What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Ritonavir and salmeterol
Ritonavir's FDA label of July 23, 2026 names salmeterol in its drug interactions section, and salmeterol's label names ritonavir too. The ritonavir label: “Concurrent administration of salmeterol and ritonavir 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 ritonavir FDA label on DailyMed (effective July 23, 2026, AbbVie Inc.); the salmeterol FDA label on DailyMed (effective October 10, 2022, GlaxoSmithKline LLC).
What does the ritonavir label say about salmeterol?
Ritonavir label, drug interactionsConcomitant Drug Class/Drug Name: Long-acting beta-adrenoceptor agonist: salmeterol; Effect on Concentration of Ritonavir or Concomitant Drug: ↑ salmeterol; Clinical Comment: Concurrent administration of salmeterol and ritonavir 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 (Norvir), AbbVie Inc., effective July 23, 2026 (SPL set 2849298e-de6e-47bb-8194-56e075b33fc3), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the salmeterol label say about ritonavir?
Salmeterol label, drug interactionsStrong cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole): Use not recommended.
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
| Ritonavir | Salmeterol | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | HIV | Asthma, COPD |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | $0.607 per tablet 100 mg tablet | $6.74 per unit 50 mcg |
| Shortage now | A presentation being discontinued | 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