Drug interactions
Isoproterenol + Salmeterol
Severity: Major
Isoproterenol and Salmeterol: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Health Canada product monograph
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
Both are beta-adrenergic agonists, so combining them can cause additive tachycardia, tremor, blood pressure changes and arrhythmias. Both also lower serum potassium, which adds to the arrhythmia risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Isoproterenol 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.
Isoproterenol belongs to Respiratory; Salmeterol belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive beta-adrenergic agonism, including beta-2 mediated hypokalemia.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use where possible, and if needed monitor heart rate, ECG and serum potassium closely.
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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References
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 Isoproterenol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Isoproterenol with Salmeterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Isoproterenol 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. Both are beta-adrenergic agonists, so combining them can cause additive tachycardia, tremor, blood pressure changes and arrhythmias. Both also lower serum potassium, which adds to the arrhythmia risk.
How serious is the interaction between Isoproterenol 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: Avoid concurrent use where possible, and if needed monitor heart rate, ECG and serum potassium closely.
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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