Drug interactions
Formoterol + Venlafaxine
Severity: Moderate
Formoterol and Venlafaxine: 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
Venlafaxine has been associated with QT prolongation, mainly in overdose or at high doses, and formoterol may add QTc effects, tachycardia and hypokalemia. The combined risk is usually modest but may be relevant in patients with cardiac disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Formoterol and Venlafaxine 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; Venlafaxine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation and sympathomimetic effects, with beta2-agonist-induced hypokalemia.
What to do
Monitor heart rate, blood pressure and ECG in patients with cardiac disease, and maintain normal potassium and magnesium.
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
Other interactions of Venlafaxine
- Isocarboxazid + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Safinamide + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Formoterol with Venlafaxine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Formoterol and Venlafaxine 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. Venlafaxine has been associated with QT prolongation, mainly in overdose or at high doses, and formoterol may add QTc effects, tachycardia and hypokalemia. The combined risk is usually modest but may be relevant in patients with cardiac disease.
How serious is the interaction between Formoterol and Venlafaxine?
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, blood pressure and ECG in patients with cardiac disease, and maintain normal potassium and magnesium.
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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