Drug Interaction Report
2 potential interactions and/or warnings found for the following 2 drugs:
- Diphendryl (diphenhydramine)
- K-Lyte/Cl (potassium bicarbonate / potassium chloride)
Interactions between your drugs
diphenhydrAMINE potassium chloride
Applies to: Diphendryl (diphenhydramine), K-Lyte / Cl (potassium bicarbonate / potassium chloride)
CONTRAINDICATED: The following interaction does not apply to all products containing potassium chloride, including split dose products used for colon preparation prior to colonoscopy. It is applicable to certain oral solid formulations of potassium chloride used primarily for potassium supplementation, and the prescriber should consult the individual product labeling for more specific information and guidance.
Concomitant use of agents with anticholinergic properties (e.g., antihistamines, antispasmodics, neuroleptics, phenothiazines, skeletal muscle relaxants, tricyclic antidepressants, the class IA antiarrhythmic disopyramide) may potentiate the risk of upper gastrointestinal injury associated with oral solid formulations of potassium chloride. The proposed mechanism involves increased gastrointestinal transit time due to reduction of stomach and intestinal motility by anticholinergic agents, thereby creating a high localized concentration of potassium ions in the region of a dissolving tablet or capsule and increasing the contact time with GI mucosa. Solid formulations of potassium chloride have been associated with upper GI bleeding and small bowel ulceration, stenosis, perforation, and obstruction. Deaths have been reported rarely. In clinical studies, short-term coadministration of wax-matrix or microencapsulated formulations of potassium chloride at high dosages in combination with an anticholinergic agent such as glycopyrrolate resulted in more frequent and more serious endoscopic lesions than potassium therapy alone. However, the lesions were not accompanied by bleeding or epigastric symptoms. Some investigators have suggested a higher risk of upper GI lesions with wax-matrix than microencapsulated formulations, although existing data are limited and conflicting.
MANAGEMENT: The use of certain oral solid formulations of potassium chloride is considered contraindicated in patients receiving agents with anticholinergic properties at sufficient doses to exert anticholinergic effects. A liquid formulation of potassium chloride should be considered. Patients prescribed a solid oral formulation should be advised to discontinue potassium therapy and contact their physician if they experience potential symptoms of upper GI injury such as severe vomiting, abdominal pain, distention, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
References
- Lambert JR, Newman A (1980) "Ulceration and stricture of the esophagus due to oral potassium chloride (slow release tablet) therapy." Am J Gastroenterol, 73, p. 508-11
- Farquharson-Roberts MA, Giddings AE, Nunn AJ (1975) "Perforation of small bowel due to slow release potassium chloride (slow-K)." Br Med J, 3, p. 206
- Wynn V (1965) "Potassium chloride and bowel ulceration." Br Med J, 5477, p. 1546
- McMahon FG, Ryan JR, Akdamar K, Ertan A (1984) "Effect of potassium chloride supplements on upper gastrointestinal mucosa." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 35, p. 852-5
- McMahon FG, Ryan JR, Akdamar K, Ertan A (1982) "Upper gastrointestinal lesions after potassium chloride supplements: a controlled clinical trial." Lancet, 2, p. 1059-61
- Leijonmarck CE, Raf L (1985) "Gastrointestinal lesions and potassium chloride supplements." Lancet, 1, p. 56-7
- Lofgren RP, Rothe PR, Carlson GJ (1982) "Jejunal perforation associated with slow-release potassium chloride therapy." South Med J, 75, p. 1154-5
- Leijonmarck CE, Raf L (1985) "Ulceration of the small intestine due to slow-release potassium chloride tablets." Acta Chir Scand, 151, p. 273-8
- Weiss SM, Rutenberg HL, Paskin DL, Zaren HA (1977) "Gut lesions due to slow-release KCI tablets." N Engl J Med, 296, p. 111-2
- (2001) "Product Information. K-Dur (potassium chloride)." Schering Corporation
- Heffernan SJ, Murphy JJ (1975) "Ulceration of small intestine and slow-release potassium tablets." Br Med J, 2, p. 746
Drug and food interactions
diphenhydrAMINE food
Applies to: Diphendryl (diphenhydramine)
GENERALLY AVOID: Use of anticholinergic agents with alcohol may result in sufficient impairment of attention so as to render driving and operating machinery more hazardous. In addition, the potential for abuse may be increased with the combination. The mechanism of interaction is not established but may involve additive depressant effects on the central nervous system. No effect of oral propantheline or atropine on blood alcohol levels was observed in healthy volunteers when administered before ingestion of a standard ethanol load. However, one study found impairment of attention in subjects given atropine 0.5 mg or glycopyrrolate 1 mg in combination with alcohol.
MANAGEMENT: Alcohol should generally be avoided during therapy with anticholinergic agents. Patients should be counseled to avoid activities requiring mental alertness until they know how these agents affect them.
References
- Linnoila M (1973) "Drug effects on psychomotor skills related to driving: interaction of atropine, glycopyrrhonium and alcohol." Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 6, p. 107-12
Therapeutic duplication warnings
No duplication 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.
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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