Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Formoterol
Severity: Moderate
Escitalopram 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
Escitalopram prolongs the QT interval in a dose-related way, and formoterol may add to this effect. This increases the possibility of arrhythmia in susceptible patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram 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.
Escitalopram belongs to Central Nervous System; Formoterol belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with beta-2 mediated hypokalemia potentially increasing arrhythmic risk.
What to do
Use the lowest effective escitalopram dose and check potassium in patients with cardiac risk factors. Obtain an ECG if palpitations, syncope or other QT-prolonging drugs are 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 Formoterol
- Adagrasib + Formoterol Major
- Amiodarone + Formoterol Major
- Amisulpride + Formoterol Major
- Amitriptyline + Formoterol Major
- Amoxapine + Formoterol Major
- Arformoterol + Formoterol Major
Other interactions of Escitalopram
- Cisapride + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Escitalopram with Formoterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Escitalopram 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. Escitalopram prolongs the QT interval in a dose-related way, and formoterol may add to this effect. This increases the possibility of arrhythmia in susceptible patients.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram 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: Use the lowest effective escitalopram dose and check potassium in patients with cardiac risk factors. Obtain an ECG if palpitations, syncope or other QT-prolonging drugs are present.
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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