Drug interactions
Formoterol + Nadolol
Severity: Major
Formoterol and Nadolol: 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
Nadolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that directly opposes formoterol and can cause bronchoconstriction and loss of bronchodilator benefit, particularly in patients with asthma or COPD. This may precipitate severe bronchospasm.
What this interaction means in plain words
Formoterol and Nadolol 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; Nadolol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Competitive pharmacodynamic antagonism at beta-2 adrenergic receptors by a non-selective beta-blocker.
What to do
Avoid non-selective beta-blockers in patients with asthma or significant reactive airway disease and consider a cardioselective alternative. If unavoidable, monitor respiratory status 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 Nadolol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Formoterol with Nadolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Formoterol and Nadolol 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. Nadolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that directly opposes formoterol and can cause bronchoconstriction and loss of bronchodilator benefit, particularly in patients with asthma or COPD. This may precipitate severe bronchospasm.
How serious is the interaction between Formoterol and Nadolol?
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 non-selective beta-blockers in patients with asthma or significant reactive airway disease and consider a cardioselective alternative. If unavoidable, monitor respiratory status 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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