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Drug Interactions between Asendin and propafenone

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

propafenone amoxapine

Applies to: propafenone and Asendin (amoxapine)

MONITOR: Coadministration with Class IC antiarrhythmic agents may increase the plasma concentrations of some tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 2D6, the isoenzyme primarily or partially responsible for the metabolism of most TCAs. In one case report, a patient developed dry mouth, dizziness, sedation, and tremors in association with increased desipramine serum concentrations when digoxin and propafenone were added to his medication regimen. The symptoms resolved following cessation of desipramine for 5 days. However, when desipramine was restarted at one-half the previous dosage, desipramine levels were still elevated compared to before propafenone was added.

MONITOR: Class IC antiarrhythmic agents can cause prolongation of the QT interval. Theoretically, coadministration with other agents such as TCAs that can prolong the QT interval may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and torsade de pointes, because of additive arrhythmogenic potential related to their effects on cardiac conduction. In general, the risk of an individual agent or combination of agents causing ventricular arrhythmia in association with QT prolongation is largely unpredictable but may be increased by certain underlying risk factors such as congenital long QT syndrome, cardiac disease, and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia). In addition, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drug(s).

MANAGEMENT: Caution and clinical monitoring are recommended if a class IC antiarrhythmic agent is prescribed in combination with a tricyclic antidepressant. Pharmacologic response and serum TCA levels should be monitored more closely whenever a class IC antiarrhythmic agent is added to or withdrawn from therapy, and the TCA dosage adjusted as necessary. Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they experience possible signs and symptoms of TCA toxicity such as excessive sedation, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, tachycardia, arrhythmia, and seizures. Patients should seek medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsades de pointes such as dizziness, palpitations, or syncope.

References

  1. Katz MR (1991) "Raised serum levels of desipramine with the antiarrhythmic propafenone ." J Clin Psychiatry, 52, p. 432-3
  2. (2002) "Product Information. Sinequan (doxepin)." Roerig Division
  3. Witchel HJ, Hancox JC, Nutt DJ (2003) "Psychotropic drugs, cardiac arrhythmia, and sudden death." J Clin Psychopharmacol, 23, p. 58-77

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Drug and food interactions

Moderate

propafenone food

Applies to: propafenone

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of propafenone. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Inhibition of hepatic CYP450 3A4 may also contribute. In over 90% of patients, propafenone is rapidly and extensively converted to 2 active metabolites: 5-hydroxypropafenone via CYP450 2D6 and N-depropylpropafenone (norpropafenone) via CYP450 3A4 and 1A2. In less than 10% of patients (approximately 6% of Caucasians in the U.S. population), however, metabolism of propafenone is slower because the 5-hydroxy metabolite is not formed, or minimally formed, due to a genetic deficiency in CYP450 2D6. In these poor metabolizers of CYP450 2D6, clearance of propafenone via the CYP450 3A4 and 1A2 metabolic pathways becomes more important, and inhibition of these pathways may substantially increase systemic exposure to propafenone. Likewise, patients taking concomitant inhibitors of CYP450 2D6 and 3A4 may experience similar pharmacokinetic effects. In general, the effect of grapefruit juice is concentration-, dose- and preparation-dependent, and can vary widely among brands. Certain preparations of grapefruit juice (e.g., high dose, double strength) have sometimes demonstrated potent inhibition of CYP450 3A4, while other preparations (e.g., low dose, single strength) have typically demonstrated moderate inhibition. Increased systemic exposure to propafenone may result in proarrhythmic events and exaggerated beta-adrenergic blocking activity.

MANAGEMENT: It may be advisable for patients to avoid the consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, or supplements that contain grapefruit during treatment with propafenone.

References

  1. Botsch S, Gautier JC, Beaune P, Eichelbaum M, Kroemer HK (1993) "Identification and characterization of the cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in N-dealkylation of propafenone: molecular base for interaction potential and variable disposition of active metabolites." Mol Pharmacol, 43, p. 120-6
  2. (2011) "Product Information. Rythmol SR (propafenone)." GlaxoSmithKline
  3. (2023) "Product Information. Apo-Propafenone (propafenone)." Apotex Incorporated
  4. (2022) "Product Information. Propafenone (propafenone)." Accord-UK Ltd
View all 4 references

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Moderate

amoxapine food

Applies to: Asendin (amoxapine)

GENERALLY AVOID: Concomitant use of ethanol and a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) may result altered TCA plasma levels and efficacy, and additive impairment of motor skills, especially driving skills. Acute ethanol ingestion may inhibit TCA metabolism, while chronic ingestion of large amounts of ethanol may induce hepatic TCA metabolism.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol during TCA therapy. Alcoholics who have undergone detoxification should be monitored for decreased TCA efficacy. Dosage adjustments may be required.

References

  1. Dorian P, Sellers EM, Reed KL, et al. (1983) "Amitriptyline and ethanol: pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interaction." Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 25, p. 325-31
  2. Warrington SJ, Ankier SI, Turner P (1986) "Evaluation of possible interactions between ethanol and trazodone or amitriptyline." Neuropsychobiology, 15, p. 31-7
  3. Sandoz M, Vandel S, Vandel B, Bonin B, Allers G, Volmat R (1983) "Biotransformation of amitriptyline in alcoholic depressive patients." Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 24, p. 615-21
  4. Ciraulo DA, Barnhill JG, Jaffe JH (1988) "Clinical pharmacokinetics of imipramine and desipramine in alcoholics and normal volunteers." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 43, p. 509-18
  5. Seppala T, Linnoila M, Elonen E, Mattila MJ, Makl M (1975) "Effect of tricyclic antidepressants and alcohol on psychomotor skills related to driving." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 17, p. 515-22
  6. Ciraulo DA, Barnhill JG, Jaffe JH, Ciraulo AM, Tarmey MF (1990) "Intravenous pharmacokinetics of 2-hydroxyimipramine in alcoholics and normal controls." J Stud Alcohol, 51, p. 366-72
  7. Ciraulo DA, Alderson LM, Chapron DJ, Jaffe JH, Subbarao B, Kramer PA (1982) "Imipramine disposition in alcoholics." J Clin Psychopharmacol, 2, p. 2-7
View all 7 references

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.

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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

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