Drug interactions
Formoterol + Trifluoperazine
Severity: Moderate
Formoterol and Trifluoperazine: 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
Trifluoperazine, a phenothiazine antipsychotic, can prolong the QT interval. Formoterol may add to this effect and lower potassium, raising the risk of arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Formoterol and Trifluoperazine 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 QT prolongation (pharmacodynamic), with beta-2 agonist induced hypokalemia.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors and correct potassium and magnesium. Monitor for palpitations or syncope.
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 Trifluoperazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Formoterol and Trifluoperazine 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. Trifluoperazine, a phenothiazine antipsychotic, can prolong the QT interval. Formoterol may add to this effect and lower potassium, raising the risk of arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Formoterol and Trifluoperazine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors and correct potassium and magnesium. Monitor for palpitations or syncope.
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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