Drug Interaction Report
5 potential interactions and/or warnings found for the following 2 drugs:
- Nucochem Pediatric Expectorant (codeine / guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine)
- Pancof EXP (dihydrocodeine / guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine)
Interactions between your drugs
codeine dihydrocodeine
Applies to: Nucochem Pediatric Expectorant (codeine / guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine), Pancof EXP (dihydrocodeine / guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine)
GENERALLY AVOID: Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants (e.g., nonbenzodiazepine sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, other opioids, alcohol) may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. The risk of hypotension may also be increased with some CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, phenothiazines).
MANAGEMENT: The use of opioids in conjunction with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants should generally be avoided unless alternative treatment options are inadequate. If coadministration is necessary, the dosage and duration of each drug should be limited to the minimum required to achieve desired clinical effect, with cautious titration and dosage adjustments when needed. Patients should be monitored closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation, and advised to avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how these medications affect them. Cough medications containing opioids (e.g., codeine, hydrocodone) should not be prescribed to patients using benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants including alcohol. For patients who have been receiving extended therapy with both an opioid and a benzodiazepine and require discontinuation of either medication, a gradual tapering of dose is advised, since abrupt withdrawal may lead to withdrawal symptoms. Severe cases of benzodiazepine withdrawal, primarily in patients who have received excessive doses over a prolonged period, may result in numbness and tingling of extremities, hypersensitivity to light and noise, hallucinations, and epileptic seizures.
References
- US Food and Drug Administration (2016) FDA warns about serious risks and death when combining opioid pain or cough medicines with benzodiazepines; requires its strongest warning. http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/UCM518672.pdf
Drug and food interactions
codeine food
Applies to: Nucochem Pediatric Expectorant (codeine / guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine)
GENERALLY AVOID: Ethanol may potentiate the central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects of opioid analgesics. Concomitant use may result in additive CNS depression and impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills. In more severe cases, hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, or even death may occur.
MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of opioid analgesics with ethanol should be avoided.
References
- Linnoila M, Hakkinen S (1974) "Effects of diazepam and codeine, alone and in combination with alcohol, on simulated driving." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 15, p. 368-73
- Sturner WQ, Garriott JC (1973) "Deaths involving propoxyphene: a study of 41 cases over a two-year period." JAMA, 223, p. 1125-30
- Girre C, Hirschhorn M, Bertaux L, et al. (1991) "Enhancement of propoxyphene bioavailability by ethanol: relation to psychomotor and cognitive function in healthy volunteers." Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 41, p. 147-52
- Levine B, Saady J, Fierro M, Valentour J (1984) "A hydromorphone and ethanol fatality." J Forensic Sci, 29, p. 655-9
- Sellers EM, Hamilton CA, Kaplan HL, Degani NC, Foltz RL (1985) "Pharmacokinetic interaction of propoxyphene with ethanol." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 19, p. 398-401
- Carson DJ (1977) "Fatal dextropropoxyphene poisoning in Northern Ireland. Review of 30 cases." Lancet, 1, p. 894-7
- Rosser WW (1980) "The interaction of propoxyphene with other drugs." Can Med Assoc J, 122, p. 149-50
- Edwards C, Gard PR, Handley SL, Hunter M, Whittington RM (1982) "Distalgesic and ethanol-impaired function." Lancet, 2, p. 384
- Kiplinger GF, Sokol G, Rodda BE (1974) "Effect of combined alcohol and propoxyphene on human performance." Arch Int Pharmacodyn Ther, 212, p. 175-80
pseudoephedrine food
Applies to: Nucochem Pediatric Expectorant (codeine / guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine), Pancof EXP (dihydrocodeine / guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine)
MONITOR: Coadministration of two or more sympathomimetic agents may increase the risk of adverse effects such as nervousness, irritability, and increased heart rate. Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, particularly amphetamines, can potentiate the adrenergic response to vasopressors and other sympathomimetic agents. Additive increases in blood pressure and heart rate may occur due to enhanced peripheral sympathetic activity.
MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if two or more sympathomimetic agents are coadministered. Pulse and blood pressure should be closely monitored.
References
- Rosenblatt JE, Lake CR, van Kammen DP, Ziegler MG, Bunney WE Jr (1979) "Interactions of amphetamine, pimozide, and lithium on plasma norepineophrine and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase in schizophrenic patients." Psychiatry Res, 1, p. 45-52
- Cavanaugh JH, Griffith JD, Oates JA (1970) "Effect of amphetamine on the pressor response to tyramine: formation of p-hydroxynorephedrine from amphetamine in man." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 11, p. 656
- (2001) "Product Information. Adderall (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine)." Shire Richwood Pharmaceutical Company Inc
- (2001) "Product Information. Tenuate (diethylpropion)." Aventis Pharmaceuticals
- (2001) "Product Information. Sanorex (mazindol)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals
- (2001) "Product Information. Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)." Mikart Inc
- (2002) "Product Information. Strattera (atomoxetine)." Lilly, Eli and Company
Therapeutic duplication warnings
Therapeutic duplication is the use of more than one medicine from the same drug category or therapeutic class to treat the same condition. This can be intentional in cases where drugs with similar actions are used together for demonstrated therapeutic benefit. It can also be unintentional in cases where a patient has been treated by more than one doctor, or had prescriptions filled at more than one pharmacy, and can have potentially adverse consequences.
Decongestants
Therapeutic duplication
The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'decongestants' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'decongestants' category:
- Nucochem Pediatric Expectorant (codeine / guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine)
- Pancof EXP (dihydrocodeine / guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine)
Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.
Expectorants
Therapeutic duplication
The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'expectorants' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'expectorants' category:
- Nucochem Pediatric Expectorant (codeine / guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine)
- Pancof EXP (dihydrocodeine / guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine)
Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.
Drug Interaction Classification
Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
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. | |
No interaction information available. |
Further information
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