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Drug Interactions between cascara sagrada / phenolphthalein and lofexidine

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

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

cascara sagrada lofexidine

Applies to: cascara sagrada / phenolphthalein and lofexidine

MONITOR: Bowel cleansing as well as overuse of certain laxatives may cause electrolyte loss and increase the risk of torsade de pointes ventricular arrhythmia in patients treated with drugs that prolong the QT interval. Electrolyte disturbances including hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia have been reported with laxative abuse and are known risk factors for torsade de pointes associated with QT interval prolongation.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated with drugs that prolong the QT interval should exercise caution when self-medicating with laxatives. The recommended dosage and duration of use should not be exceeded. Patients treated with lactulose for more than six months should be monitored periodically for electrolyte imbalance. Patients should be advised to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitation, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, or syncope.

References

  1. Chin RL (1998) "Laxative-induced hypokalemia." Ann Emerg Med, 32, p. 517-8
  2. Muller-Lissner SA (1993) "Adverse effects of laxatives: fact and fiction." Pharmacology, 47, p. 138-45
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  4. Canadian Pharmacists Association (2006) e-CPS. http://www.pharmacists.ca/function/Subscriptions/ecps.cfm?link=eCPS_quikLink
  5. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
  6. Schaefer DC, Cheskin LJ (1998) "Constipation in the elderly." Am Fam Physician, 58, p. 907-14
View all 6 references

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Moderate

phenolphthalein lofexidine

Applies to: cascara sagrada / phenolphthalein and lofexidine

MONITOR: Bowel cleansing as well as overuse of certain laxatives may cause electrolyte loss and increase the risk of torsade de pointes ventricular arrhythmia in patients treated with drugs that prolong the QT interval. Electrolyte disturbances including hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia have been reported with laxative abuse and are known risk factors for torsade de pointes associated with QT interval prolongation.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated with drugs that prolong the QT interval should exercise caution when self-medicating with laxatives. The recommended dosage and duration of use should not be exceeded. Patients treated with lactulose for more than six months should be monitored periodically for electrolyte imbalance. Patients should be advised to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitation, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, or syncope.

References

  1. Chin RL (1998) "Laxative-induced hypokalemia." Ann Emerg Med, 32, p. 517-8
  2. Muller-Lissner SA (1993) "Adverse effects of laxatives: fact and fiction." Pharmacology, 47, p. 138-45
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  4. Canadian Pharmacists Association (2006) e-CPS. http://www.pharmacists.ca/function/Subscriptions/ecps.cfm?link=eCPS_quikLink
  5. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
  6. Schaefer DC, Cheskin LJ (1998) "Constipation in the elderly." Am Fam Physician, 58, p. 907-14
View all 6 references

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Drug and food interactions

Moderate

lofexidine food

Applies to: lofexidine

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of CNS-active agents. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving CNS-active agents should be warned of this interaction and advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.

References

  1. Warrington SJ, Ankier SI, Turner P (1986) "Evaluation of possible interactions between ethanol and trazodone or amitriptyline." Neuropsychobiology, 15, p. 31-7
  2. Gilman AG, eds., Nies AS, Rall TW, Taylor P (1990) "Goodman and Gilman's the Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics." New York, NY: Pergamon Press Inc.
  3. (2012) "Product Information. Fycompa (perampanel)." Eisai Inc
  4. (2015) "Product Information. Rexulti (brexpiprazole)." Otsuka American Pharmaceuticals Inc
View all 4 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

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.