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Drug Interactions between Nuedexta and Wellbutrin

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

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Interactions between your drugs

Major

quiNIDine dextromethorphan

Applies to: Nuedexta (dextromethorphan / quinidine) and Nuedexta (dextromethorphan / quinidine)

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with potent CYP450 2D6 inhibitors (e.g., quinidine, terbinafine) may significantly increase the plasma concentrations of dextromethorphan in patients who are extensive metabolizers of this isoenzyme (approximately 93% of Caucasians and more than 98% of Asians and individuals of African descent). The proposed mechanism is inhibition of the CYP450 2D6-mediated O-demethylation of dextromethorphan. Studies in humans have shown an increase in systemic exposure of dextromethorphan of up to 43-fold when given concurrently with quinidine. Increased plasma concentrations increase the risk of dextromethorphan-related adverse effects (e.g., agitation, confusion, tremor, insomnia, diarrhea, and respiratory depression) and serotonin syndrome. However, this interaction has also been used clinically, with dextromethorphan in combination with quinidine indicated by some authorities for the treatment of pseudobulbar affect. Data evaluating the impact of this interaction in patients who are poor metabolizers of CYP450 2D6 are limited; most studies include extensive metabolizers of this isoenzyme. It is expected that poor metabolizers would have elevated dextromethorphan levels without concurrent quinidine

MANAGEMENT: The combination of dextromethorphan with potent CYP450 2D6 inhibitors should be generally avoided. Some manufacturers consider the concomitant use of dextromethorphan and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors contraindicated. If use is considered necessary, the patient should be monitored for signs of dextromethorphan adverse effects (e.g., agitation, confusion, tremor, insomnia, diarrhea, and respiratory depression) and serotonin syndrome, and advised to notify their health care professional if these adverse effects develop or worsen. Dose reduction of dextromethorphan may also be required.

References

  1. Zhang Y, Britto MR, Valderhaug KL, Wedlund PJ, Smith RA "Dextromethorphan: enhancing its systemic availability by way of low-dose quinidine-mediated inhibition of cytochrome P4502D6." Clin Pharmacol Ther 51 (1992): 647-55
  2. Schadel M, Wu DA, Otton SV, Kalow W, Sellers EM "Pharmacokinetics of dextromethorphan and metabolites in humans: influence of the CYP2d6 phenotype and quinidine inhibition." J Clin Psychopharmacol 15 (1995): 263-9
  3. Capon DA, Bochner F, Kerry N, Mikus G, Danz C, Somogyi AA "The influence of CYP2d6 polymorphism and quinidine on the disposition and antitussive effect of dextromethorphan in humans." Clin Pharmacol Ther 60 (1996): 295-307
  4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  5. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  6. "Product Information. Nuedexta (dextromethorphan-quinidine)." Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Inc (2010):
View all 6 references

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Moderate

buPROPion dextromethorphan

Applies to: Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Nuedexta (dextromethorphan / quinidine)

ADJUST DOSE: Coadministration with bupropion may increase the plasma concentrations of drugs that are metabolized by CYP450 2D6 (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; tricyclic antidepressants; some beta blockers, antiarrhythmics, and antipsychotics). The mechanism is decreased clearance due to inhibition of CYP450 2D6 activity by bupropion. Approximately 93% of Caucasians and more than 98% of Asians and individuals of African descent are extensive metabolizers of CYP450 2D6 and may be affected by this interaction. In a study of 15 male volunteers who were extensive metabolizers of CYP450 2D6, administration of a single 50 mg dose of desipramine following treatment with bupropion 150 mg twice daily increased the desipramine peak plasma concentration (Cmax), systemic exposure (AUC) and half-life by an average of 2-, 5-, and 2-fold, respectively. The effect was present for at least 7 days after the last dose of bupropion. A case report describes a 4-fold increase in plasma levels of imipramine and its metabolite, desipramine, in a 64-year-old woman following the addition of bupropion 225 mg/day. Plasma levels of desipramine were increased twofold more than the imipramine levels, which is consistent with the fact that desipramine is primarily metabolized by CYP450 2D6 while imipramine is also metabolized by other CYP450 isoenzymes. In another report, an 83-year-old woman became unsteady, confused, and lethargic following the addition of bupropion SR 300 mg/day. Her nortriptyline level was found to have increased by 185%. A later rechallenge prompted recurrence of the interaction. Likewise, a 62-year-old woman with no history of seizures developed a generalized tonic-clonic seizure in association with toxic trimipramine plasma levels following the addition of bupropion 300 mg/day. No further seizures occurred following dosage reductions of both drugs.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if bupropion must be used concomitantly with medications that undergo metabolism by CYP450 2D6, particularly those with a narrow therapeutic range. Concomitant medications should be initiated at the lower end of the dose range. Clinical and laboratory monitoring may be appropriate for some drugs whenever bupropion is added to or withdrawn from therapy.

References

  1. Edgar B, Bailey D, Bergstrand R, Johnsson G, Regardh CG "Acute effects of drinking grapefruit juice on the pharmacokinetics and dynamics of felodipine--and its potential clinical relevance." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 42 (1992): 313-7
  2. "Product Information. Plendil (felodipine)." Merck & Co., Inc PROD (2002):
  3. "Product Information. Procardia (nifedipine)." Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals PROD (2002):
  4. Bailey DG, Arnold JM, Munoz C, Spence JD "Grapefruit juice--felodipine interaction: mechanism, predictability, and effect of naringin." Clin Pharmacol Ther 53 (1993): 637-42
  5. Bailey DG, Arnold JMO, Spence JD "Grapefruit juice and drugs - how significant is the interaction." Clin Pharmacokinet 26 (1994): 91-8
  6. Bailey DG, Arnold JM, Strong HA, Munoz C, Spence JD "Effect of grapefruit juice and naringin on nisoldipine pharmacokinetics." Clin Pharmacol Ther 54 (1993): 589-94
  7. Yamreudeewong W, Henann NE, Fazio A, Lower DL, Cassidy TG "Drug-food interactions in clinical practice." J Fam Pract 40 (1995): 376-84
  8. "Grapefruit juice interactions with drugs." Med Lett Drugs Ther 37 (1995): 73-4
  9. "Product Information. Sular (nisoldipine)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  10. Josefsson M, Zackrisson AL, Ahlner J "Effect of grapefruit juice on the pharmacokinetics of amlodipine in healthy volunteers." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 51 (1996): 189-93
  11. Bailey DG, Malcolm J, Arnold O, Spence JD "Grapefruit juice-drug interactions." Br J Clin Pharmacol 46 (1998): 101-10
  12. Bailey DG, Kreeft JH, Munoz C, Freeman DJ, Bend JR "Grapefruit juice felodipine interaction: Effect of naringin and 6',7'-dihydroxybergamottin in humans." Clin Pharmacol Ther 64 (1998): 248-56
  13. Fuhr U, Maier-Bruggemann A, Blume H, et al. "Grapefruit juice increases oral nimodipine bioavailability." Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 36 (1998): 126-32
  14. Gunston GD, Mehta U "Potentially serious drug interactions with grapefruit juice." S Afr Med J 90 (2000): 41
  15. Takanaga H, Ohnishi A, Maatsuo H, et al. "Pharmacokinetic analysis of felodipine-grapefruit juice interaction based on an irreversible enzyme inhibition model." Br J Clin Pharmacol 49 (2000): 49-58
  16. Bailey DG, Dresser GR, Kreeft JH, Munoz C, Freeman DJ, Bend JR "Grapefruit-felodipine interaction: Effect of unprocessed fruit and probable active ingredients." Clin Pharmacol Ther 68 (2000): 468-77
  17. Ho PC, Ghose K, Saville D, Wanwimolruk S "Effect of grapefruit juice on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of verapamil enantiomers in healthy volunteers." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 56 (2000): 693-8
  18. Fuhr U, Muller-Peltzer H, Kern R, et al. "Effects of grapefruit juice and smoking on verapamil concentrations in steady state." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 58 (2002): 45-53
  19. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
View all 19 references

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Drug and food interactions

Moderate

quiNIDine food

Applies to: Nuedexta (dextromethorphan / quinidine)

GENERALLY AVOID: In a small, randomized, crossover study, the administration of quinidine with grapefruit juice (compared to water) to healthy volunteers significantly prolonged the time to reach peak plasma quinidine concentrations and decreased the plasma concentrations of its major metabolite, 3-hydroxyquinidine. These changes were associated pharmacodynamically with both a delay and a reduction in the maximal effect on QTc interval. The proposed mechanism is delay of gastric emptying as well as inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall induced by certain compounds present in grapefruits.

MANAGEMENT: Given the drug's narrow therapeutic index, patients receiving quinidine therapy should avoid the consumption of grapefruits and grapefruit juice to prevent any undue fluctuations in plasma drug levels.

References

  1. Ace LN, Jaffe JM, Kunka RL "Effect of food and an antacid on quinidine bioavailability." Biopharm Drug Dispos 4 (1983): 183-90
  2. Min DI, Ku YM, Geraets DR, Lee HC "Effect of grapefruit juice on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of quinidine in healthy volunteers." J Clin Pharmacol 36 (1996): 469-76
  3. Ha HR, Chen J, Leuenberger PM, Freiburghaus AU, Follah F "In vitro inhibition of midazolam and quinidine metabolism by flavonoids." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 48 (1995): 367-71
  4. Bailey DG, Dresser GR, Kreeft JH, Munoz C, Freeman DJ, Bend JR "Grapefruit-felodipine interaction: Effect of unprocessed fruit and probable active ingredients." Clin Pharmacol Ther 68 (2000): 468-77
View all 4 references

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Moderate

buPROPion food

Applies to: Wellbutrin (bupropion)

GENERALLY AVOID: Excessive use or abrupt discontinuation of alcohol after chronic ingestion may precipitate seizures in patients receiving bupropion. Additionally, there have been rare postmarketing reports of adverse neuropsychiatric events or reduced alcohol tolerance in patients who drank alcohol during treatment with bupropion. According to one forensic report, a patient died after taking large doses of both bupropion and alcohol. It is uncertain whether a drug interaction was involved. Single-dose studies in healthy volunteers given bupropion and alcohol failed to demonstrate either a significant pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interaction.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends that alcohol consumption be minimized or avoided during bupropion treatment. The use of bupropion is contraindicated in patients undergoing abrupt discontinuation of alcohol.

References

  1. Posner J, Bye A, Jeal S, Peck AW, Whiteman P "Alcohol and bupropion pharmacokinetics in healthy male volunteers." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 26 (1984): 627-30
  2. Ramcharitar V, Levine BS, Goldberger BA, Caplan YH "Bupropion and alcohol fatal intoxication: case report." Forensic Sci Int 56 (1992): 151-6
  3. Hamilton MJ, Bush MS, Peck AW "The effect of bupropion, a new antidepressant drug, and alcohol and their interaction in man." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 27 (1984): 75-80
  4. "Product Information. Wellbutrin (bupropion)." Glaxo Wellcome PROD (2001):
View all 4 references

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Moderate

dextromethorphan food

Applies to: Nuedexta (dextromethorphan / quinidine)

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

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Moderate

buPROPion food

Applies to: Wellbutrin (bupropion)

MONITOR: Additive or synergistic effects on blood pressure may occur when bupropion is combined with sympathomimetic agents such as nasal decongestants, adrenergic bronchodilators, ophthalmic vasoconstrictors, and systemic vasopressors. Treatment with bupropion can result in elevated blood pressure and hypertension. In clinical practice, hypertension, in some cases severe and requiring acute treatment, has been observed in patients receiving bupropion alone and in combination with nicotine replacement therapy. These events have occurred in both patients with and without evidence of preexisting hypertension. Furthermore, postmarketing cases of hypertensive crisis have been reported during the initial titration phase with bupropion-naltrexone treatment.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when bupropion is used with other drugs that increase dopaminergic or noradrenergic activity due to an increased risk of hypertension. Blood pressure and heart rate should be measured prior to initiating bupropion therapy and monitored at regular intervals consistent with usual clinical practice, particularly in patients with preexisting hypertension. Dose reduction or discontinuation of bupropion should be considered in patients who experience clinically significant and sustained increases in blood pressure or heart rate.

References

  1. "Product Information. Auvelity (bupropion-dextromethorphan)." Axsome Therapeutics, Inc. 1 (2022):
  2. "Product Information. Zyban (bupropion)." GlaxoSmithKline UK Ltd (2022):
  3. "Product Information. Wellbutrin XL (bupropion)." Bausch Health, Canada Inc. (2022):
  4. "Product Information. Contrave (bupropion-naltrexone)." Currax Pharmaceuticals LLC (2021):
View all 4 references

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Moderate

buPROPion food

Applies to: Wellbutrin (bupropion)

MONITOR: The concomitant use of bupropion and nicotine replacement for smoking cessation may increase the risk of hypertension. In a clinical study (n=250), 6.1% of patients who used sustained-release bupropion with nicotine transdermal system developed treatment-emergent hypertension, compared to 2.5% of patients treated with bupropion alone, 1.6% treated with nicotine alone, and 3.1% treated with placebo. Three patients in the bupropion plus nicotine group and one patient in the nicotine-only group discontinued treatment due to hypertension. The majority had evidence of preexisting hypertension.

MANAGEMENT: Blood pressure monitoring is recommended for patients concomitantly using bupropion and nicotine replacement for smoking cessation.

References

  1. "Product Information. Zyban (bupropion)." Glaxo Wellcome PROD (2001):

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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.

See also

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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.

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