Drug interactions
Formoterol + Lumefantrine
Severity: Moderate
Formoterol and Lumefantrine: 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
Lumefantrine (given with artemether) can prolong the QT interval. Formoterol may add to this through QT effects and hypokalemia, which increases the risk of ventricular arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Formoterol and Lumefantrine 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.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation (pharmacodynamic), with beta-2 agonist induced hypokalemia.
What to do
Correct potassium and magnesium before treatment, and monitor ECG in patients with other QT risk factors. Use a short-acting rather than long-acting beta agonist only if clinically appropriate.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Formoterol with Lumefantrine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Formoterol and Lumefantrine 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. Lumefantrine (given with artemether) can prolong the QT interval. Formoterol may add to this through QT effects and hypokalemia, which increases the risk of ventricular arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Formoterol and Lumefantrine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Correct potassium and magnesium before treatment, and monitor ECG in patients with other QT risk factors. Use a short-acting rather than long-acting beta agonist only if clinically appropriate.
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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