Drug interactions
Formoterol + Umeclidinium bromide / vilanterol inhaled
Severity: Major
Formoterol and Umeclidinium bromide / vilanterol inhaled: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 and vilanterol are both long-acting beta-2 agonists, so using them together duplicates therapy and adds to cardiovascular effects. This may cause tachycardia, QT prolongation, hypokalemia and tremor.
What this interaction means in plain words
Formoterol and Umeclidinium bromide / vilanterol inhaled can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Duplicate beta-2 adrenergic agonism producing additive cardiovascular and hypokalemic effects.
What to do
Avoid using two long-acting beta agonists together and stop one of the products. Monitor heart rate and potassium if overlap has occurred.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Formoterol and Umeclidinium bromide / vilanterol inhaled, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
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 Umeclidinium bromide / vilanterol inhaled?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Formoterol and Umeclidinium bromide / vilanterol inhaled can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Formoterol and vilanterol are both long-acting beta-2 agonists, so using them together duplicates therapy and adds to cardiovascular effects. This may cause tachycardia, QT prolongation, hypokalemia and tremor.
How serious is the interaction between Formoterol and Umeclidinium bromide / vilanterol inhaled?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid using two long-acting beta agonists together and stop one of the products. Monitor heart rate and potassium if overlap has occurred.
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
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
