Generic name Interacting drugs Potential effect Measures to take

Bronchodilators
b-agonists
Non-selective Adrenergic neurone blockers, Increased sensitivity to directly Avoid concurrent use
Isoprenaline reserpine, bretylium acting sympathomimetic amines
may cause hypertension
Tricyclic antidepressants Potentiation of sympathomimetic Avoid concurrent use
effects due to inhibition of
neuronal uptake
b-blockers Antagonism of bronchodilator Avoid concurrent use
effect of sympathomimetics. Also
risk of hypertension
Diethylpropion, mazindol, Pressor effects may be Avoid concurrent use
phentermine potentiated
Theophylline Decreased plasma levels of Use with caution
theophylline, increased risk of
hypokalaemia
Partially selective Monoamine oxidase inhibitors Possible interaction Use with caution
(MAOls)
Orciprenaline b-blockers Mutual antagonism Avoid concurrent use
Selective short-acting
Fenoterol
Pirbuterol
Reproterol
Rimiterol b-blockers Mutual antagonism Avoid concurrent use
Salbutamol
Terbutaline Theophylline, corticosteroids Increased risk of hypokalaemia Monitor serum potassium levels
Tulobuterol in patients with severe asthma
Selective long- acting
Salmeterol b-blockers Mutual antagonism
Bambuterol b-blockers Mutual antagonism Avoid concurrent use
suxamethonium Prolonged paralysis
Xanthines
Aminophylline Cimetidine, viloxazine, Increased plasma levels of Monitor plasma xanthine levels
Choline theophyllinate ciprofloxacin, xanthine may reduce dose if necessary
Lysine theophyllinate erythromycin, isoniazid, oral Occur
contraceptives,
mexiletine, interferons,
thiabendazole,
propranolol, diltiazem, verapamil,
allopurinol, disulfiram,
hydrocortisone,
fluconazole, troleandomycin, BCG
vaccine,
vidarabine, enoxacin,
fluvoxamine, diuretics
Lithium Increased excretion of lithium Monitor lithium levels
reducing
plasma levels