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Drug Interactions between aliskiren / valsartan and azithromycin

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

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Interactions between your drugs

Major

valsartan aliskiren

Applies to: aliskiren / valsartan and aliskiren / valsartan

Using aliskiren together with valsartan may increase the risk of serious side effects such as kidney problems, low blood pressure, and high potassium levels in the blood. High levels of potassium can develop into a condition known as hyperkalemia, which in severe cases can lead to kidney failure, muscle paralysis, irregular heart rhythm, and cardiac arrest. These medications should generally not be used together, particularly if you are diabetic or have preexisting kidney problems. Other risk factors include advanced age, dehydration, severe heart failure, or recent heart attack. Talk to you doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. It is important that you maintain adequate fluid intake during treatment with these medications. Ask your doctor if it is necessary for you to limit consumption of potassium-rich foods such as tomatoes, raisins, figs, potatoes, lima beans, bananas, plantains, papayas, pears, cantaloupes, mangoes, and potassium-containing salt substitutes. You should seek medical attention if you experience nausea, vomiting, weakness, confusion, tingling of the hands and feet, feelings of heaviness in the legs, a weak pulse, or a slow or irregular heartbeat, as these may be symptoms of hyperkalemia. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Moderate

azithromycin aliskiren

Applies to: azithromycin and aliskiren / valsartan

Azithromycin may increase the blood levels of aliskiren in some patients. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. High blood levels of aliskiren can cause an excessive fall in blood pressure and increase the risk of developing a condition known as hyperkalemia, or high blood potassium. In severe cases, hyperkalemia can lead to kidney failure, muscle paralysis, irregular heart rhythm, and cardiac arrest. You may be more likely to develop hyperkalemia while taking aliskiren if you are elderly, dehydrated, or have kidney disease, diabetes, or advanced heart failure. Regular or long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen (Aleve) may also increase your risk. It is important that you maintain adequate fluid intake during treatment with aliskiren. In addition, talk to your doctor to see if you should limit consumption of potassium-rich foods such as tomatoes, raisins, figs, potatoes, lima beans, bananas, plantains, papayas, pears, cantaloupes, mangoes, and potassium-containing salt substitutes. You should seek medical attention if you experience nausea, vomiting, weakness, confusion, tingling of the hands and feet, a weak pulse, or a slow or irregular heartbeat, as these may be symptoms of hyperkalemia. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Drug and food interactions

Moderate

valsartan food

Applies to: aliskiren / valsartan

If you are taking valsartan you should avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes or over-the-counter potassium supplements without first talking to your doctor. This can cause high levels of potassium in your blood. High levels of potassium can cause weakness, irregular heartbeat, confusion, tingling of the extremities, or feelings of heaviness in the legs. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.

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Moderate

aliskiren food

Applies to: aliskiren / valsartan

Food can affect the absorption of aliskiren from the intestine. Therefore, you should take aliskiren at the same time each day exactly as prescribed by your doctor. You may take aliskiren with or without food, but take it the same way every time. This will help keep blood levels and effects of the medication steady. You should avoid drinking orange, apple, or grapefruit juice as much as possible during treatment with aliskiren. Studies have shown that drinking these juices regularly or within a short period before or after a dose of aliskiren can interfere with the absorption of the medication.

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

No 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.


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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.