Drug interactions
Fluticasone-salmeterol + Timolol
Severity: Major
Fluticasone-salmeterol and Timolol: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Systemically absorbed timolol, including from eye drops, can antagonize salmeterol and trigger bronchospasm in patients with asthma or COPD. The effect is greater with oral timolol.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fluticasone-salmeterol and Timolol 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; Timolol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Non-selective beta-blockade antagonizes beta2-receptor bronchodilation.
What to do
Avoid timolol in asthma or severe COPD and use an alternative such as a prostaglandin analogue for glaucoma. If unavoidable, monitor respiratory function closely.
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 Timolol
- Acebutolol + Timolol Major
- Aldesleukin + Timolol Major
- Amifostine + Timolol Major
- Amiodarone + Timolol Major
- Arformoterol + Timolol Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Timolol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fluticasone-salmeterol with Timolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Fluticasone-salmeterol and Timolol 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. Systemically absorbed timolol, including from eye drops, can antagonize salmeterol and trigger bronchospasm in patients with asthma or COPD. The effect is greater with oral timolol.
How serious is the interaction between Fluticasone-salmeterol and Timolol?
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 timolol in asthma or severe COPD and use an alternative such as a prostaglandin analogue for glaucoma. If unavoidable, monitor respiratory function closely.
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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