Drug interactions
Mefloquine + Salmeterol
Severity: Major
Mefloquine 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
Mefloquine can alter cardiac conduction and prolong QT, and salmeterol may add to this through tachycardia and hypokalemia. The combination may increase the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mefloquine 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.
Mefloquine belongs to Anti Parasitic; Salmeterol belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation and beta-agonist-induced hypokalemia.
What to do
Consider alternative antimalarial prophylaxis; if combined, check ECG, potassium and magnesium and monitor for palpitations or syncope.
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 Mefloquine
- Arsenic trioxide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Mefloquine with Salmeterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Mefloquine 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. Mefloquine can alter cardiac conduction and prolong QT, and salmeterol may add to this through tachycardia and hypokalemia. The combination may increase the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Mefloquine 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: Consider alternative antimalarial prophylaxis; if combined, check ECG, potassium and magnesium and monitor for palpitations or syncope.
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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