Drug interactions
Formoterol + Terbutaline
Severity: Moderate
Formoterol and Terbutaline: 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 add to tremor, tachycardia, palpitations and hypokalemia, and may raise the risk of arrhythmia. This is especially relevant in patients with heart disease or hypoxia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Formoterol and Terbutaline 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; Terbutaline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive beta-2 adrenergic receptor stimulation, including potassium shift into cells.
What to do
Avoid duplicate beta-agonist therapy where possible. If both are needed, monitor heart rate, ECG and serum potassium.
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 Terbutaline
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 Terbutaline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Formoterol and Terbutaline 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 add to tremor, tachycardia, palpitations and hypokalemia, and may raise the risk of arrhythmia. This is especially relevant in patients with heart disease or hypoxia.
How serious is the interaction between Formoterol and Terbutaline?
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. If both are needed, monitor heart rate, ECG and serum potassium.
What other medicines interact with Terbutaline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Terbutaline with, for example, Carvedilol, Droperidol, Fexinidazole. The full list is on the Terbutaline page.
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