Drug interactions
Formoterol + Pirbuterol
Severity: Moderate
Formoterol and Pirbuterol: 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
Two beta-2 agonists used together produce additive adrenergic effects, including tachycardia, tremor, palpitations and hypokalemia. This raises the risk of arrhythmia, especially with high doses, hypoxia or cardiac disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Formoterol and Pirbuterol 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 beta-2 adrenergic receptor stimulation, including cardiac effects and potassium shift into cells.
What to do
Avoid duplicate beta-agonist therapy where possible and use one short-acting agent for rescue only. Monitor heart rate, symptoms and serum potassium if both are used.
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 Pirbuterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Formoterol and Pirbuterol 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. Two beta-2 agonists used together produce additive adrenergic effects, including tachycardia, tremor, palpitations and hypokalemia. This raises the risk of arrhythmia, especially with high doses, hypoxia or cardiac disease.
How serious is the interaction between Formoterol and Pirbuterol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid duplicate beta-agonist therapy where possible and use one short-acting agent for rescue only. Monitor heart rate, symptoms and serum potassium if both are used.
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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