidol 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.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with beta-agonist-induced hypokalemia increasing proarrhythmic risk.
What to do
Obtain an ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before droperidol. Avoid the combination in patients with QT risk factors and monitor ECG if it is necessary.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Droperidol and Salmeterol, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Salmeterol
- Ritonavir + Salmeterol Contraindicated
- Salmeterol + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Salmeterol Major
- Arformoterol + Salmeterol Major
- Atazanavir + Salmeterol Major
- Budesonide-formoterol + Salmeterol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Droperidol with Salmeterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Droperidol 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. Droperidol has a boxed warning for QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and salmeterol can also prolong QT and lower potassium. The legacy sedation concern is not the key issue; the arrhythmia risk is.
How serious is the interaction between Droperidol 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: Obtain an ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before droperidol. Avoid the combination in patients with QT risk factors and monitor ECG if it is necessary.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
