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Drug Interactions between acetaminophen / aspirin / diphenhydramine and Zerlor

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

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

diphenhydrAMINE dihydrocodeine

Applies to: acetaminophen / aspirin / diphenhydramine and Zerlor (acetaminophen / caffeine / dihydrocodeine)

MONITOR: Central nervous system- and/or respiratory-depressant effects may be additively or synergistically increased in patients taking multiple drugs that cause these effects, especially in elderly or debilitated patients. Sedation and impairment of attention, judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills may increase.

MANAGEMENT: During concomitant use of these drugs, patients should be monitored for potentially excessive or prolonged CNS and respiratory depression. Cautious dosage titration may be required, particularly at treatment initiation. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring 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. Hamilton MJ, Bush M, Smith P, Peck AW "The effects of bupropion, a new antidepressant drug, and diazepam, and their interaction in man." Br J Clin Pharmacol 14 (1982): 791-7
  2. Stambaugh JE, Lane C "Analgesic efficacy and pharmacokinetic evaluation of meperidine and hydroxyzine, alone and in combination." Cancer Invest 1 (1983): 111-7
  3. Sotaniemi EA, Anttila M, Rautio A, et al. "Propranolol and sotalol metabolism after a drinking party." Clin Pharmacol Ther 29 (1981): 705-10
  4. Grabowski BS, Cady WJ, Young WW, Emery JF "Effects of acute alcohol administration on propranolol absorption." Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol 18 (1980): 317-9
  5. Lemberger L, Rowe H, Bosomworth JC, Tenbarge JB, Bergstrom RF "The effect of fluoxetine on the pharmacokinetics and psychomotor responses of diazepam." Clin Pharmacol Ther 43 (1988): 412-9
  6. MacLeod SM, Giles HG, Patzalek G, Thiessen JJ, Sellers EM "Diazepam actions and plasma concentrations following ethanol ingestion." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 11 (1977): 345-9
  7. Divoll M, Greenblatt DJ, Lacasse Y, Shader RI "Benzodiazepine overdosage: plasma concentrations and clinical outcome." Psychopharmacology (Berl) 73 (1981): 381-3
  8. Naylor GJ, McHarg A "Profound hypothermia on combined lithium carbonate and diazepam treatment." Br Med J 2 (1977): 22
  9. Stovner J, Endresen R "Intravenous anaesthesia with diazepam." Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 24 (1965): 223-7
  10. Driessen JJ, Vree TB, Booij LH, van der Pol FM, Crul JF "Effect of some benzodiazepines on peripheral neuromuscular function in the rat in-vitro hemidiaphragm preparation." J Pharm Pharmacol 36 (1984): 244-7
  11. Feldman SA, Crawley BE "Interaction of diazepam with the muscle-relaxant drugs." Br Med J 1 (1970): 336-8
  12. Ochs HR, Greenblatt DJ, Verburg-Ochs B "Propranolol interactions with diazepam, lorazepam and alprazolam." Clin Pharmacol Ther 36 (1984): 451-5
  13. Desager JP, Hulhoven R, Harvengt C, Hermann P, Guillet P, Thiercelin JF "Possible interactions between zolpidem, a new sleep inducer and chlorpromazine, a phenothiazine neuroleptic." Psychopharmacology (Berl) 96 (1988): 63-6
  14. Tverskoy M, Fleyshman G, Ezry J, Bradley EL, Jr Kissin I "Midazolam-morphine sedative interaction in patients." Anesth Analg 68 (1989): 282-5
  15. "Product Information. Iopidine (apraclonidine ophthalmic)." Alcon Laboratories Inc PROD
  16. Greiff JMC, Rowbotham D "Pharmacokinetic drug interactions with gastrointestinal motility modifying agents." Clin Pharmacokinet 27 (1994): 447-61
  17. Greb WH, Buscher G, Dierdorf HD, Koster FE, Wolf D, Mellows G "The effect of liver enzyme inhibition by cimetidine and enzyme induction by phenobarbitone on the pharmacokinetics of paroxetine." Acta Psychiatr Scand 80 Suppl (1989): 95-8
  18. Markowitz JS, Wells BG, Carson WH "Interactions between antipsychotic and antihypertensive drugs." Ann Pharmacother 29 (1995): 603-9
  19. "Product Information. Ultram (tramadol)." McNeil Pharmaceutical PROD (2001):
  20. "Product Information. Artane (trihexyphenidyl)." Lederle Laboratories PROD (2001):
  21. "Product Information. Ultiva (remifentanil)." Mylan Institutional (formally Bioniche Pharma USA Inc) PROD (2001):
  22. "Product Information. Seroquel (quetiapine)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  23. "Product Information. Meridia (sibutramine)." Knoll Pharmaceutical Company PROD (2001):
  24. "Product Information. Tasmar (tolcapone)." Valeant Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  25. Miller LG "Herbal medicinals: selected clinical considerations focusing on known or potential drug-herb interactions." Arch Intern Med 158 (1998): 2200-11
  26. "Product Information. Precedex (dexmedetomidine)." Abbott Pharmaceutical PROD (2001):
  27. "Product Information. Trileptal (oxcarbazepine)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  28. Ferslew KE, Hagardorn AN, McCormick WF "A fatal interaction of methocarbamol and ethanol in an accidental poisoning." J Forensic Sci 35 (1990): 477-82
  29. Plushner SL "Valerian: valeriana officinalis." Am J Health Syst Pharm 57 (2000): 328-35
  30. "Product Information. Xatral (alfuzosin)." Sanofi-Synthelabo Canada Inc (2002):
  31. "Product Information. Lexapro (escitalopram)." Forest Pharmaceuticals (2002):
  32. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  33. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  34. "Product Information. Fycompa (perampanel)." Eisai Inc (2012):
  35. "Product Information. Belsomra (suvorexant)." Merck & Co., Inc (2014):
  36. "Product Information. Rexulti (brexpiprazole)." Otsuka American Pharmaceuticals Inc (2015):
View all 36 references

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Minor

aspirin caffeine

Applies to: acetaminophen / aspirin / diphenhydramine and Zerlor (acetaminophen / caffeine / dihydrocodeine)

One study has reported that coadministration of caffeine and aspirin lead to a 25% increase in the rate of appearance and 17% increase in maximum concentration of salicylate in the plasma. A significantly higher area under the plasma concentration time curve of salicylate was also reported when both drugs were administered together. The exact mechanism of this interaction has not been specified. Physicians and patients should be aware that coadministration of aspirin and caffeine may lead to higher salicylate levels faster.

References

  1. Yoovathaworn KC, Sriwatanakul K, Thithapandha A "Influence of caffeine on aspirin pharmacokinetics." Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 11 (1986): 71-6

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Drug and food interactions

Major

acetaminophen food

Applies to: acetaminophen / aspirin / diphenhydramine and Zerlor (acetaminophen / caffeine / dihydrocodeine)

GENERALLY AVOID: Chronic, excessive consumption of alcohol may increase the risk of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity, which has included rare cases of fatal hepatitis and frank hepatic failure requiring liver transplantation. The proposed mechanism is induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes during chronic alcohol use, which may result in accelerated metabolism of acetaminophen and increased production of potentially hepatotoxic metabolites.

MANAGEMENT: In general, chronic alcoholics should avoid regular or excessive use of acetaminophen. Alternative analgesic/antipyretic therapy may be appropriate in patients who consume three or more alcoholic drinks per day. However, if acetaminophen is used, these patients should be cautioned not to exceed the recommended dosage (maximum 4 g/day in adults and children 12 years of age or older).

References

  1. Kaysen GA, Pond SM, Roper MH, Menke DJ, Marrama MA "Combined hepatic and renal injury in alcoholics during therapeutic use of acetaminophen." Arch Intern Med 145 (1985): 2019-23
  2. O'Dell JR, Zetterman RK, Burnett DA "Centrilobular hepatic fibrosis following acetaminophen-induced hepatic necrosis in an alcoholic." JAMA 255 (1986): 2636-7
  3. Seeff LB, Cuccherini BA, Zimmerman HJ, Adler E, Benjamin SB "Acetaminophen hepatotoxicity in alcoholics." Ann Intern Med 104 (1986): 399-404
  4. Thummel KE, Slattery JT, Nelson SD "Mechanism by which ethanol diminishes the hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen." J Pharmacol Exp Ther 245 (1988): 129-36
  5. McClain CJ, Kromhout JP, Peterson FJ, Holtzman JL "Potentiation of acetaminophen hepatotoxicity by alcohol." JAMA 244 (1980): 251-3
  6. Kartsonis A, Reddy KR, Schiff ER "Alcohol, acetaminophen, and hepatic necrosis." Ann Intern Med 105 (1986): 138-9
  7. Prescott LF, Critchley JA "Drug interactions affecting analgesic toxicity." Am J Med 75 (1983): 113-6
  8. "Product Information. Tylenol (acetaminophen)." McNeil Pharmaceutical PROD (2002):
  9. Whitcomb DC, Block GD "Association of acetaminopphen hepatotoxicity with fasting and ethanol use." JAMA 272 (1994): 1845-50
  10. Bonkovsky HL "Acetaminophen hepatotoxicity, fasting, and ethanol." JAMA 274 (1995): 301
  11. Nelson EB, Temple AR "Acetaminophen hepatotoxicity, fasting, and ethanol." JAMA 274 (1995): 301
  12. Zimmerman HJ, Maddrey WC "Acetaminophen (paracetamol) hepatotoxicity with regular intake of alcohol: analysis of instances of therapeutic misadventure." Hepatology 22 (1995): 767-73
View all 12 references

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Moderate

aspirin food

Applies to: acetaminophen / aspirin / diphenhydramine

GENERALLY AVOID: The concurrent use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and ethanol may lead to gastrointestinal (GI) blood loss. The mechanism may be due to a combined local effect as well as inhibition of prostaglandins leading to decreased integrity of the GI lining.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be counseled on this potential interaction and advised to refrain from alcohol consumption while taking aspirin or NSAIDs.

References

  1. "Product Information. Motrin (ibuprofen)." Pharmacia and Upjohn PROD (2002):

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Moderate

diphenhydrAMINE food

Applies to: acetaminophen / aspirin / 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

  1. Linnoila M "Drug effects on psychomotor skills related to driving: interaction of atropine, glycopyrrhonium and alcohol." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 6 (1973): 107-12

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Minor

caffeine food

Applies to: Zerlor (acetaminophen / caffeine / dihydrocodeine)

The effect of grapefruit juice on the pharmacologic activity of caffeine is controversial. One report suggests that grapefruit juice increases the effect of caffeine. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of cytochrome P-450 metabolism of caffeine. However, a well-conducted pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study did not demonstrate this effect. The clinical significance of this potential interaction is unknown.

References

  1. "Grapefruit juice interactions with drugs." Med Lett Drugs Ther 37 (1995): 73-4
  2. Maish WA, Hampton EM, Whitsett TL, Shepard JD, Lovallo WR "Influence of grapefruit juice on caffeine pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics." Pharmacotherapy 16 (1996): 1046-52

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Minor

aspirin food

Applies to: acetaminophen / aspirin / diphenhydramine

One study has reported that coadministration of caffeine and aspirin lead to a 25% increase in the rate of appearance and 17% increase in maximum concentration of salicylate in the plasma. A significantly higher area under the plasma concentration time curve of salicylate was also reported when both drugs were administered together. The exact mechanism of this interaction has not been specified. Physicians and patients should be aware that coadministration of aspirin and caffeine may lead to higher salicylate levels faster.

References

  1. Yoovathaworn KC, Sriwatanakul K, Thithapandha A "Influence of caffeine on aspirin pharmacokinetics." Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 11 (1986): 71-6

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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.

Duplication

Acetaminophen

Therapeutic duplication

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'acetaminophen' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'acetaminophen' category:

  • acetaminophen/aspirin/diphenhydramine
  • Zerlor (acetaminophen/caffeine/dihydrocodeine)

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.

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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