Drug interactions
Imipramine + Salmeterol
Severity: Major
Imipramine and Salmeterol: major 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
Tricyclic antidepressants may potentiate the cardiovascular effects of beta-agonists such as salmeterol, causing tachycardia, palpitations and arrhythmias. Both can also prolong QT interval.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imipramine and Salmeterol 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.
Imipramine belongs to Central Nervous System; Salmeterol belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive adrenergic and QT-prolonging effects; tricyclics inhibit norepinephrine reuptake and increase sensitivity to sympathomimetics.
What to do
Use only if needed, monitor heart rate, blood pressure and ECG, especially in patients with cardiac disease. Consider an alternative antidepressant when appropriate.
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?
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Other interactions of Salmeterol
- Ritonavir + Salmeterol Contraindicated
- Salmeterol + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Salmeterol Major
- Arformoterol + Salmeterol Major
- Atazanavir + Salmeterol Major
- Budesonide-formoterol + Salmeterol Major
Other interactions of Imipramine
- Dronedarone + Imipramine Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Imipramine with Salmeterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Imipramine and Salmeterol 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. Tricyclic antidepressants may potentiate the cardiovascular effects of beta-agonists such as salmeterol, causing tachycardia, palpitations and arrhythmias. Both can also prolong QT interval.
How serious is the interaction between Imipramine and Salmeterol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use only if needed, monitor heart rate, blood pressure and ECG, especially in patients with cardiac disease. Consider an alternative antidepressant when appropriate.
What other medicines interact with Salmeterol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Salmeterol with, for example, Ritonavir, Saquinavir, Amitriptyline. The full list is on the Salmeterol page.
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