Drug interactions
Formoterol + Gentamicin
Severity: Moderate
Formoterol and Gentamicin: 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
Gentamicin can cause renal magnesium and potassium wasting, which may add to the hypokalemia produced by formoterol. Low electrolytes increase the risk of arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Formoterol and Gentamicin 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.
Formoterol belongs to Respiratory; Gentamicin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive hypokalemia from beta-2 mediated potassium shift and aminoglycoside-induced renal electrolyte wasting.
What to do
Monitor serum potassium and magnesium during gentamicin therapy and replace them if low. Check them more often in patients with renal impairment or heart disease.
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 Formoterol
- Adagrasib + Formoterol Major
- Amiodarone + Formoterol Major
- Amisulpride + Formoterol Major
- Amitriptyline + Formoterol Major
- Amoxapine + Formoterol Major
- Arformoterol + Formoterol Major
Other interactions of Gentamicin
- Cidofovir + Gentamicin Contraindicated
- Adefovir + Gentamicin Major
- Amikacin + Gentamicin Major
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Gentamicin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Gentamicin Major
- Amphotericin b + Gentamicin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Formoterol with Gentamicin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Formoterol and Gentamicin 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. Gentamicin can cause renal magnesium and potassium wasting, which may add to the hypokalemia produced by formoterol. Low electrolytes increase the risk of arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Formoterol and Gentamicin?
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 serum potassium and magnesium during gentamicin therapy and replace them if low. Check them more often in patients with renal impairment or heart disease.
What other medicines interact with Formoterol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Formoterol with, for example, Adagrasib, Amiodarone, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Formoterol page.
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