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Drug Interactions between Adapin and Fortabs

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

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

doxepin butalbital

Applies to: Adapin (doxepin) and Fortabs (aspirin / butalbital / caffeine)

MONITOR: Tricyclic antidepressants may counteract the anticonvulsive effects of barbiturates by lowering the seizure threshold. Barbiturates may decrease the serum levels and effects of tricyclic antidepressants by induction of hepatic metabolism. In addition, the respiratory-depressant effects of both agents may be increased due to additive pharmacologic effects.

MANAGEMENT: If the barbiturate is being taken for a seizure disorder, patients should be closely monitored for loss of seizure control. Dose adjustments may be required. Monitoring for clinical evidence of additive toxicity and for clinical and/or laboratory evidence of reduced antidepressant effect is also advisable.

References

  1. Crocker J, Morton B "Tricyclic (antidepressant) drug toxicity." Clin Toxicol 2 (1969): 397-402
  2. Burrows GD, Davies B "Antidepressants and barbiturates." Br Med J 4 (1971): 113
  3. Silverman G, Braithwaite R "Interaction of benzodiazepines with tricyclic antidepressants." Br Med J 4 (1972): 111
  4. Spina E, Avenoso A, Campo GM, Caputi AP, Perucca E "Phenobarbital induces the 2-hydroxylation of desipramine." Ther Drug Monit 18 (1996): 60-4
  5. Garey KW, Amsden GW, Johns CA "Possible interaction between imipramine and butalbital." Pharmacotherapy 17 (1997): 1041-2
View all 5 references

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Minor

aspirin caffeine

Applies to: Fortabs (aspirin / butalbital / caffeine) and Fortabs (aspirin / butalbital / caffeine)

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

butalbital food

Applies to: Fortabs (aspirin / butalbital / caffeine)

GENERALLY AVOID: Concurrent acute use of barbiturates and ethanol may result in additive CNS effects, including impaired coordination, sedation, and death. Tolerance of these agents may occur with chronic use. The mechanism is related to inhibition of microsomal enzymes acutely and induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes chronically.

MANAGEMENT: The combination of ethanol and barbiturates should be avoided.

References

  1. Gupta RC, Kofoed J "Toxological statistics for barbiturates, other sedatives, and tranquilizers in Ontario: a 10-year survey." Can Med Assoc J 94 (1966): 863-5
  2. Misra PS, Lefevre A, Ishii H, Rubin E, Lieber CS "Increase of ethanol, meprobamate and pentobarbital metabolism after chronic ethanol administration in man and in rats." Am J Med 51 (1971): 346-51
  3. Saario I, Linnoila M "Effect of subacute treatment with hypnotics, alone or in combination with alcohol, on psychomotor skills related to driving." Acta Pharmacol Toxicol (Copenh) 38 (1976): 382-92
  4. Stead AH, Moffat AC "Quantification of the interaction between barbiturates and alcohol and interpretation of fatal blood concentrations." Hum Toxicol 2 (1983): 5-14
  5. Seixas FA "Drug/alcohol interactions: avert potential dangers." Geriatrics 34 (1979): 89-102
View all 5 references

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Moderate

aspirin food

Applies to: Fortabs (aspirin / butalbital / caffeine)

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

doxepin food

Applies to: Adapin (doxepin)

GENERALLY AVOID: Concomitant use of ethanol and a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) may result altered TCA plasma levels and efficacy, and additive impairment of motor skills, especially driving skills. Acute ethanol ingestion may inhibit TCA metabolism, while chronic ingestion of large amounts of ethanol may induce hepatic TCA metabolism.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol during TCA therapy. Alcoholics who have undergone detoxification should be monitored for decreased TCA efficacy. Dosage adjustments may be required.

References

  1. Dorian P, Sellers EM, Reed KL, et al. "Amitriptyline and ethanol: pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interaction." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 25 (1983): 325-31
  2. Warrington SJ, Ankier SI, Turner P "Evaluation of possible interactions between ethanol and trazodone or amitriptyline." Neuropsychobiology 15 (1986): 31-7
  3. Sandoz M, Vandel S, Vandel B, Bonin B, Allers G, Volmat R "Biotransformation of amitriptyline in alcoholic depressive patients." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 24 (1983): 615-21
  4. Ciraulo DA, Barnhill JG, Jaffe JH "Clinical pharmacokinetics of imipramine and desipramine in alcoholics and normal volunteers." Clin Pharmacol Ther 43 (1988): 509-18
  5. Seppala T, Linnoila M, Elonen E, Mattila MJ, Makl M "Effect of tricyclic antidepressants and alcohol on psychomotor skills related to driving." Clin Pharmacol Ther 17 (1975): 515-22
  6. Ciraulo DA, Barnhill JG, Jaffe JH, Ciraulo AM, Tarmey MF "Intravenous pharmacokinetics of 2-hydroxyimipramine in alcoholics and normal controls." J Stud Alcohol 51 (1990): 366-72
  7. Ciraulo DA, Alderson LM, Chapron DJ, Jaffe JH, Subbarao B, Kramer PA "Imipramine disposition in alcoholics." J Clin Psychopharmacol 2 (1982): 2-7
View all 7 references

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Minor

caffeine food

Applies to: Fortabs (aspirin / butalbital / caffeine)

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: Fortabs (aspirin / butalbital / caffeine)

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

Tranquilizers

Therapeutic duplication

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

  • Adapin (doxepin)
  • Fortabs (aspirin/butalbital/caffeine)

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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