Drug interactions
Epinephrine + Formoterol
Severity: Moderate
Epinephrine and Formoterol: 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
Epinephrine and formoterol both stimulate adrenergic receptors and together can produce marked tachycardia, hypertension, hypokalemia and ventricular arrhythmias. In emergencies such as anaphylaxis epinephrine should not be withheld, but the cardiac effect should be anticipated.
What this interaction means in plain words
Epinephrine and Formoterol 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.
Epinephrine belongs to Endocrine; Formoterol belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive beta-adrenergic stimulation causing tachycardia, hypokalemia and QT prolongation.
What to do
Give epinephrine when clinically indicated, with continuous ECG and potassium monitoring. Avoid additional doses of long-acting beta-agonist until the patient is stable.
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 Formoterol
- Adagrasib + Formoterol Major
- Amiodarone + Formoterol Major
- Amisulpride + Formoterol Major
- Amitriptyline + Formoterol Major
- Amoxapine + Formoterol Major
- Arformoterol + Formoterol Major
Other interactions of Epinephrine
- Epinephrine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Epinephrine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Epinephrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Epinephrine Major
- Amitriptyline + Epinephrine Major
- Amoxapine + Epinephrine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Epinephrine with Formoterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Epinephrine and Formoterol 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. Epinephrine and formoterol both stimulate adrenergic receptors and together can produce marked tachycardia, hypertension, hypokalemia and ventricular arrhythmias. In emergencies such as anaphylaxis epinephrine should not be withheld, but the cardiac effect should be anticipated.
How serious is the interaction between Epinephrine and Formoterol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Give epinephrine when clinically indicated, with continuous ECG and potassium monitoring. Avoid additional doses of long-acting beta-agonist until the patient is stable.
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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