Drug interactions
Maprotiline + Salmeterol
Severity: Major
Maprotiline 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
Maprotiline, a tetracyclic antidepressant, may potentiate the cardiovascular effects of salmeterol, leading to tachycardia and arrhythmias. Both agents can prolong QT interval.
What this interaction means in plain words
Maprotiline 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.
Maprotiline belongs to Central Nervous System; Salmeterol belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive adrenergic and QT-prolonging effects; norepinephrine reuptake inhibition enhances sympathomimetic response.
What to do
Monitor heart rate, blood pressure and ECG; consider an alternative antidepressant in patients with cardiac disease.
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 Maprotiline
- Arsenic trioxide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Maprotiline + Methylene blue Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Maprotiline with Salmeterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Maprotiline 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. Maprotiline, a tetracyclic antidepressant, may potentiate the cardiovascular effects of salmeterol, leading to tachycardia and arrhythmias. Both agents can prolong QT interval.
How serious is the interaction between Maprotiline 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: Monitor heart rate, blood pressure and ECG; consider an alternative antidepressant in patients with cardiac disease.
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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