What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Nelfinavir and salmeterol
Nelfinavir's FDA label of December 11, 2025 names salmeterol in its drug interactions section, and salmeterol's label names nelfinavir too. The nelfinavir label: “Concurrent administration of salmeterol with VIRACEPT is not recommended. The combination may result in increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events associated with salmeterol, including QT prolongation, palpitations …”
Check it at the source: the nelfinavir FDA label on DailyMed (effective December 11, 2025, AGOURON); the salmeterol FDA label on DailyMed (effective October 10, 2022, GlaxoSmithKline LLC).
What does the nelfinavir label say about salmeterol?
Nelfinavir label, drug interactionsConcomitant Drug Class/Drug Name: Salmeterol; Effect on Concentration: ↑ salmeterol; Clinical Comment: Concurrent administration of salmeterol with VIRACEPT is not recommended. The combination may result in increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events associated with salmeterol, including QT prolongation, palpitations and sinus tachycardia.
Source: FDA drug label (VIRACEPT), AGOURON, effective December 11, 2025 (SPL set e72c2bc6-9462-4a2e-8e1d-b97592376cbd), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the salmeterol label say about nelfinavir?
Salmeterol label, drug interactionsThe use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, saquinavir, ketoconazole, telithromycin) with SEREVENT DISKUS is not recommended because increased cardiovascular adverse effects may occur.
Salmeterol label, warnings and precautionsInteractions with Strong Cytochrome P450 3A4 Inhibitors The use of strong cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, saquinavir, ketoconazole, telithromycin) with SEREVENT DISKUS is not recommended because increased cardiovascular adverse effects may occur [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].
Source: FDA drug label (SEREVENT DISKUS), GlaxoSmithKline LLC, effective October 10, 2022 (SPL set 12d9728e-6b5c-4aee-bfb0-745e542ed2e4), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
These are the labels' own sentences. PlainMeds does not grade interactions; a pharmacist or prescriber can say what they mean for one person's medicines.
Both medicines on the record
| Nelfinavir | Salmeterol | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | HIV | Asthma, COPD |
| Boxed warning | No | Yes |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | n/a | $6.74 per unit 50 mcg |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
Source: FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026 and the FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Check more medicines together
- up to five at once