Drug interactions
Methadone + Umeclidinium-vilanterol
Severity: Major
Methadone and Umeclidinium-vilanterol: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Methadone is associated with dose-related QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Vilanterol may add to this risk through adrenergic stimulation and potassium lowering.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methadone and Umeclidinium-vilanterol 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.
Methadone belongs to Musculoskeletal; Umeclidinium-vilanterol belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation with beta-agonist effects on potassium and heart rate.
What to do
Check ECG and electrolytes at baseline and after dose changes. Use the lowest effective doses and watch 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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References
Other interactions of Umeclidinium-vilanterol
Other interactions of Methadone
- Alvimopan + Methadone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Methadone Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Methadone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Methadone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Methadone Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Methadone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Methadone with Umeclidinium-vilanterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Methadone and Umeclidinium-vilanterol 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. Methadone is associated with dose-related QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Vilanterol may add to this risk through adrenergic stimulation and potassium lowering.
How serious is the interaction between Methadone and Umeclidinium-vilanterol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check ECG and electrolytes at baseline and after dose changes. Use the lowest effective doses and watch for palpitations or syncope.
What other medicines interact with Umeclidinium-vilanterol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Umeclidinium-vilanterol with, for example, Aclidinium, Amiodarone, Amitriptyline. The full list is on the Umeclidinium-vilanterol page.
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