Urobiotic-250 Disease Interactions

Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), formerly pseudomembranous colitis, has been reported with almost all antibacterial drugs and may range from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. The most common culprits include clindamycin and lincomycin. Antibacterial therapy alters the normal flora of the colon, leading to overgrowth of C difficile, whose toxins A and B contribute to CDAD development. Morbidity and mortality are increased with hypertoxin-producing strains of C difficile; these infections can be resistant to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea after antibacterial use. Since CDAD has been reported to occur more than 2 months after antibacterial use, careful medical history is necessary. Therapy with broad-spectrum antibacterials and other agents with significant antibacterial activity should be administered cautiously in patients with history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis; pseudomembranous colitis (generally characterized by severe, persistent diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps, and sometimes associated with the passage of blood and mucus), if it occurs, may be more severe in these patients and may be associated with flares in underlying disease activity. Antibacterial drugs not directed against C difficile may need to be stopped if CDAD is suspected or confirmed. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibacterial treatment of C difficile, and surgical evaluation should be started as clinically indicated.

Patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency may be at increased risk for phenazopyridine-induced methemoglobinemia and hemolytic anemia. These conditions have occurred rarely in other patients, except due to acute phenazopyridine overdose or impaired renal function. Therapy with phenazopyridine should be administered cautiously in patients with G-6-PD deficiency.

The use of phenazopyridine is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatitis. Rare cases of hepatotoxicity have been associated with phenazopyridine, usually at overdose levels. Hypersensitivity hepatitis has also been reported. Therapy with phenazopyridine should be administered cautiously in patients with impaired hepatic function.

The use of phenazopyridine is contraindicated in patients with impaired renal function. Phenazopyridine is primarily eliminated unchanged by the kidney and may accumulate to toxic levels during prolonged administration in such patients. Reported cases of toxicity due to overdosage have resulted in acute renal failure and methemoglobinemia. Likewise, administration of phenazopyridine to patients with preexisting renal failure has led to methemoglobinemia and hemolytic anemia. Phenazopyridine toxicity may be associated with a yellowish tinge of the skin or sclera.

The use of sulfonamides has been associated with hematologic toxicity, including methemoglobinemia, sulfhemoglobinemia, leukopenia, granulocytopenia, eosinophilia, hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, purpura, clotting disorder, thrombocytopenia, hypofibrinogenemia, and hypoprothrombinemia. Acute dose-related hemolytic anemia may occur during the first week of therapy due to sensitization, while chronic hemolytic anemia may occur with prolonged use. Patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency should be observed closely for signs of hemolytic anemia. Therapy with sulfonamides should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting blood dyscrasias or bone marrow suppression. Complete blood counts should be obtained regularly, especially during prolonged therapy (>2 weeks), and patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs or symptoms suggestive of blood dyscrasia such as fever, sore throat, local infection, bleeding, pallor, dizziness, or jaundice.

Oxytetracycline is partially removed by hemodialysis. Doses should either be scheduled for administration after dialysis or supplemental doses be given after dialysis.

The use of tetracyclines has rarely been associated with hepatotoxicity. Histologic fatty changes of the liver, elevated liver enzymes, and jaundice have been reported, primarily in patients treated with large doses of intravenous tetracycline hydrochloride (no longer available in the U.S.) but also in patients receiving high oral doses of these drugs. Therapy with tetracyclines should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting liver disease or biliary obstruction. Reduced dosages may be appropriate, particularly with minocycline and doxycycline, since the former is metabolized by the liver and the latter undergoes enterohepatic recycling. Liver function tests are recommended prior to and during therapy, and the concomitant use of other potentially hepatotoxic drugs should be avoided.

Tetracyclines (except doxycycline) are eliminated by the kidney to various extent. Patients with renal impairment may be at greater risk for tetracycline-associated hepatic and/or renal toxicity (increased BUN with consequent azotemia, hyperphosphatemia, and acidosis) due to decreased drug clearance. Therapy with tetracyclines should be administered cautiously at reduced dosages in patients with renal impairment. Clinical monitoring of renal and liver function is recommended, and serum tetracycline levels may be necessary during prolonged therapy.

The use of oral tetracycline capsules and tablets has been associated with esophageal irritation and ulceration in patients who ingested the drug without sufficient fluid shortly before bedtime. Therapy with solid formulations of tetracyclines should preferably be avoided in patients with esophageal obstruction, compression or dyskinesia. If the drugs are used, patients should be advised not to take the medication just before retiring and to drink fluids liberally.