Skip to content

Drug interactions

Salmeterol + Tipranavir

Severity: Major

Salmeterol and Tipranavir: 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

Tipranavir is given with ritonavir, which strongly inhibits CYP3A4 and can raise salmeterol concentrations. This increases the risk of tachycardia, palpitations and QT prolongation.

What this interaction means in plain words

Salmeterol and Tipranavir 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; Tipranavir belongs to Anti Virals.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

CYP3A4 inhibition (via ritonavir-boosted tipranavir) decreases salmeterol metabolism.

What to do

Avoid the combination and choose an alternative bronchodilator. If coadministered, monitor ECG and potassium.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

Pro+ members

Unlock the full page

Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Salmeterol and Tipranavir, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.

  • Full clinical management advice
  • Additional notes
  • Evidence detail
  • Interaction checker for a whole prescription

Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Salmeterol with Tipranavir?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Salmeterol and Tipranavir 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. Tipranavir is given with ritonavir, which strongly inhibits CYP3A4 and can raise salmeterol concentrations. This increases the risk of tachycardia, palpitations and QT prolongation.

How serious is the interaction between Salmeterol and Tipranavir?

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 the combination and choose an alternative bronchodilator. If coadministered, monitor ECG and potassium.

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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

Browse A–Z · Drug interactions

Get the app Sign in