Drug Interactions With Salmeterol (Cont.)

Interactions With Salmeterol Explained

 
Beta Blockers
Taking salmeterol and a beta blocker together can decrease the effectiveness of both medications. Additionally, people with asthma should generally avoid beta blockers, as they may worsen their condition. While some beta blockers are less likely than others to interact with salmeterol, all beta blockers can potentially cause problems.
 
Certain Antibiotics or Antifungals
Taking salmeterol with certain antibiotics or antifungals can raise the level of salmeterol in your blood, increasing your risk of serious side effects. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider before taking salmeterol with certain antibiotics or antifungal medications. 
 
Certain Diuretics
Taking salmeterol and certain diuretics together can increase your risk of low potassium levels (hypokalemia), especially when you use salmeterol more frequently than recommended. Talk with your healthcare provider before using these medications together.
 
Digoxin (Digitek, Lanoxin)
Salmeterol may decrease the level of digoxin in your blood, perhaps making it less effective. If you are taking these drugs together, your healthcare provider may need to monitor the level of digoxin in your blood and adjust your digoxin dosage as necessary -- especially when you are starting or stopping salmeterol.
 
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
Salmeterol should be used with extreme caution in combination with MAOIs. Dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension) may result. Talk with your healthcare provider before combining salmeterol with an MAOI.
 
Other Long-Acting Beta Agonists
Salmeterol should not be used in combination with other long-acting beta agonists, as this may increase your risk of a severe asthma attack or even death.
 
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Salmeterol should be used with extreme caution in combination with tricyclic antidepressants. Dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension) or an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) may result. Talk with your healthcare provider before combining salmeterol with a tricyclic antidepressant.
 
(Drug Interactions With Salmeterol Continued: Page 3)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;