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Drug interactions

Fluticasone-salmeterol + Pirbuterol

Severity: Moderate

Fluticasone-salmeterol and Pirbuterol: 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

Pirbuterol is another beta-2 agonist, so combining it with salmeterol duplicates therapy. Tachycardia, tremor, hypokalemia and arrhythmias are more likely with excessive total beta-agonist exposure.

What this interaction means in plain words

Fluticasone-salmeterol and Pirbuterol 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.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive beta-2 adrenergic stimulation with intracellular potassium shift.

What to do

Short-acting rescue use alongside maintenance salmeterol is acceptable, but reassess control if rescue use increases. Monitor heart rate and potassium with heavy use.

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 Fluticasone-salmeterol with Pirbuterol?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Fluticasone-salmeterol and Pirbuterol 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. Pirbuterol is another beta-2 agonist, so combining it with salmeterol duplicates therapy. Tachycardia, tremor, hypokalemia and arrhythmias are more likely with excessive total beta-agonist exposure.

How serious is the interaction between Fluticasone-salmeterol and Pirbuterol?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Short-acting rescue use alongside maintenance salmeterol is acceptable, but reassess control if rescue use increases. Monitor heart rate and potassium with heavy use.

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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