Drug interactions
Formoterol + Phenylephrine
Severity: Moderate
Formoterol and Phenylephrine: 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
Formoterol is a beta-2 agonist that can cause tachycardia and palpitations, and phenylephrine can raise blood pressure. Together they may increase cardiovascular stimulation, which matters mainly in patients with heart disease or hypertension.
What this interaction means in plain words
Formoterol and Phenylephrine 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; Phenylephrine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive sympathomimetic effects on the cardiovascular system via alpha-1 and beta-2 adrenergic stimulation.
What to do
Monitor heart rate and blood pressure in patients with cardiovascular disease. Avoid systemic phenylephrine decongestants in those with poorly controlled hypertension or arrhythmia.
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 Phenylephrine
- Isocarboxazid + Phenylephrine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Phenylephrine Contraindicated
- Phenylephrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Bromocriptine + Phenylephrine Major
- Cocaine + Phenylephrine Major
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Phenylephrine Major
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 Phenylephrine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Formoterol and Phenylephrine 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 is a beta-2 agonist that can cause tachycardia and palpitations, and phenylephrine can raise blood pressure. Together they may increase cardiovascular stimulation, which matters mainly in patients with heart disease or hypertension.
How serious is the interaction between Formoterol and Phenylephrine?
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 heart rate and blood pressure in patients with cardiovascular disease. Avoid systemic phenylephrine decongestants in those with poorly controlled hypertension or arrhythmia.
What other medicines interact with Phenylephrine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Phenylephrine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine. The full list is on the Phenylephrine page.
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