Drug interactions
Fingolimod + Salmeterol
Severity: Moderate
Fingolimod 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
Fingolimod causes bradycardia and can prolong the QT interval, particularly after the first dose. Salmeterol may add to repolarisation effects and lower potassium, which could increase the risk of arrhythmia in susceptible patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fingolimod 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.
Fingolimod belongs to Central Nervous System; Salmeterol belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with beta-2 agonist induced hypokalemia adding risk.
What to do
Check ECG and electrolytes before starting fingolimod in patients using salmeterol, and monitor during first-dose observation. Correct hypokalemia beforehand.
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 Fingolimod
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Fingolimod Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Fingolimod Contraindicated
- Fingolimod + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Fingolimod + Ponesimod Contraindicated
- Fingolimod + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Fingolimod + Siponimod Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fingolimod with Salmeterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Fingolimod 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. Fingolimod causes bradycardia and can prolong the QT interval, particularly after the first dose. Salmeterol may add to repolarisation effects and lower potassium, which could increase the risk of arrhythmia in susceptible patients.
How serious is the interaction between Fingolimod 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: Check ECG and electrolytes before starting fingolimod in patients using salmeterol, and monitor during first-dose observation. Correct hypokalemia beforehand.
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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