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Drug interactions

Formoterol + Protriptyline

Severity: Moderate

Formoterol and Protriptyline: 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

Protriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that can prolong the QT interval and potentiate adrenergic cardiovascular effects. With formoterol this may cause tachycardia, palpitations and arrhythmia.

What this interaction means in plain words

Formoterol and Protriptyline 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.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive QT prolongation, and tricyclic blockade of noradrenaline reuptake that enhances sympathomimetic effects.

What to do

Monitor heart rate, rhythm and ECG, particularly at initiation or dose change, and check potassium. Consider an alternative in patients with arrhythmia or QT risk.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Formoterol with Protriptyline?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Formoterol and Protriptyline 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. Protriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that can prolong the QT interval and potentiate adrenergic cardiovascular effects. With formoterol this may cause tachycardia, palpitations and arrhythmia.

How serious is the interaction between Formoterol and Protriptyline?

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, rhythm and ECG, particularly at initiation or dose change, and check potassium. Consider an alternative in patients with arrhythmia or QT risk.

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

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