Skip to main content

Interactions between Abarelix and Combivent

1 drug interaction and 13 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

Add/remove drugs

Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

albuterol abarelix

Applies to: Combivent (albuterol / ipratropium) and abarelix
Monitor

Beta-2 adrenergic agonists can cause dose-related prolongation of the QT interval and potassium loss. Theoretically, coadministration with other agents that can prolong the QT interval may result in additive effects and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes and sudden death. In general, the risk of an individual agent or a combination of agents causing ventricular arrhythmia in association with QT prolongation is largely unpredictable but may be increased by certain underlying risk factors such as congenital long QT syndrome, cardiac disease, and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia). In addition, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drug(s). Clinically significant prolongation of QT interval and hypokalemia occur infrequently when beta-2 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 recommended if beta-2 agonists are used in combination with other drugs that can prolong the QT interval. Patients should be advised to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitation, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, or syncope.

References (30)
  1. Whyte KF, Addis GJ, Whitesmith R, Reid JL (1987) "The mechanism of salbutamol-induced hypokalaemia." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 23, p. 65-71
  2. Larsson S, Svedmyr N (1977) "Bronchodilating effect and side effects of beta2- adrenoceptor stimulants by different modes of administration (tablets, metered aerosol, and combinations thereof). A study with salbutamol inasthmatics." Am Rev Respir Dis, 116, p. 861-9
  3. Hastwell G, Lambert BE (1978) "The effect of oral salbutamol on serum potassium and blood sugar." Br J Obstet Gynaecol, 85, p. 767-9
  4. (1981) "Hypokalaemia due to salbutamol overdosage." Br Med J (Clin Res Ed), 283, p. 500-1
  5. Kantola I, Tarssanen L (1986) "Hypokalemia from usual salbutamol dosage ." Chest, 89, p. 619-20
  6. Wong CS, Pavord ID, Williams J, Britton JR, Tattersfield AE (1990) "Bronchodilator, cardiovascular, and hypokalaemic effects of fenoterol, salbutamol, and terbutaline in asthma." Lancet, 336, p. 1396-9
  7. Gross TL, Sokol RJ (1980) "Severe hypokalemia and acidosis: a potential complication of beta- adrenergic treatment." Am J Obstet Gynecol, 138, p. 1225-6
  8. Clifton GD, Hunt BA, Patel RC, Burki NK (1990) "Effects of sequential doses of parenteral terbutaline on plasma levels of potassium and related cardiopulmonary responses." Am Rev Respir Dis, 141, p. 575-9
  9. Hurlbert BJ, Edelman JD, David K (1981) "Serum potassium levels during and after terbutaline." Anesth Analg, 60, p. 723-5
  10. Bengtsson B, Fagerstrom PO (1982) "Extrapulmonary effects of terbutaline during prolonged administration." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 31, p. 726-32
  11. Gelmont DM, Balmes JR, Yee A (1988) "Hypokalemia induced by inhaled bronchodilators." Chest, 94, p. 763-6
  12. Sanders JP, Potter DE, Ellis S, Bee DE, Grant JA (1977) "Metabolic and cardiovascular effects of carbuterol and metaproterenol." J Allergy Clin Immunol, 60, p. 174-9
  13. (2002) "Product Information. Proventil (albuterol)." Schering Corporation
  14. Windom H, Grainger J, Burgess C, Crane J, Pearce N, Beasley R (1990) "A comparison of the haemodynamic and hypokalaemic effects of inhaled pirbuterol and salbutamol." N Z Med J, 103, p. 259-61
  15. "Product Information. Serevent (salmeterol)." Glaxo Wellcome
  16. (2001) "Product Information. Maxair (pirbuterol)." 3M Pharmaceuticals
  17. Dickens GR, Mccoy RA, West R, Stapczynski JS, Clifton GD (1994) "Effect of nebulized albuterol on serum potassium and cardiac rhythm in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease." Pharmacotherapy, 14, p. 729-33
  18. Tveskov C, Djurhuus MS, Klitgaard NAH, Egstrup K (1994) "Potassium and magnesium distribution, ECG changes, and ventricular ectopic beats during beta(2)-adrenergic stimulation with terbutaline in healthy subjects." Chest, 106, p. 1654-9
  19. Braden GL, vonOeyen PT, Germain MJ, Watson DJ, Haag BL (1997) "Ritodrine- and terbutaline-induced hypokalemia in preterm labor: Mechanisms and consequences." Kidney Int, 51, p. 1867-75
  20. Rakhmanina NY, Kearns GL, Farrar HC (1998) "Hypokalemia in an asthmatic child from abuse of albuterol metered dose inhaler." Pediatr Emerg Care, 14, p. 145-7
  21. (2001) "Product Information. Xopenex (levalbuterol)." Sepracor Inc
  22. (2001) "Product Information. Foradil (formoterol)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals
  23. Ferguson GT, Funck-Brentano C, Fischer T, Darken P, Reisner C (2003) "Cardiovascular Safety of Salmeterol in COPD." Chest, 123, p. 1817-24
  24. Milic M, Bao X, Rizos D, Liu F, Ziegler MG (2006) "Literature review and pilot studies of the effect of qt correction formulas on reported beta(2)-agonist-induced QTc prolongation." Clin Ther, 28, p. 582-90
  25. (2006) "Product Information. Brovana (arformoterol)." Sepracor Inc
  26. Lowe MD, Rowland E, Brown MJ, Grace AA (2001) "Beta(2) adrenergic receptors mediate important electrophysiological effects in human ventricular myocardium." Heart, 86, p. 45-51
  27. Sun ZH, Swan H, Vitasalo M, Toivonen L (1998) "Effects of epinephrine and phenylephrine on QT interval dispersion in congenital long QT syndrome." J Am Coll Cardiol, 31, p. 1400-5
  28. (2011) "Product Information. Arcapta Neohaler (indacaterol)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals
  29. (2013) "Product Information. Breo Ellipta (fluticasone-vilanterol)." GlaxoSmithKline
  30. (2014) "Product Information. Striverdi Respimat (olodaterol)." Boehringer Ingelheim

Food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

albuterol Caffeine

Applies to: Combivent (albuterol / ipratropium)
Monitor

Coadministration of two or more sympathomimetic or noradrenergic agents may increase the risk of nervousness, irritability, tachycardia, and/or increased blood pressure. Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, particularly amphetamines, can potentiate the adrenergic response to vasopressors and other sympathomimetic and/or noradrenergic agents, including norepinephrine transporter inhibitors. Additive increases in blood pressure and heart rate may occur due to enhanced peripheral sympathetic activity.

Management

Caution is advised if two or more sympathomimetic or noradrenergic agents are coadministered. Pulse and blood pressure should be closely monitored. Consultation with individual product labeling, as well as relevant institutional protocols, may be advisable for further guidance.

References (20)
  1. Rosenblatt JE, Lake CR, van Kammen DP, Ziegler MG, Bunney WE Jr (1979) "Interactions of amphetamine, pimozide, and lithium on plasma norepineophrine and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase in schizophrenic patients." Psychiatry Res, 1, p. 45-52
  2. Cavanaugh JH, Griffith JD, Oates JA (1970) "Effect of amphetamine on the pressor response to tyramine: formation of p-hydroxynorephedrine from amphetamine in man." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 11, p. 656
  3. (2001) "Product Information. Adderall (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine)." Shire Richwood Pharmaceutical Company Inc
  4. (2001) "Product Information. Tenuate (diethylpropion)." Aventis Pharmaceuticals
  5. (2001) "Product Information. Sanorex (mazindol)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals
  6. (2001) "Product Information. Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)." Mikart Inc
  7. (2024) "Product Information. Ephedrine (ephedrine)." Hameln Pharma Ltd
  8. (2023) "Product Information. Ephedrine Hydrochloride (ephedrine)." Wockhardt UK Ltd
  9. (2026) "Product Information. Strattera (atomoxetine)." Lilly, Eli and Company
  10. (2025) "Product Information. Atomoxetine (atomoxetine)." Zentiva Pharma UK Ltd
  11. (2026) "Product Information. Atomoxetine (Apo) (atomoxetine)." Arrotex Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
  12. Angita Pharma, Inc (2026) AG-ATOMOXETINE Product Monograph (Health Canada) https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00059014.PDF
  13. (2026) "Product Information. Boots Decongestant (Pseudoephedrine) (pseudoephedrine)." The Boots Company Plc
  14. (2023) "Product Information. Sinus and Nasal Decongestant (Trust) (pseudoephedrine)." Noumed Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
  15. (2019) "Product Information. Ephedrine (ephedrine)." Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd
  16. (2024) "Product Information. EPHEDrine Sulfate (ePHEDrine)." Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
  17. (2024) "Product Information. Lemsip Cough Max for Mucus Cough and Cold (guaifenesin/paracetamol/phenylephrine)." Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare (UK) Ltd
  18. emc (2026) Product information: sudafed plus blocked nose 1mg/50mg/ml nasal spray. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/14256/smpc?utm_source=chatgpt.com
  19. (2023) "Product Information. EPHEDrine Sulfate (ePHEDrine)." Baxter Corporation
  20. Neo Health (OTC) Pty Ltd (2026) Product information: pseudoephedrine hydrochloride-paracetamol capsules. https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/pdf?OpenAgent&id=CP-2024-PI-02603-1&d=20260804172310101&d=20260827172310101

Disease interactions

12 potential interactions Applies to: 11 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, Seizures, Arrhythmia, Hypokalemia, and Hyperthyroidism.

Arrhythmia

Moderate:

Combivent

The ipratropium in Combivent has a moderate potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

Cases of supraventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation have been reported with the use of inhaled anticholinergic agents in patients with COPD/Asthma. Care and monitoring of cardiac function is recommended when prescribing these agents to patients at risk.

Diabetes Mellitus

Moderate:

Combivent

The albuterol in Combivent has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Adrenergic bronchodilators may cause increases in blood glucose concentrations. These effects are usually transient and slight, but may be significant with dosages higher than those normally recommended. Large doses of IV albuterol (not commercially available in the U.S.) and terbutaline sulfate have been reported to cause exacerbation of preexisting diabetes mellitus and ketoacidosis. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus. Closer monitoring of blood glucose concentrations may be appropriate. Systemic adverse effects are minimized, but not abolished, by administration of these agents via oral inhalation.

Glaucoma, Narrow Angle

Moderate:

Combivent

The ipratropium in Combivent has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma, Narrow Angle.

Aclidinium, ipratropium, umeclidinium, and tiotropium are anticholinergic agents. Although systemic effects are uncommon due to the poor absorption of quaternary ammonium compounds from gastrointestinal and nasal mucosa, worsening of urinary retention or angle-closure glaucoma has been reported. Increased intraocular pressure and precipitation or exacerbation of angle-closure glaucoma may also occur due to inadvertent contact of the eye with aerosolized or nebulized drug. Accordingly, therapy with quaternary ammonium compounds should be administered cautiously in patients with urinary retention/obstruction or angle-closure glaucoma. Measures should be taken whenever possible to minimize ocular exposure to these drugs, such as keeping eyes closed during oral inhalation or use of a mouthpiece rather than face mask during nebulization. Patients should be advised to contact their physician if they experience urinary difficulty (especially in patients with prostatic hyperplasia or bladder neck obstruction); or signs and symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma (e.g., eye pain or discomfort; blurred vision; visual halos; colored images in association with red eyes from conjunctival congestion or corneal edema).

Heart Disease

Moderate:

Combivent

The albuterol in Combivent has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Disease.

Adrenergic bronchodilators can stimulate cardiovascular beta- 1 and beta- 2 receptors, resulting in adverse effects such as tachycardia, palpitation, peripheral vasodilation, blood pressure changes, and ECG changes (e.g., flattening of the T wave; prolongation of the QT interval; ST segment depression). Direct stimulation of cardiac tissues is mediated by beta- 1 receptors and thus less likely to occur with beta-2-selective agents such as albuterol. However, beta-2-selectivity is not absolute and can be lost with larger doses. High dosages of these agents have been associated with precipitation or aggravation of angina, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac arrhythmias. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, and/or underlying cardiovascular disorders such as coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, or hypertension. The recommended dosages should not be exceeded.

High Blood Pressure

Moderate:

Combivent

The albuterol in Combivent has a moderate potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.

Adrenergic bronchodilators can stimulate cardiovascular beta- 1 and beta- 2 receptors, resulting in adverse effects such as tachycardia, palpitation, peripheral vasodilation, blood pressure changes, and ECG changes (e.g., flattening of the T wave; prolongation of the QT interval; ST segment depression). Direct stimulation of cardiac tissues is mediated by beta- 1 receptors and thus less likely to occur with beta-2-selective agents such as albuterol. However, beta-2-selectivity is not absolute and can be lost with larger doses. High dosages of these agents have been associated with precipitation or aggravation of angina, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac arrhythmias. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, and/or underlying cardiovascular disorders such as coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, or hypertension. The recommended dosages should not be exceeded.

Hyperthyroidism

Moderate:

Combivent

The albuterol in Combivent has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

Adrenergic bronchodilators can stimulate cardiovascular beta- 1 and beta- 2 receptors, resulting in adverse effects such as tachycardia, palpitation, peripheral vasodilation, blood pressure changes, and ECG changes (e.g., flattening of the T wave; prolongation of the QT interval; ST segment depression). Direct stimulation of cardiac tissues is mediated by beta- 1 receptors and thus less likely to occur with beta-2-selective agents such as albuterol. However, beta-2-selectivity is not absolute and can be lost with larger doses. High dosages of these agents have been associated with precipitation or aggravation of angina, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac arrhythmias. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, and/or underlying cardiovascular disorders such as coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, or hypertension. The recommended dosages should not be exceeded.

Hypokalemia

Moderate:

Combivent

The albuterol in Combivent has a moderate potential interaction with Hypokalemia.

Adrenergic bronchodilators may cause decreases in serum potassium concentrations, primarily when given by nebulization or intravenous administration. Although this effect is usually transient and does not require supplementation, clinically significant hypokalemia may occur in some patients, with the potential to induce cardiovascular adverse effects. The relevance of these observations to oral or oral aerosol/powder for inhalation therapy is unknown. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to hypokalemia.

Liver Disease

Moderate:

Combivent

The ipratropium in Combivent has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Ipratropium has not been studied in patients with hepatic or renal insufficiency. Therapy with this agent should be used with caution in these patients.

Renal Dysfunction

Moderate:

Combivent

The ipratropium in Combivent has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Ipratropium has not been studied in patients with hepatic or renal insufficiency. Therapy with this agent should be used with caution in these patients.

Moderate:

Combivent

The albuterol in Combivent has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Levalbuterol is substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Care should be taken in dose selection in patients with renal impairment and it may be useful to monitor renal function.

Seizures

Moderate:

Combivent

The albuterol in Combivent has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.

Adrenergic bronchodilators may cause CNS stimulation. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with seizure disorders. Systemic adverse effects are minimized, but not abolished, by administration of these agents via oral inhalation.

Urinary Retention

Moderate:

Combivent

The ipratropium in Combivent has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Retention.

Aclidinium, ipratropium, umeclidinium, and tiotropium are anticholinergic agents. Although systemic effects are uncommon due to the poor absorption of quaternary ammonium compounds from gastrointestinal and nasal mucosa, worsening of urinary retention or angle-closure glaucoma has been reported. Increased intraocular pressure and precipitation or exacerbation of angle-closure glaucoma may also occur due to inadvertent contact of the eye with aerosolized or nebulized drug. Accordingly, therapy with quaternary ammonium compounds should be administered cautiously in patients with urinary retention/obstruction or angle-closure glaucoma. Measures should be taken whenever possible to minimize ocular exposure to these drugs, such as keeping eyes closed during oral inhalation or use of a mouthpiece rather than face mask during nebulization. Patients should be advised to contact their physician if they experience urinary difficulty (especially in patients with prostatic hyperplasia or bladder neck obstruction); or signs and symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma (e.g., eye pain or discomfort; blurred vision; visual halos; colored images in association with red eyes from conjunctival congestion or corneal edema).

More resources

abarelix

A total of 278 drugs are known to interact with abarelix.

Combivent

A total of 527 drugs are known to interact with Combivent.

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.