Drug interactions
Albuterol + Salmeterol
Severity: Moderate
Albuterol 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
Both are beta-2 agonists, so using them together adds to the risk of tachycardia, tremor, hypokalemia and palpitations. Short-acting albuterol is commonly used as rescue therapy alongside salmeterol, so the issue is mainly excessive total beta-agonist use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Albuterol 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 beta-2 adrenergic receptor stimulation.
What to do
Rescue albuterol is acceptable as directed, but review control if use is frequent. Monitor heart rate and serum potassium in patients with heart disease or high doses.
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 Albuterol with Salmeterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Albuterol 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. Both are beta-2 agonists, so using them together adds to the risk of tachycardia, tremor, hypokalemia and palpitations. Short-acting albuterol is commonly used as rescue therapy alongside salmeterol, so the issue is mainly excessive total beta-agonist use.
How serious is the interaction between Albuterol 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: Rescue albuterol is acceptable as directed, but review control if use is frequent. Monitor heart rate and serum potassium in patients with heart disease or high doses.
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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