Drug interactions
Pentamidine + Salbutamol
Severity: Moderate
Pentamidine and Salbutamol: moderate 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
Systemic pentamidine can prolong the QT interval and cause torsades de pointes, and it may also cause hypoglycemia and electrolyte disturbances. High-dose salbutamol adds hypokalemia and cardiac stimulation, increasing arrhythmia risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pentamidine and Salbutamol can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Pentamidine belongs to Anti Parasitic; Salbutamol belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation with beta-2 mediated potassium lowering.
What to do
Check baseline ECG and electrolytes and monitor QTc during intravenous pentamidine. Correct hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia and avoid unnecessary high-dose salbutamol.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Salbutamol
Other interactions of Pentamidine
- Clomipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Moxifloxacin + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Nortriptyline + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Pentamidine + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Pentamidine with Salbutamol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Pentamidine and Salbutamol can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Systemic pentamidine can prolong the QT interval and cause torsades de pointes, and it may also cause hypoglycemia and electrolyte disturbances. High-dose salbutamol adds hypokalemia and cardiac stimulation, increasing arrhythmia risk.
How serious is the interaction between Pentamidine and Salbutamol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check baseline ECG and electrolytes and monitor QTc during intravenous pentamidine. Correct hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia and avoid unnecessary high-dose salbutamol.
What other medicines interact with Salbutamol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Salbutamol with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Carvedilol, Droperidol. The full list is on the Salbutamol page.
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