Drug interactions
Formoterol + Maprotiline
Severity: Major
Formoterol and Maprotiline: 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
Maprotiline is a tetracyclic antidepressant that can prolong QT and cause tachycardia. Formoterol labeling warns that antidepressants of this type may potentiate its cardiovascular effects, which could increase arrhythmia risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Formoterol and Maprotiline 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; Maprotiline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation and potentiation of beta-agonist cardiovascular effects through noradrenergic and anticholinergic actions.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible. If used, monitor ECG, heart rate and potassium and keep formoterol at the lowest effective dose.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Formoterol and Maprotiline, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
- Atimos Modulite 12 micrograms/actuation pressurised inhalation solution - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: tricyclic antidepressants; "Administration of Atimos Modulite to patients being treated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants should be performed with caution") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
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 Maprotiline
- Arsenic trioxide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Maprotiline + Methylene blue Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Formoterol with Maprotiline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Formoterol and Maprotiline 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. Maprotiline is a tetracyclic antidepressant that can prolong QT and cause tachycardia. Formoterol labeling warns that antidepressants of this type may potentiate its cardiovascular effects, which could increase arrhythmia risk.
How serious is the interaction between Formoterol and Maprotiline?
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 the combination where possible. If used, monitor ECG, heart rate and potassium and keep formoterol at the lowest effective dose.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
