Drug interactions
Pentamidine + Umeclidinium-vilanterol
Severity: Major
Pentamidine and Umeclidinium-vilanterol: 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
Pentamidine, particularly when given intravenously, can prolong the QT interval and cause torsades de pointes. Vilanterol may add to this through beta-adrenergic stimulation and lower potassium, and pentamidine itself can cause hypoglycemia and electrolyte disturbances.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pentamidine 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.
Pentamidine belongs to Anti Parasitic; Umeclidinium-vilanterol belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation and beta-adrenergic cardiac stimulation with potential electrolyte disturbance.
What to do
Monitor ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before and during pentamidine therapy. Consider holding or replacing the long-acting beta-agonist if the QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
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 Umeclidinium-vilanterol
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 Umeclidinium-vilanterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Pentamidine 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. Pentamidine, particularly when given intravenously, can prolong the QT interval and cause torsades de pointes. Vilanterol may add to this through beta-adrenergic stimulation and lower potassium, and pentamidine itself can cause hypoglycemia and electrolyte disturbances.
How serious is the interaction between Pentamidine 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: Monitor ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before and during pentamidine therapy. Consider holding or replacing the long-acting beta-agonist if the QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
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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