Drug interactions
Formoterol + Labetalol
Severity: Major
Formoterol and Labetalol: 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
Labetalol is a non-selective beta-blocker and can antagonize the bronchodilator effect of formoterol, possibly provoking bronchospasm in patients with asthma or COPD. Formoterol may also reduce the antihypertensive effect of labetalol.
What this interaction means in plain words
Formoterol and Labetalol 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 belongs to Respiratory; Labetalol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism at beta-2 adrenergic receptors.
What to do
Avoid labetalol in patients with asthma or significant reactive airway disease and choose another antihypertensive class. If it must be used, 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 Formoterol
- Adagrasib + Formoterol Major
- Amiodarone + Formoterol Major
- Amisulpride + Formoterol Major
- Amitriptyline + Formoterol Major
- Amoxapine + Formoterol Major
- Arformoterol + Formoterol Major
Other interactions of Labetalol
- Amifostine + Labetalol Major
- Amiodarone + Labetalol Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Labetalol Major
- Atenolol + Labetalol Major
- Betaxolol + Labetalol Major
- Bisoprolol + Labetalol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Formoterol with Labetalol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Formoterol and Labetalol 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. Labetalol is a non-selective beta-blocker and can antagonize the bronchodilator effect of formoterol, possibly provoking bronchospasm in patients with asthma or COPD. Formoterol may also reduce the antihypertensive effect of labetalol.
How serious is the interaction between Formoterol and Labetalol?
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 labetalol in patients with asthma or significant reactive airway disease and choose another antihypertensive class. If it must be used, monitor respiratory function closely.
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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