Drug interactions
Salmeterol + Timolol
Severity: Major
Salmeterol and Timolol: 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
Systemic or ophthalmic timolol can block beta-2 receptors, reducing salmeterol bronchodilation and provoking bronchospasm in patients with asthma or COPD. Ophthalmic timolol still has meaningful systemic absorption.
What this interaction means in plain words
Salmeterol and Timolol 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; Timolol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Non-selective beta-receptor antagonism opposes beta-2 agonist effects in the airways.
What to do
Avoid timolol in patients with reactive airway disease and use a non-beta-blocker alternative such as a prostaglandin analogue for glaucoma. Monitor respiratory status if it cannot be avoided.
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 Timolol
- Acebutolol + Timolol Major
- Albuterol + Timolol Major
- Aldesleukin + Timolol Major
- Amifostine + Timolol Major
- Amiodarone + Timolol Major
- Arformoterol + Timolol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Salmeterol with Timolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Salmeterol and Timolol 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. Systemic or ophthalmic timolol can block beta-2 receptors, reducing salmeterol bronchodilation and provoking bronchospasm in patients with asthma or COPD. Ophthalmic timolol still has meaningful systemic absorption.
How serious is the interaction between Salmeterol and Timolol?
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 timolol in patients with reactive airway disease and use a non-beta-blocker alternative such as a prostaglandin analogue for glaucoma. Monitor respiratory status if it cannot be avoided.
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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