Drug Interactions between aminophylline / ephedrine / guaifenesin / phenobarbital and Wellcovorin

MONITOR: Anticonvulsants including, but not limited to, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, and valproic acid have been shown to impair folate absorption and increase the metabolism of circulating folate. The precise mechanism of interaction has not been established.

MONITOR: Coadministration with folate therapy may reduce the anticonvulsant effects of phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, and succinimides. The exact mechanism of interaction is unknown. Available data pertain primarily to phenytoin. Some investigators suggest that folic acid may serve as a cofactor in the metabolism of phenytoin, thus clearance is increased in the presence of folic acid. In one study, administration of folic acid for 14 days reduced the serum levels of phenytoin in normal subjects without significantly altering the bound fraction. Urinary excretion of phenytoin and its metabolite, meta-hydroxydiphenylhydantoin, was increased. In another study, three of four folate-deficient male patients receiving phenytoin monotherapy for epilepsy demonstrated a 7.5% to 47.6% decrease in total phenytoin plasma concentration following the addition of folic acid 1 mg/day for 180 or 300 days. Ratios of urinary metabolites to parent drug increased in these patients, suggesting an increase in phenytoin oxidative metabolism. The interaction is further supported by case reports describing subtherapeutic phenytoin levels and/or breakthrough seizures following the addition of folate therapy, including one case involving folinic acid (leucovorin). Limited data are available for phenobarbital and primidone. In one study, the addition of folic acid 15 mg/day increased the frequency and severity of seizures in 13 of 26 folate-deficient epileptic patients receiving two or more anticonvulsant drugs, including phenytoin, phenobarbital, and primidone. Nine of them required discontinuation of folic acid therapy. No data are available for other hydantoins.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when folate therapy is coadministered with anticonvulsants. Close monitoring for clinical and laboratory evidence of diminished therapeutic response to both treatments is recommended. Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they experience loss of seizure control.

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MONITOR: Barbiturates may decrease serum levels and therapeutic effects of the methylxanthines. The mechanism is barbiturate induction of CYP450 3A4 and 1A2 hepatic metabolism of methylxanthines.

MANAGEMENT: Close observation for clinical and laboratory evidence of decreased methylxanthine effect is indicated if these drugs must be used together. Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they experience a worsening of their respiratory symptoms.

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Ephedrine-methylxanthine combinations are used for the treatment of asthma but the efficacy of the combination has been questioned. This combination may lead to increased xanthine side effects. The mechanism is unknown, but may be related to synergistic pharmacologic effects. Patients using this combination should be closely monitored for side effects such as nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, nervousness, or insomnia. If side effects are noted, the dosage of the xanthine may need to be decreased.

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