Drug interactions
Salmeterol + Thioridazine
Severity: Major
Salmeterol and Thioridazine: 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
Thioridazine markedly prolongs the QT interval, and salmeterol can cause tachycardia and hypokalemia. The combination increases the risk of torsades de pointes and ventricular arrhythmias.
What this interaction means in plain words
Salmeterol and Thioridazine 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.
Salmeterol belongs to Respiratory; Thioridazine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation with beta-agonist-induced hypokalemia and sympathetic stimulation.
What to do
Avoid if possible and choose an alternative to one of the drugs. If used together, monitor ECG QTc and keep potassium and magnesium within normal range.
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 Salmeterol
- Ritonavir + Salmeterol Contraindicated
- Salmeterol + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Salmeterol Major
- Arformoterol + Salmeterol Major
- Atazanavir + Salmeterol Major
- Budesonide-formoterol + Salmeterol Major
Other interactions of Thioridazine
- Abiraterone + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Salmeterol with Thioridazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Salmeterol and Thioridazine 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. Thioridazine markedly prolongs the QT interval, and salmeterol can cause tachycardia and hypokalemia. The combination increases the risk of torsades de pointes and ventricular arrhythmias.
How serious is the interaction between Salmeterol and Thioridazine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid if possible and choose an alternative to one of the drugs. If used together, monitor ECG QTc and keep potassium and magnesium within normal range.
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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