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Interactions between Aluminum hydroxide and Divalproex sodium

1 drug interaction and 22 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Minor drug interactions

Minor:

aluminum hydroxide divalproex sodium

Applies to: aluminum hydroxide and divalproex sodium

Limited data suggest that concurrent administration of antacids may increase the bioavailability of valproic acid. The mechanism of interaction is unknown. In seven healthy volunteers, coadministration of a single 500 mg dose of valproic acid one hour after breakfast and an antacid containing aluminum-magnesium hydroxide (dose equal to 160 mEq of neutralizing capacity) one and three hours after meals and at bedtime on the same day resulted in a mean 12% increase (range 3% to 28%) in the total area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of valproic acid compared to administration alone. These changes are unlikely to be of clinical importance, and no special precautions appear to be necessary. Equivalent doses of antacids containing either aluminum hydroxide-magnesium trisilicate or calcium carbonate also increased the AUC of valproic acid, but the differences were not statistically significant.

References (2)
  1. May CA, Garnett WR, Small RE, Pellock JM (1982) "Effects of three antacids on the bioavailability of valproic acid." Clin Pharm, 1, p. 244-7
  2. (2001) "Product Information. Depakote (divalproex sodium)." Abbott Pharmaceutical

Food/lifestyle interactions

Major food/lifestyle interactions

Major:

aluminum hydroxide Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: aluminum hydroxide
Generally avoid

The concomitant administration of aluminum-containing products (e.g., antacids and phosphate binders) and citrates may significantly increase serum aluminum concentrations, resulting in toxicity. Citrates or citric acid are contained in numerous soft drinks, citrus fruits, juices, and effervescent and dispersible drug formulations. Citrates enhance the gastrointestinal absorption of aluminum by an unknown mechanism, which may involve the formation of a soluble aluminum-citrate complex. Various studies have reported that citrate increases aluminum absorption by 4.6- to 50-fold in healthy subjects. Patients with renal insufficiency are particularly at risk of developing hyperaluminemia and encephalopathy. Fatalities have been reported. Patients with renal failure or on hemodialysis may also be at risk from soft drinks and effervescent and dispersible drug formulations that contain citrates or citric acid. It is unknown what effect citrus fruits or juices would have on aluminum absorption in healthy patients.

Management

The concomitant use of aluminum- and citrate-containing products and foods should be avoided by renally impaired patients. Hemodialysis patients should especially be cautioned about effervescent and dispersible over-the-counter remedies and soft drinks. Some experts also recommend that healthy patients should separate doses of aluminum-containing antacids and citrates by 2 to 3 hours.

Adjust dosing interval

The administration of aluminum-containing antacids with enteral nutrition may result in precipitation, formation of bezoars, and obstruction of feeding tubes. The proposed mechanism is the formation of an insoluble complex between the aluminum and the protein in the enteral feeding. Several cases of esophageal plugs and nasogastric tube obstructions have been reported in patients receiving high-protein liquids and an aluminum hydroxide-magnesium hydroxide antacid or an aluminum hydroxide antacid.

Management

Some experts recommend that antacids should not be mixed with or given after high protein formulations, that the antacid dose should be separated from the feeding by as much as possible, and that the tube should be thoroughly flushed before administration.

References (2)
  1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  2. Wohlt PD, Zheng L, Gunderson S, Balzar SA, Johnson BD, Fish JT (2009) "Recommendations for the use of medications with continuous enteral nutrition." Am J Health Syst Pharm, 66, p. 1438-67

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

divalproex sodium Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: divalproex sodium
Generally avoid

Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of CNS-active agents. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

Management

Patients receiving CNS-active agents should be warned of this interaction and advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete 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 (4)
  1. Warrington SJ, Ankier SI, Turner P (1986) "Evaluation of possible interactions between ethanol and trazodone or amitriptyline." Neuropsychobiology, 15, p. 31-7
  2. Gilman AG, eds., Nies AS, Rall TW, Taylor P (1990) "Goodman and Gilman's the Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics." New York, NY: Pergamon Press Inc.
  3. (2012) "Product Information. Fycompa (perampanel)." Eisai Inc
  4. (2015) "Product Information. Rexulti (brexpiprazole)." Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.

Disease interactions

20 potential interactions Applies to: 17 conditions, including Depression, HIV-1 Infection, Psychosis, Diabetes Mellitus, and Thyroid Disease.

Bleeding Disorder

Moderate:

divalproex sodium

Divalproex sodium has a moderate potential interaction with Bleeding Disorder.

The use of valproate derivatives may be associated with dose-related thrombocytopenia, the incidence of which is generally low but has been reported at up to 27% in one study using high dosages (approximately 50 mg/kg/day of valproic acid). In that study, platelet counts returned to normal in all patients, some despite continued treatment. Valproate may also inhibit the secondary phase of platelet aggregation, although this effect is unlikely to be of clinical significance except during the concomitant use of other drugs that affect coagulation. However, altered bleeding time, ecchymosis, petechiae, bruising, hematoma formation, epistaxis, and frank hemorrhage have been reported rarely. Hypofibrinogenemia has also been observed. Therapy with valproate products, particularly at high dosages, should be administered cautiously in patients with significant active bleeding or a hemorrhagic diathesis, including hemostatic and/or coagulation defects associated with hemophilia, vitamin K deficiency, hypoprothrombinemia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopathy, or severe hepatic impairment. The manufacturers recommend platelet counts and coagulation tests prior to initiating therapy and at periodic intervals thereafter, as well as before planned surgery. The dosage should be reduced or the drug withdrawn if clinical evidence of hemorrhage, bruising, or a disorder of hemostasis or coagulation occurs.

Brain Anomalies incl Congenital

Major:

divalproex sodium

Divalproex sodium has a major potential interaction with Brain Anomalies incl Congenital.

The use of valproate derivatives is contraindicated in patients with hepatic disease or significant hepatic dysfunction. Serious and potentially fatal hepatotoxicity has been reported in patients treated with these agents. The risk appears to be greatest in children less than 2 years of age--particularly those on multiple anticonvulsants and those with congenital metabolic disorders, severe seizure disorders accompanied by intellectual disability, or organic brain disease--and decreases considerably in progressively older patient groups. Therapy with valproate products should be administered with extreme caution and as a sole agent in patients with risk factors for valproate-related hepatotoxicity. In reported cases, the onset has generally been within the first 6 months of treatment and may be preceded by nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, weakness, lethargy, facial edema, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and a loss of seizure control. Patients should be monitored closely for appearance of these symptoms, and therapy withdrawn immediately if significant hepatic dysfunction occurs. Liver function tests should be performed prior to initiating therapy and at frequent intervals thereafter, especially during the first 6 months. However, clinicians should bear in mind that transient, dose-related, asymptomatic elevations in serum transaminase, amylase and ammonia levels may commonly occur and often return to normal with or without dosage adjustment.

Coagulation Defects and Disorders

Moderate:

divalproex sodium

Divalproex sodium has a moderate potential interaction with Coagulation Defects and Disorders.

The use of valproate derivatives may be associated with dose-related thrombocytopenia, the incidence of which is generally low but has been reported at up to 27% in one study using high dosages (approximately 50 mg/kg/day of valproic acid). In that study, platelet counts returned to normal in all patients, some despite continued treatment. Valproate may also inhibit the secondary phase of platelet aggregation, although this effect is unlikely to be of clinical significance except during the concomitant use of other drugs that affect coagulation. However, altered bleeding time, ecchymosis, petechiae, bruising, hematoma formation, epistaxis, and frank hemorrhage have been reported rarely. Hypofibrinogenemia has also been observed. Therapy with valproate products, particularly at high dosages, should be administered cautiously in patients with significant active bleeding or a hemorrhagic diathesis, including hemostatic and/or coagulation defects associated with hemophilia, vitamin K deficiency, hypoprothrombinemia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopathy, or severe hepatic impairment. The manufacturers recommend platelet counts and coagulation tests prior to initiating therapy and at periodic intervals thereafter, as well as before planned surgery. The dosage should be reduced or the drug withdrawn if clinical evidence of hemorrhage, bruising, or a disorder of hemostasis or coagulation occurs.

Depression

Major:

divalproex sodium

Divalproex sodium has a major potential interaction with Depression.

Antiepileptic drugs can increase depression and suicidal thoughts or behaviors in patients receiving these drugs for any indication. Patients should be monitored for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts and unusual changes in mood or behavior. Caregivers and family should be alert for the emergence or worsening of symptoms. Behaviors of concern should be reported immediately to the healthcare providers.

Moderate:

divalproex sodium

Divalproex sodium has a moderate potential interaction with Depression.

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Pooled analyses of 199 placebo-controlled clinical studies involving the use of 11 different AEDs showed that patients receiving AEDs had approximately twice the risk of suicidal thinking or behavior compared to patients receiving placebo. AEDs should be administered cautiously in patients with depression or other psychiatric disorders; phentermine-topiramate should be avoided in patients with history of suicidal attempts or active suicidal ideation. The risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior should be carefully assessed against the risk of untreated illness, bearing in mind that epilepsy and many other conditions for which AEDs are prescribed are themselves associated with morbidity and mortality and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Patients, caregivers, and families should be alert to the emergence or worsening of signs and symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or the emergence of suicidal thoughts or behavior. If patients have symptoms of suicidal ideation or behavior, a dosage reduction or treatment discontinuation should be considered.

Diabetes Mellitus

Moderate:

divalproex sodium

Divalproex sodium has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Valproate is partially eliminated in the urine as a ketone-containing metabolite, which may lead to a false interpretation of the urine ketone test. Clinicians should be cognizant of this interaction when prescribing or administering valproate products to patients with diabetes.

HIV-1 Infection

Moderate:

divalproex sodium

Divalproex sodium has a moderate potential interaction with HIV-1 Infection.

Some in vitro studies suggest that valproate stimulates the replication of the HIV and CMV viruses under certain experimental conditions. The clinical consequences are unknown, and the relevance of these findings is uncertain for patients receiving maximally suppressive antiretroviral therapy. However, this should be borne in mind when interpreting the results from regular monitoring of the viral load in HIV infected patients receiving valproate or when following CMV infected patients clinically.

Intellectual Disability

Major:

divalproex sodium

Divalproex sodium has a major potential interaction with Intellectual Disability.

The use of valproate derivatives is contraindicated in patients with hepatic disease or significant hepatic dysfunction. Serious and potentially fatal hepatotoxicity has been reported in patients treated with these agents. The risk appears to be greatest in children less than 2 years of age--particularly those on multiple anticonvulsants and those with congenital metabolic disorders, severe seizure disorders accompanied by intellectual disability, or organic brain disease--and decreases considerably in progressively older patient groups. Therapy with valproate products should be administered with extreme caution and as a sole agent in patients with risk factors for valproate-related hepatotoxicity. In reported cases, the onset has generally been within the first 6 months of treatment and may be preceded by nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, weakness, lethargy, facial edema, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and a loss of seizure control. Patients should be monitored closely for appearance of these symptoms, and therapy withdrawn immediately if significant hepatic dysfunction occurs. Liver function tests should be performed prior to initiating therapy and at frequent intervals thereafter, especially during the first 6 months. However, clinicians should bear in mind that transient, dose-related, asymptomatic elevations in serum transaminase, amylase and ammonia levels may commonly occur and often return to normal with or without dosage adjustment.

Major:

divalproex sodium

Divalproex sodium has a major potential interaction with Intellectual Disability.

Valproic acid and derivative products are contraindicated in patients with known urea cycle disorders (UCD), as hyperammonemic encephalopathy, sometimes fatal, has been reported on these patients following the initiation of treatment. Prior to the initiation of therapy, the evaluation for UCD should be considered in patients with history of unexplained encephalopathy or comma, encephalopathy associated with a protein load, pregnancy- related or postpartum encephalopathy, unexplained intellectual disability, or history of elevated plasma ammonia or glutamine. Also, those with family history of UCD or family history of unexplained infant deaths. Patients who develop symptoms of hyperammonemic encephalopathy while receiving valproate therapy should receive prompt treatment including treatment discontinuation and be evaluated for underlying urea cycle disorders.

Intestinal Obstruction

Major:

aluminum hydroxide

Aluminum hydroxide has a major potential interaction with Intestinal Obstruction.

Aluminum containing antacids may produce constipation, which may lead to intestinal obstruction. Osteomalacia and hypophosphatemia may be produced in patients with renal dysfunction who are not receiving dialysis. Patients with renal dysfunction, intestinal obstruction, osteomalacia, or hypophosphatemia should use antacids with low or no aluminum content.

Liver Disease

Major:

divalproex sodium

Divalproex sodium has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

The use of valproate derivatives is contraindicated in patients with hepatic disease or significant hepatic dysfunction. Serious and potentially fatal hepatotoxicity has been reported in patients treated with these agents. The risk appears to be greatest in children less than 2 years of age--particularly those on multiple anticonvulsants and those with congenital metabolic disorders, severe seizure disorders accompanied by intellectual disability, or organic brain disease--and decreases considerably in progressively older patient groups. Therapy with valproate products should be administered with extreme caution and as a sole agent in patients with risk factors for valproate-related hepatotoxicity. In reported cases, the onset has generally been within the first 6 months of treatment and may be preceded by nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, weakness, lethargy, facial edema, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and a loss of seizure control. Patients should be monitored closely for appearance of these symptoms, and therapy withdrawn immediately if significant hepatic dysfunction occurs. Liver function tests should be performed prior to initiating therapy and at frequent intervals thereafter, especially during the first 6 months. However, clinicians should bear in mind that transient, dose-related, asymptomatic elevations in serum transaminase, amylase and ammonia levels may commonly occur and often return to normal with or without dosage adjustment.

Metabolic Disorders

Major:

divalproex sodium

Divalproex sodium has a major potential interaction with Metabolic Disorders.

The use of valproate derivatives is contraindicated in patients with hepatic disease or significant hepatic dysfunction. Serious and potentially fatal hepatotoxicity has been reported in patients treated with these agents. The risk appears to be greatest in children less than 2 years of age--particularly those on multiple anticonvulsants and those with congenital metabolic disorders, severe seizure disorders accompanied by intellectual disability, or organic brain disease--and decreases considerably in progressively older patient groups. Therapy with valproate products should be administered with extreme caution and as a sole agent in patients with risk factors for valproate-related hepatotoxicity. In reported cases, the onset has generally been within the first 6 months of treatment and may be preceded by nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, weakness, lethargy, facial edema, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and a loss of seizure control. Patients should be monitored closely for appearance of these symptoms, and therapy withdrawn immediately if significant hepatic dysfunction occurs. Liver function tests should be performed prior to initiating therapy and at frequent intervals thereafter, especially during the first 6 months. However, clinicians should bear in mind that transient, dose-related, asymptomatic elevations in serum transaminase, amylase and ammonia levels may commonly occur and often return to normal with or without dosage adjustment.

Major:

divalproex sodium

Divalproex sodium has a major potential interaction with Metabolic Disorders.

Valproic acid and derivative products are contraindicated in patients with known urea cycle disorders (UCD), as hyperammonemic encephalopathy, sometimes fatal, has been reported on these patients following the initiation of treatment. Prior to the initiation of therapy, the evaluation for UCD should be considered in patients with history of unexplained encephalopathy or comma, encephalopathy associated with a protein load, pregnancy- related or postpartum encephalopathy, unexplained intellectual disability, or history of elevated plasma ammonia or glutamine. Also, those with family history of UCD or family history of unexplained infant deaths. Patients who develop symptoms of hyperammonemic encephalopathy while receiving valproate therapy should receive prompt treatment including treatment discontinuation and be evaluated for underlying urea cycle disorders.

Phosphate Imbalance

Major:

aluminum hydroxide

Aluminum hydroxide has a major potential interaction with Phosphate Imbalance.

Aluminum containing antacids may produce constipation, which may lead to intestinal obstruction. Osteomalacia and hypophosphatemia may be produced in patients with renal dysfunction who are not receiving dialysis. Patients with renal dysfunction, intestinal obstruction, osteomalacia, or hypophosphatemia should use antacids with low or no aluminum content.

Psychosis

Moderate:

divalproex sodium

Divalproex sodium has a moderate potential interaction with Psychosis.

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Pooled analyses of 199 placebo-controlled clinical studies involving the use of 11 different AEDs showed that patients receiving AEDs had approximately twice the risk of suicidal thinking or behavior compared to patients receiving placebo. AEDs should be administered cautiously in patients with depression or other psychiatric disorders; phentermine-topiramate should be avoided in patients with history of suicidal attempts or active suicidal ideation. The risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior should be carefully assessed against the risk of untreated illness, bearing in mind that epilepsy and many other conditions for which AEDs are prescribed are themselves associated with morbidity and mortality and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Patients, caregivers, and families should be alert to the emergence or worsening of signs and symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or the emergence of suicidal thoughts or behavior. If patients have symptoms of suicidal ideation or behavior, a dosage reduction or treatment discontinuation should be considered.

Renal Dysfunction

Major:

aluminum hydroxide

Aluminum hydroxide has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Aluminum containing antacids may produce constipation, which may lead to intestinal obstruction. Osteomalacia and hypophosphatemia may be produced in patients with renal dysfunction who are not receiving dialysis. Patients with renal dysfunction, intestinal obstruction, osteomalacia, or hypophosphatemia should use antacids with low or no aluminum content.

Thrombocytopathy

Moderate:

divalproex sodium

Divalproex sodium has a moderate potential interaction with Thrombocytopathy.

The use of valproate derivatives may be associated with dose-related thrombocytopenia, the incidence of which is generally low but has been reported at up to 27% in one study using high dosages (approximately 50 mg/kg/day of valproic acid). In that study, platelet counts returned to normal in all patients, some despite continued treatment. Valproate may also inhibit the secondary phase of platelet aggregation, although this effect is unlikely to be of clinical significance except during the concomitant use of other drugs that affect coagulation. However, altered bleeding time, ecchymosis, petechiae, bruising, hematoma formation, epistaxis, and frank hemorrhage have been reported rarely. Hypofibrinogenemia has also been observed. Therapy with valproate products, particularly at high dosages, should be administered cautiously in patients with significant active bleeding or a hemorrhagic diathesis, including hemostatic and/or coagulation defects associated with hemophilia, vitamin K deficiency, hypoprothrombinemia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopathy, or severe hepatic impairment. The manufacturers recommend platelet counts and coagulation tests prior to initiating therapy and at periodic intervals thereafter, as well as before planned surgery. The dosage should be reduced or the drug withdrawn if clinical evidence of hemorrhage, bruising, or a disorder of hemostasis or coagulation occurs.

Thrombocytopenia

Moderate:

divalproex sodium

Divalproex sodium has a moderate potential interaction with Thrombocytopenia.

The use of valproate derivatives may be associated with dose-related thrombocytopenia, the incidence of which is generally low but has been reported at up to 27% in one study using high dosages (approximately 50 mg/kg/day of valproic acid). In that study, platelet counts returned to normal in all patients, some despite continued treatment. Valproate may also inhibit the secondary phase of platelet aggregation, although this effect is unlikely to be of clinical significance except during the concomitant use of other drugs that affect coagulation. However, altered bleeding time, ecchymosis, petechiae, bruising, hematoma formation, epistaxis, and frank hemorrhage have been reported rarely. Hypofibrinogenemia has also been observed. Therapy with valproate products, particularly at high dosages, should be administered cautiously in patients with significant active bleeding or a hemorrhagic diathesis, including hemostatic and/or coagulation defects associated with hemophilia, vitamin K deficiency, hypoprothrombinemia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopathy, or severe hepatic impairment. The manufacturers recommend platelet counts and coagulation tests prior to initiating therapy and at periodic intervals thereafter, as well as before planned surgery. The dosage should be reduced or the drug withdrawn if clinical evidence of hemorrhage, bruising, or a disorder of hemostasis or coagulation occurs.

Thyroid Disease

Moderate:

divalproex sodium

Divalproex sodium has a moderate potential interaction with Thyroid Disease.

The manufacturers state that there have been reports of altered thyroid function tests associated with the use of valproate. However, no specific information is given. Clinicians should be cognizant of this potential effect when prescribing or administering valproate products to patients with thyroid disease.

Vitamin K Deficiency

Moderate:

divalproex sodium

Divalproex sodium has a moderate potential interaction with Vitamin K Deficiency.

The use of valproate derivatives may be associated with dose-related thrombocytopenia, the incidence of which is generally low but has been reported at up to 27% in one study using high dosages (approximately 50 mg/kg/day of valproic acid). In that study, platelet counts returned to normal in all patients, some despite continued treatment. Valproate may also inhibit the secondary phase of platelet aggregation, although this effect is unlikely to be of clinical significance except during the concomitant use of other drugs that affect coagulation. However, altered bleeding time, ecchymosis, petechiae, bruising, hematoma formation, epistaxis, and frank hemorrhage have been reported rarely. Hypofibrinogenemia has also been observed. Therapy with valproate products, particularly at high dosages, should be administered cautiously in patients with significant active bleeding or a hemorrhagic diathesis, including hemostatic and/or coagulation defects associated with hemophilia, vitamin K deficiency, hypoprothrombinemia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopathy, or severe hepatic impairment. The manufacturers recommend platelet counts and coagulation tests prior to initiating therapy and at periodic intervals thereafter, as well as before planned surgery. The dosage should be reduced or the drug withdrawn if clinical evidence of hemorrhage, bruising, or a disorder of hemostasis or coagulation occurs.

More resources

aluminum hydroxide

A total of 244 drugs are known to interact with aluminum hydroxide.

divalproex sodium

A total of 446 drugs are known to interact with divalproex sodium.

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.