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Drug interactions

Esmolol + Formoterol

Severity: Moderate

Esmolol 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

Esmolol blocks beta-1 receptors and can oppose the bronchodilating action of formoterol, particularly at higher doses or in patients with reactive airways. The practical effect is usually small because esmolol is cardioselective and short-acting.

What this interaction means in plain words

Esmolol 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.

Esmolol belongs to Cardiovascular; Formoterol belongs to Respiratory.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Pharmacodynamic antagonism at beta-adrenergic receptors, with loss of selectivity at higher esmolol doses.

What to do

Monitor respiratory status and wheeze in patients with asthma or COPD during esmolol infusion. Reduce the esmolol dose or stop it if bronchospasm develops.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Esmolol with Formoterol?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Esmolol 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. Esmolol blocks beta-1 receptors and can oppose the bronchodilating action of formoterol, particularly at higher doses or in patients with reactive airways. The practical effect is usually small because esmolol is cardioselective and short-acting.

How serious is the interaction between Esmolol 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: Monitor respiratory status and wheeze in patients with asthma or COPD during esmolol infusion. Reduce the esmolol dose or stop it if bronchospasm develops.

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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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