Drug interactions
Fluticasone-salmeterol + Formoterol
Severity: Major
Fluticasone-salmeterol and Formoterol: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Formoterol and salmeterol are both long-acting beta-2 agonists, so using them together duplicates therapy and increases tachycardia, tremor, hypokalemia and arrhythmia risk. It offers no added benefit and is not recommended.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fluticasone-salmeterol and Formoterol can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Fluticasone-salmeterol belongs to Respiratory; Formoterol belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Duplicate beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonism with additive cardiovascular and metabolic effects.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use of two long-acting beta-agonists and keep only one agent. If symptoms persist, optimize the inhaled corticosteroid or add a different drug class.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Fluticasone-salmeterol
- Darunavir + Fluticasone-salmeterol Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Fluticasone-salmeterol Contraindicated
- Fluticasone-salmeterol + Fosamprenavir Contraindicated
- Fluticasone-salmeterol + Indinavir Contraindicated
- Fluticasone-salmeterol + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Fluticasone-salmeterol + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
Other interactions of Formoterol
- Adagrasib + Formoterol Major
- Amiodarone + Formoterol Major
- Amisulpride + Formoterol Major
- Amitriptyline + Formoterol Major
- Amoxapine + Formoterol Major
- Arformoterol + Formoterol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fluticasone-salmeterol with Formoterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Fluticasone-salmeterol and Formoterol can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Formoterol and salmeterol are both long-acting beta-2 agonists, so using them together duplicates therapy and increases tachycardia, tremor, hypokalemia and arrhythmia risk. It offers no added benefit and is not recommended.
How serious is the interaction between Fluticasone-salmeterol and Formoterol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concurrent use of two long-acting beta-agonists and keep only one agent. If symptoms persist, optimize the inhaled corticosteroid or add a different drug class.
What other medicines interact with Fluticasone-salmeterol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Fluticasone-salmeterol with, for example, Darunavir, Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df, Fosamprenavir. The full list is on the Fluticasone-salmeterol page.
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