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Drug Interactions between Azor and tacrolimus

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

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

amLODIPine tacrolimus

Applies to: Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan) and tacrolimus

MONITOR: Coadministration with amlodipine may increase the blood concentrations of tacrolimus. The exact mechanism of interaction is unknown but may involve inhibition of the CYP450 3A5 metabolism of tacrolimus. Isolated case reports and one crossover study involving healthy subjects have demonstrated that the AUC of tacrolimus may increase by 2.3-fold or more when taken concomitantly with amlodipine.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if tacrolimus is administered concomitantly with amlodipine. Tacrolimus blood levels should be monitored frequently and the dosage adjusted accordingly, particularly following initiation or discontinuation of amlodipine therapy in patients who are stabilized on their tacrolimus regimen. Patients should be advised to contact their physician if they experience potential signs and symptoms of tacrolimus toxicity such as fever, infection, diarrhea, tremor, headache, fatigue, lethargy, and changes in motor function, mental status, or sensory function.

References

  1. (2002) "Product Information. Norvasc (amlodipine)." Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
  4. Khaira A, Rathi OP, Gupta A, et al. (2009) "Galactorrhoea and mastalgia in a renal transplant recipient on tacrolimus and amlodipine." Nephrology (Carlton), 14, p. 700-1
  5. Zhao W, Baudouin V, Fakhoury M, Storme T, Deschenes G, Jacqz-Aigrain E (2012) "Pharmacokinetic interaction between tacrolimus and amlodipine in a renal transplant child." Transplantation, 93, e29-30
View all 5 references

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Moderate

tacrolimus olmesartan

Applies to: tacrolimus and Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan)

MONITOR: Coadministration of tacrolimus with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor antagonists may increase the risk of hyperkalemia associated with the use of these drugs, particularly in patients with renal impairment. Mild to severe hyperkalemia was reported in 31% and 21% of kidney transplant recipients and in 45% and 13% of liver transplant recipients treated with tacrolimus in U.S. and European randomized trials, respectively, and in 8% of heart transplant recipients in a European randomized trial.

MANAGEMENT: Serum potassium levels and renal function should be monitored regularly when tacrolimus is used in combination with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Particular caution is warranted in patients with renal impairment, diabetes, old age, severe or worsening heart failure, or dehydration. Patients should be advised to seek medical attention if they experience signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, listlessness, tingling of the extremities, paralysis, confusion, weak pulse, and a slow or irregular heartbeat.

References

  1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  2. Perazella MA (2000) "Drug-induced hyperkalemia: old culprits and new offenders." Am J Med, 109, p. 307-14

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Drug and food interactions

Moderate

tacrolimus food

Applies to: tacrolimus

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Consumption of food has led to a 27% decrease in the bioavailability of orally administered tacrolimus.

MANAGEMENT: Tacrolimus should be administered at least one hour before or two hours after meals.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice has been reported to increase tacrolimus trough concentrations. Data are limited, but inhibition of the CYP450 enzyme system appears to be involved.

MANAGEMENT: The clinician may want to recommend that the patient avoid ingesting large amounts of grapefruit juice while taking tacrolimus.

References

  1. (2001) "Product Information. Prograf (tacrolimus)." Fujisawa
  2. Hooks MA (1994) "Tacrolimus, a new immunosuppressant--a review of the literature." Ann Pharmacother, 28, p. 501-11

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Moderate

olmesartan food

Applies to: Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan)

GENERALLY AVOID: Moderate-to-high dietary intake of potassium, especially salt substitutes, may increase the risk of hyperkalemia in some patients who are using angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). ARBs can promote hyperkalemia through inhibition of angiotensin II-induced aldosterone secretion. Patients with diabetes, heart failure, dehydration, or renal insufficiency have a greater risk of developing hyperkalemia.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should receive dietary counseling and be advised to not use potassium-containing salt substitutes or over-the-counter potassium supplements without consulting their physician. If salt substitutes are used concurrently, regular monitoring of serum potassium levels is recommended. Patients should also be advised to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of hyperkalemia such as weakness, irregular heartbeat, confusion, tingling of the extremities, or feelings of heaviness in the legs.

References

  1. (2001) "Product Information. Cozaar (losartan)." Merck & Co., Inc
  2. (2001) "Product Information. Diovan (valsartan)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals

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Moderate

amLODIPine food

Applies to: Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan)

MONITOR: Many psychotherapeutic and CNS-active agents (e.g., anxiolytics, sedatives, hypnotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, opioids, alcohol, muscle relaxants) exhibit hypotensive effects, especially during initiation of therapy and dose escalation. Coadministration with antihypertensives and other hypotensive agents, in particular vasodilators and alpha-blockers, may result in additive effects on blood pressure and orthostasis.

MANAGEMENT: Caution and close monitoring for development of hypotension is advised during coadministration of these agents. Some authorities recommend avoiding alcohol in patients receiving vasodilating antihypertensive drugs. Patients should be advised to avoid rising abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position and to notify their physician if they experience dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, orthostasis, or tachycardia.

References

  1. Sternbach H (1991) "Fluoxetine-associated potentiation of calcium-channel blockers." J Clin Psychopharmacol, 11, p. 390-1
  2. Shook TL, Kirshenbaum JM, Hundley RF, Shorey JM, Lamas GA (1984) "Ethanol intoxication complicating intravenous nitroglycerin therapy." Ann Intern Med, 101, p. 498-9
  3. Feder R (1991) "Bradycardia and syncope induced by fluoxetine." J Clin Psychiatry, 52, p. 139
  4. Ellison JM, Milofsky JE, Ely E (1990) "Fluoxetine-induced bradycardia and syncope in two patients." J Clin Psychiatry, 51, p. 385-6
  5. Rodriguez de la Torre B, Dreher J, Malevany I, et al. (2001) "Serum levels and cardiovascular effects of tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in depressed patients." Ther Drug Monit, 23, p. 435-40
  6. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
  7. Pacher P, Kecskemeti V (2004) "Cardiovascular side effects of new antidepressants and antipsychotics: new drugs, old concerns?" Curr Pharm Des, 10, p. 2463-75
  8. Andrews C, Pinner G (1998) "Postural hypotension induced by paroxetine." BMJ, 316, p. 595
View all 8 references

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Moderate

amLODIPine food

Applies to: Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan)

MONITOR: Calcium-containing products may decrease the effectiveness of calcium channel blockers by saturating calcium channels with calcium. Calcium chloride has been used to manage acute severe verapamil toxicity.

MANAGEMENT: Management consists of monitoring the effectiveness of calcium channel blocker therapy during coadministration with calcium products.

References

  1. Henry M, Kay MM, Viccellio P (1985) "Cardiogenic shock associated with calcium-channel and beta blockers: reversal with intravenous calcium chloride." Am J Emerg Med, 3, p. 334-6
  2. Moller IW (1987) "Cardiac arrest following intravenous verapamil combined with halothane anaesthesia." Br J Anaesth, 59, p. 522-6
  3. Oszko MA, Klutman NE (1987) "Use of calcium salts during cardiopulmonary resuscitation for reversing verapamil-associated hypotension." Clin Pharm, 6, p. 448-9
  4. Schoen MD, Parker RB, Hoon TJ, et al. (1991) "Evaluation of the pharmacokinetics and electrocardiographic effects of intravenous verapamil with intravenous calcium chloride pretreatment in normal subjects." Am J Cardiol, 67, p. 300-4
  5. O'Quinn SV, Wohns DH, Clarke S, Koch G, Patterson JH, Adams KF (1990) "Influence of calcium on the hemodynamic and anti-ischemic effects of nifedipine observed during treadmill exercise testing." Pharmacotherapy, 10, p. 247
  6. Woie L, Storstein L (1981) "Successful treatment of suicidal verapamil poisoning with calcium gluconate." Eur Heart J, 2, p. 239-42
  7. Morris DL, Goldschlager N (1983) "Calcium infusion for reversal of adverse effects of intravenous verapamil." JAMA, 249, p. 3212-3
  8. Guadagnino V, Greengart A, Hollander G, Solar M, Shani J, Lichstein E (1987) "Treatment of severe left ventricular dysfunction with calcium chloride in patients receiving verapamil." J Clin Pharmacol, 27, p. 407-9
  9. Luscher TF, Noll G, Sturmer T, Huser B, Wenk M (1994) "Calcium gluconate in severe verapamil intoxication." N Engl J Med, 330, p. 718-20
  10. Bar-Or D, Gasiel Y (1981) "Calcium and calciferol antagonise effect of verapamil in atrial fibrillation." Br Med J (Clin Res Ed), 282, p. 1585-6
  11. Lipman J, Jardine I, Roos C, Dreosti L (1982) "Intravenous calcium chloride as an antidote to verapamil-induced hypotension." Intensive Care Med, 8, p. 55-7
  12. McMillan R (1988) "Management of acute severe verapamil intoxication." J Emerg Med, 6, p. 193-6
  13. Perkins CM (1978) "Serious verapamil poisoning: treatment with intravenous calcium gluconate." Br Med J, 2, p. 1127
  14. Moroni F, Mannaioni PF, Dolara A, Ciaccheri M (1980) "Calcium gluconate and hypertonic sodium chloride in a case of massive verapamil poisoning." Clin Toxicol, 17, p. 395-400
View all 14 references

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Minor

amLODIPine food

Applies to: Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan)

The consumption of grapefruit juice may slightly increase plasma concentrations of amlodipine. The mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. Data have been conflicting and the clinical significance is unknown. Monitoring for calcium channel blocker adverse effects (e.g., headache, hypotension, syncope, tachycardia, edema) is recommended.

References

  1. Bailey DG, Arnold JMO, Spence JD (1994) "Grapefruit juice and drugs - how significant is the interaction." Clin Pharmacokinet, 26, p. 91-8
  2. Josefsson M, Zackrisson AL, Ahlner J (1996) "Effect of grapefruit juice on the pharmacokinetics of amlodipine in healthy volunteers." Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 51, p. 189-93
  3. Bailey DG, Malcolm J, Arnold O, Spence JD (1998) "Grapefruit juice-drug interactions." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 46, p. 101-10
  4. Vincent J, Harris SI, Foulds G, Dogolo LC, Willavize S, Friedman HL (2000) "Lack of effect of grapefruit juice on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of amlodipine." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 50, p. 455-63
  5. Josefsson M, Ahlner J (2002) "Amlodipine and grapefruit juice." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 53, 405; discussion 406
  6. Kane GC, Lipsky JJ (2000) "Drug-grapefruit juice interactions." Mayo Clin Proc, 75, p. 933-42
View all 6 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.

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