Drug interactions
Phenylephrine po + Salmeterol
Severity: Moderate
Phenylephrine po and Salmeterol: 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
Oral phenylephrine is an alpha-agonist decongestant that can raise blood pressure, and with salmeterol may add to cardiovascular stimulation including tachycardia and palpitations. Susceptible patients may develop noticeable hypertension or arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phenylephrine po and Salmeterol 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.
Why it happens
Additive sympathomimetic effects on the cardiovascular system.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and heart rate and avoid in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or arrhythmias; consider non-sympathomimetic alternatives for congestion.
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 Salmeterol
- Ritonavir + Salmeterol Contraindicated
- Salmeterol + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Salmeterol Major
- Arformoterol + Salmeterol Major
- Atazanavir + Salmeterol Major
- Budesonide-formoterol + Salmeterol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Phenylephrine po with Salmeterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Phenylephrine po and Salmeterol 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. Oral phenylephrine is an alpha-agonist decongestant that can raise blood pressure, and with salmeterol may add to cardiovascular stimulation including tachycardia and palpitations. Susceptible patients may develop noticeable hypertension or arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Phenylephrine po and Salmeterol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood pressure and heart rate and avoid in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or arrhythmias; consider non-sympathomimetic alternatives for congestion.
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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