Drug Interactions between Aspirin Low Strength and pancrelipase

GENERALLY AVOID: The concurrent use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and ethanol may lead to gastrointestinal (GI) blood loss. The mechanism may be due to a combined local effect as well as inhibition of prostaglandins leading to decreased integrity of the GI lining.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be counseled on this potential interaction and advised to refrain from alcohol consumption while taking aspirin or NSAIDs.

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MONITOR: Exogenous pancreatic enzymes may interfere with the gastrointestinal absorption of folic acid and iron. The exact mechanism of interaction is unknown. In one study, investigators compared oral iron absorption over a 3-hour period in the presence and absence of exogenous pancreatic enzymes in 13 stable young adults with cystic fibrosis and 9 age-matched controls. There was no difference between patients and controls in iron absorption in the absence of exogenous pancreatic enzymes. However, significant impairment of iron absorption was observed in both groups after administration of pancrelipase one hour prior to iron administration. In the patient group, one hour after iron administration, there was a 188% increase in serum iron level above baseline in the absence of pancrelipase but only a 62% increase in the presence of pancrelipase. In the controls, percentage increases as well as peak serum iron levels were significantly higher in the absence of pancrelipase during all 3 hours after iron administration. Clinically, at least one-third of cystic fibrosis patients reportedly have iron deficiency. In the study, mean serum iron concentration was significantly lower in patients than in controls (11.9 versus 18.9 micromoles/L), and 5 of the patients but none of the controls had a serum iron concentration lower than 9 micromoles/L at baseline, presumably due to long-term treatment with pancreatic enzyme supplements.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving therapeutic iron or folate therapy should be monitored for potentially reduced hematologic response if pancreatic enzymes are administered concomitantly. Separating the times of administration may be helpful.

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One study has reported that coadministration of caffeine and aspirin lead to a 25% increase in the rate of appearance and 17% increase in maximum concentration of salicylate in the plasma. A significantly higher area under the plasma concentration time curve of salicylate was also reported when both drugs were administered together. The exact mechanism of this interaction has not been specified. Physicians and patients should be aware that coadministration of aspirin and caffeine may lead to higher salicylate levels faster.

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