Drug interactions
Esmolol + Salmeterol
Severity: Moderate
Esmolol and Salmeterol: 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 reduce the bronchodilator effect of salmeterol, though its cardioselectivity lowers the risk compared with nonselective agents. Bronchospasm may occur in patients with asthma or COPD, and the short half-life of esmolol limits the duration of the effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Esmolol and Salmeterol 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; Salmeterol belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism of beta-adrenergic receptors, with cardioselectivity lost at higher esmolol doses.
What to do
Monitor respiratory status and heart rate in patients with reactive airway disease, and use the lowest effective esmolol dose. Keep a short-acting bronchodilator available.
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 Salmeterol
- Ritonavir + Salmeterol Contraindicated
- Salmeterol + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Salmeterol Major
- Arformoterol + Salmeterol Major
- Atazanavir + Salmeterol Major
- Budesonide-formoterol + Salmeterol Major
Other interactions of Esmolol
- Acebutolol + Esmolol Major
- Amifostine + Esmolol Major
- Amiodarone + Esmolol Major
- Celiprolol + Esmolol Major
- Diltiazem + Esmolol Major
- Epinephrine racemic + Esmolol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Esmolol with Salmeterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Esmolol and Salmeterol 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 reduce the bronchodilator effect of salmeterol, though its cardioselectivity lowers the risk compared with nonselective agents. Bronchospasm may occur in patients with asthma or COPD, and the short half-life of esmolol limits the duration of the effect.
How serious is the interaction between Esmolol and Salmeterol?
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 heart rate in patients with reactive airway disease, and use the lowest effective esmolol dose. Keep a short-acting bronchodilator available.
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.
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