Drug Interactions between levalbuterol and Symbicort

MONITOR: Coadministration of beta-2 adrenergic agonists with other adrenergic agents may potentiate the risk of cardiovascular side effects. Beta-2 adrenergic agonists can produce clinically significant cardiovascular effects including increases in pulse rate and systolic or diastolic blood pressure as well as ECG changes such as flattening of the T wave, prolongation of the QTc interval, and ST segment depression. The risk is lower when beta-2 adrenergic agonists are inhaled at normally recommended dosages. However, these effects may be more common when the drugs are administered systemically or when recommended dosages are exceeded.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if beta-2 adrenergic agonists are used concomitantly with other adrenergic agents, particularly in patients with cardiovascular disorders such as coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, or hypertension. Blood pressure and heart rate should be closely monitored.

Although they are often combined in clinical practice, the concomitant use of beta-2 adrenergic agonists and corticosteroids may result in additive hypokalemic effects. Since beta-2 agonists can sometimes cause QT interval prolongation, the development of hypokalemia may potentiate the risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes. However, clinical data are limited, and the potential significance is unknown. Patients who are receiving systemic or nebulized formulations of beta-2 agonists, high dosages of inhaled beta-2 agonists, or systemic corticosteroid therapy may be at a greater risk of developing hypokalemia.

Although they are often combined in clinical practice, the concomitant use of beta-2 adrenergic agonists and corticosteroids may result in additive hypokalemic effects. Since beta-2 agonists can sometimes cause QT interval prolongation, the development of hypokalemia may potentiate the risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes. However, clinical data are limited, and the potential significance is unknown. Patients who are receiving systemic or nebulized formulations of beta-2 agonists, high dosages of inhaled beta-2 agonists, or systemic corticosteroid therapy may be at a greater risk of developing hypokalemia.