Caduet Disease Interactions

In general, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) should not be used in patients with hypotension (systolic pressure < 90 mm Hg) or cardiogenic shock. Due to potential negative inotropic and peripheral vasodilating effects, the use of CCBs may further depress cardiac output and blood pressure, which can be detrimental in these patients. The use of verapamil and diltiazem is specifically contraindicated under these circumstances.

Increased frequency, duration, and/or severity of angina, as well as acute myocardial infarction, have rarely developed during initiation or dosage increase of calcium channel blockers (CCBs), particularly in patients with severe obstructive coronary artery disease and those treated with immediate-release formulations. The mechanism of this effect is not established. Therapy with CCBs should be administered cautiously in patients with significant coronary artery disease.

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are extensively metabolized by the liver. The half-lives of CCBs may be prolonged substantially in patients with severe hepatic impairment, with the potential for significant drug accumulation. In addition, the use of some CCBs has been associated with elevations in serum transaminases, both with and without concomitant elevations in alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin. While these effects may be transient and reversible, some patients have developed cholestasis or hepatocellular injury. Therapy with CCBs should be administered cautiously and often at reduced dosages in patients with significantly impaired hepatic function. Periodic monitoring of liver function is advised.

The use of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors is contraindicated in patients with active liver disease or unexplained, persistent elevations of serum transaminases. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are extensively metabolized by the liver. Decreased drug metabolism may lead to accumulation and increased risk of toxicity, including biochemical abnormalities of liver function and, rarely, jaundice, hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty change in the liver, and fulminant hepatic necrosis. Therapy with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of liver disease and/or heavy alcohol use. A lower initial dosage may be appropriate, and clinical monitoring of liver transaminase levels according to the individual product package labeling is recommended. Patients who develop elevated ALT or AST levels during therapy should be monitored until abnormalities resolve. If an increase above 3 times the upper limit of normal persists, consideration should be given to a reduction in dosage or withdrawal of therapy.

Severe myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure secondary to myoglobinuria, has been reported rarely with the use of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. The myopathy may be dose-related and is characterized by muscle aches and/or weakness in conjunction with increases in creatine phosphokinase (CPK) values exceeding 10 times the upper limit of normal. Therapy with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting myopathy, in those with predisposing factors for myopathy or with a history of myoneural disorder, since it may delay the recognition or confound the diagnosis of a drug-induced musculoskeletal effect. Patients should be advised to report promptly any unusual muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever. Periodic CPK determinations may be considered in some patients, although the value of such monitoring is uncertain. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor therapy should be withdrawn if markedly elevated CPK levels occur or if drug-related myopathy is diagnosed or suspected.

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) may have varying degrees of negative inotropic effect. Congestive heart failure (CHF), worsening of CHF, and pulmonary edema have occurred in some patients treated with a CCB, primarily verapamil. Some CCBs have also caused mild to moderate peripheral edema due to localized vasodilation of dependent arterioles and small blood vessels, which can be confused with the effects of increasing left ventricular dysfunction. Although some CCBs have been used in the treatment of CHF, therapy with CCBs should be administered cautiously in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction (e.g., ejection fraction < 30%) or moderate to severe symptoms of cardiac failure and in patients with any degree of ventricular dysfunction if they are receiving a beta-adrenergic blocker. Likewise, caution is advised in patients with acute myocardial infarction and pulmonary congestion documented by X-ray on admission, since associated heart failure may be acutely worsened by administration of a CCB.

Cognitive impairment (e.g., memory loss, forgetfulness, amnesia, memory impairment, confusion) have been observed in patients receiving statins. The reports are usually not serious, and reversible upon statin discontinuation. Caution is recommended when using these agents in patients with cognitive impairment.

Increases in HbA1c and fasting serum glucose levels have been reported with the use of certain HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Caution should be exercised when using these agents in diabetic patients and close monitoring is recommended.

Some HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors such as fluvastatin, have not been studied in patients with severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease. Some others such as pitavastatin and simvastatin, require a dose reduction when used in this group of patients. Caution and close monitoring is advised when using these drugs in patients with renal impairment.