Skip to main content

Drug Interactions between aminophylline / ephedrine / guaifenesin / phenobarbital and cyclosporine

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

Edit list (add/remove drugs)

Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

cycloSPORINE PHENobarbital

Applies to: cyclosporine and aminophylline / ephedrine / guaifenesin / phenobarbital

MONITOR: Barbiturates may decrease serum cyclosporine concentrations and efficacy. The mechanism is enhanced hepatic microsomal metabolism of cyclosporine. A case report has described this interaction for phenobarbital; however, the barbiturates are known enzyme inducers. Effects may not be apparent until 1 to 2 weeks after the barbiturate is added to the regimen or its dose is changed.

MANAGEMENT: Cyclosporine levels should be closely monitored during concomitant therapy and more frequently when a barbiturate is started or stopped. The dosage of cyclosporine should be adjusted to maintain therapeutic concentrations. Some experts suggest that this interaction could persist for a week or more following discontinuation of the barbiturate. Alternatively, a benzodiazepine may be used, if clinically appropriate.

References (11)
  1. Noguchi M, Kiuchi C, Akiyama H, et al. (1992) "Interaction between cyclosporin A and anticonvulsants." Bone Marrow Transplant, 9, p. 391
  2. Cockburn IT, Krupp P (1989) "An appraisal of drug interactions with sandimmun." Transplant Proc, 21, p. 3845-50
  3. Yee GC, McGuire TR (1990) "Pharmacokinetic drug interactions with cyclosporin (Part I)." Clin Pharmacokinet, 19, p. 319-32
  4. Carstensen H, Jacobsen N, Dieperink H (1986) "Interaction between cyclosporin A and phenobarbitone." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 21, p. 550-1
  5. (2022) "Product Information. SandIMMUNE (cycloSPORINE)." Apothecon Inc
  6. Burckart GJ, Venkataramanan R, Ptachcinski RJ (1984) "Usefulness of cyclosporin monitoring questioned." Clin Pharm, 3, p. 243
  7. Kerr LE (1984) "Drug interactions with cyclosporine." Clin Pharm, 3, 346,348
  8. "Product Information. Neoral (cycloSPORINE)." Sandoz Pharmaceuticals Corporation
  9. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  10. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
  11. Wideman CA (1983) "Pharmacokinetic monitoring of cyclosporine." Transplant Proc, 15(1/2), p. 3168-75
Moderate

PHENobarbital aminophylline

Applies to: aminophylline / ephedrine / guaifenesin / phenobarbital and aminophylline / ephedrine / guaifenesin / phenobarbital

MONITOR: Barbiturates may decrease serum levels and therapeutic effects of the methylxanthines. The mechanism is barbiturate induction of CYP450 3A4 and 1A2 hepatic metabolism of methylxanthines.

MANAGEMENT: Close observation for clinical and laboratory evidence of decreased methylxanthine effect is indicated if these drugs must be used together. Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they experience a worsening of their respiratory symptoms.

References (4)
  1. Upton RA (1991) "Pharmacokinetic interactions between theophylline and other medication (Part I)." Clin Pharmacokinet, 20, p. 66-80
  2. Bukowskyj M, Nakatsu K, Munt PW (1984) "Theophylline reassessed." Ann Intern Med, 101, p. 63-73
  3. Landay RA, Gonzalez MA, Taylor JC (1978) "Effect of phenobarbital on theophylline disposition." J Allergy Clin Immunol, 62, p. 27-9
  4. Dahlqvist R, Steiner E, Koike Y, von Bahr C, Lind M, Billing B (1989) "Induction of theophylline metabolism by pentobarbital." Ther Drug Monit, 11, p. 408-10
Minor

ePHEDrine aminophylline

Applies to: aminophylline / ephedrine / guaifenesin / phenobarbital and aminophylline / ephedrine / guaifenesin / phenobarbital

Ephedrine-methylxanthine combinations are used for the treatment of asthma but the efficacy of the combination has been questioned. This combination may lead to increased xanthine side effects. The mechanism is unknown, but may be related to synergistic pharmacologic effects. Patients using this combination should be closely monitored for side effects such as nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, nervousness, or insomnia. If side effects are noted, the dosage of the xanthine may need to be decreased.

References (5)
  1. Weinberger M, Bronsky E, Bensch GW, Bock GN, Yecies JJ (1975) "Interaction of ephedrine and theophylline." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 17, p. 585-92
  2. Sims JA, doPico GA, Reed CE (1978) "Bronchodilating effect of oral theophylline-ephedrine combination." J Allergy Clin Immunol, 62, p. 15-21
  3. Tinkelman DG, Avner SE (1977) "Ephedrine therapy in asthmatic children. Clinical tolerance and absence of side effects." JAMA, 237, p. 553-7
  4. Weinberger MM, Brousky EA (1974) "Evaluation of oral bronchodilator therapy in asthmatic children: bronchodilators in asthmatic children." J Pediatr, 84, p. 421-7
  5. Badiei B, Faciane J, Sly M (1975) "Effect of throphylline, ephedrine and theri combination upon exercise-induced airway obstruction." Ann Allergy, 35, p. 32-6

Drug and food interactions

Major

PHENobarbital food

Applies to: aminophylline / ephedrine / guaifenesin / phenobarbital

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

cycloSPORINE food

Applies to: cyclosporine

GENERALLY AVOID: Administration with grapefruit juice (compared to water or orange juice) has been shown to increase blood concentrations of cyclosporine with a relatively high degree of interpatient variability. The mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits.

GENERALLY AVOID: Administration with red wine or purple grape juice may decrease blood concentrations of cyclosporine. In 12 healthy volunteers, 12 ounces total of a merlot consumed 15 minutes prior to and during cyclosporine administration (single 8 mg/kg dose of Sandimmune) decreased cyclosporine peak blood concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 38% and 30%, respectively, compared to water. The time to reach peak concentration (Tmax) doubled, and oral clearance increased 50%. Similarly, one study were 12 healthy patients were administered purple grape juice and a single dose of cyclosporine showed a 30% and a 36% decrease in cyclosporine systemic exposure (AUC) and peak blood concentration (Cmax), respectively. The exact mechanism of interaction is unknown but may involve decreased cyclosporine absorption.

MONITOR: Food has been found to have variable effects on the absorption of cyclosporine. There have been reports of impaired, unchanged, and enhanced absorption during administration with meals relative to the fasting state. The mechanisms are unclear. Some investigators found an association with the fat content of food. In one study, increased fat intake resulted in significantly increased cyclosporine bioavailability and clearance. However, the AUC and pharmacodynamics of cyclosporine were not significantly affected, thus clinical relevance of these findings may be minimal.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving cyclosporine therapy should be advised to either refrain from or avoid fluctuations in the consumption of grapefruits and grapefruit juice. Until more data are available, the consumption of red wine or purple grape juice should preferably be avoided or limited. All oral formulations of cyclosporine should be administered on a consistent schedule with regard to time of day and relation to meals so as to avoid large fluctuations in plasma drug levels.

References (13)
  1. Honcharik N, Yatscoff RW, Jeffery JR, Rush DN (1991) "The effect of meal composition on cyclosporine absorption." Transplantation, 52, p. 1087-9
  2. Ducharme MP, Provenzano R, Dehoornesmith M, Edwards DJ (1993) "Trough concentrations of cyclosporine in blood following administration with grapefruit juice." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 36, p. 457-9
  3. Bailey DG, Arnold JMO, Spence JD (1994) "Grapefruit juice and drugs - how significant is the interaction." Clin Pharmacokinet, 26, p. 91-8
  4. Hollander AAMJ, Vanrooij J, Lentjes EGWM, Arbouw F, Vanbree JB, Schoemaker RC, Vanes LA, Vanderwoude FJ, Cohen AF (1995) "The effect of grapefruit juice on cyclosporine and prednisone metabolism in transplant patients." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 57, p. 318-24
  5. (1995) "Grapefruit juice interactions with drugs." Med Lett Drugs Ther, 37, p. 73-4
  6. Tan KKC, Trull AK, Uttridge JA, Metcalfe S, Heyes CS, Facey S, Evans DB (1995) "Effect of dietary fat on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cyclosporine in kidney transplant recipients." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 57, p. 425-33
  7. Yee GC, Stanley DL, Pessa LJ, et al. (1995) "Effect of grrapefruit juice on blood cyclosporin concentration." Lancet, 345, p. 955-6
  8. Ducharme MP, Warbasse LH, Edwards DJ (1995) "Disposition of intravenous and oral cyclosporine after administration with grapefruit juice." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 57, p. 485-91
  9. Ioannidesdemos LL, Christophidis N, Ryan P, Angelis P, Liolios L, Mclean AJ (1997) "Dosing implications of a clinical interaction between grapefruit juice and cyclosporine and metabolite concentrations in patients with autoimmune diseases." J Rheumatol, 24, p. 49-54
  10. Min DI, Ku YM, Perry PJ, Ukah FO, Ashton K, Martin MF, Hunsicker LG (1996) "Effect of grapefruit juice on cyclosporine pharmacokinetics in renal transplant patients." Transplantation, 62, p. 123-5
  11. Bailey DG, Dresser GR, Kreeft JH, Munoz C, Freeman DJ, Bend JR (2000) "Grapefruit-felodipine interaction: Effect of unprocessed fruit and probable active ingredients." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 68, p. 468-77
  12. Tsunoda SM, Harris RZ, Christians U, et al. (2001) "Red wine decreases cyclosporine bioavailability." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 70, p. 462-7
  13. Oliveira-Freitas VL, Dalla Costa T, Manfro RC, Cruz LB, Schwartsmann G (2010) "Influence of purple grape juice in cyclosporine availability." J Ren Nutr, 20, p. 309-13
Moderate

ePHEDrine food

Applies to: aminophylline / ephedrine / guaifenesin / phenobarbital

MONITOR: Coadministration of two or more sympathomimetic agents may increase the risk of adverse effects such as nervousness, irritability, and increased heart rate. Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, particularly amphetamines, can potentiate the adrenergic response to vasopressors and other sympathomimetic agents. Additive increases in blood pressure and heart rate may occur due to enhanced peripheral sympathetic activity.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if two or more sympathomimetic agents are coadministered. Pulse and blood pressure should be closely monitored.

References (7)
  1. Rosenblatt JE, Lake CR, van Kammen DP, Ziegler MG, Bunney WE Jr (1979) "Interactions of amphetamine, pimozide, and lithium on plasma norepineophrine and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase in schizophrenic patients." Psychiatry Res, 1, p. 45-52
  2. Cavanaugh JH, Griffith JD, Oates JA (1970) "Effect of amphetamine on the pressor response to tyramine: formation of p-hydroxynorephedrine from amphetamine in man." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 11, p. 656
  3. (2001) "Product Information. Adderall (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine)." Shire Richwood Pharmaceutical Company Inc
  4. (2001) "Product Information. Tenuate (diethylpropion)." Aventis Pharmaceuticals
  5. (2001) "Product Information. Sanorex (mazindol)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals
  6. (2001) "Product Information. Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)." Mikart Inc
  7. (2002) "Product Information. Strattera (atomoxetine)." Lilly, Eli and Company
Moderate

aminophylline food

Applies to: aminophylline / ephedrine / guaifenesin / phenobarbital

MONITOR: Coadministration of two or more sympathomimetic agents may increase the risk of adverse effects such as nervousness, irritability, and increased heart rate. Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, particularly amphetamines, can potentiate the adrenergic response to vasopressors and other sympathomimetic agents. Additive increases in blood pressure and heart rate may occur due to enhanced peripheral sympathetic activity.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if two or more sympathomimetic agents are coadministered. Pulse and blood pressure should be closely monitored.

References (7)
  1. Rosenblatt JE, Lake CR, van Kammen DP, Ziegler MG, Bunney WE Jr (1979) "Interactions of amphetamine, pimozide, and lithium on plasma norepineophrine and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase in schizophrenic patients." Psychiatry Res, 1, p. 45-52
  2. Cavanaugh JH, Griffith JD, Oates JA (1970) "Effect of amphetamine on the pressor response to tyramine: formation of p-hydroxynorephedrine from amphetamine in man." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 11, p. 656
  3. (2001) "Product Information. Adderall (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine)." Shire Richwood Pharmaceutical Company Inc
  4. (2001) "Product Information. Tenuate (diethylpropion)." Aventis Pharmaceuticals
  5. (2001) "Product Information. Sanorex (mazindol)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals
  6. (2001) "Product Information. Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)." Mikart Inc
  7. (2002) "Product Information. Strattera (atomoxetine)." Lilly, Eli and Company

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.


Report options

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.