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Drug Interactions between artemether / lumefantrine and Duo-Medihaler

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

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Interactions between your drugs

Major

isoproterenol artemether

Applies to: Duo-Medihaler (isoproterenol / phenylephrine) and artemether / lumefantrine

Consumer information for this interaction is not currently available.

MONITOR CLOSELY: Beta-2 adrenergic agonists can cause dose-related prolongation of the QT interval and potassium loss. Theoretically, coadministration with other agents that can prolong the QT interval may result in additive effects and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes and sudden death. In general, the risk of an individual agent or a combination of agents causing ventricular arrhythmia in association with QT prolongation is largely unpredictable but may be increased by certain underlying risk factors such as congenital long QT syndrome, cardiac disease, and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia). In addition, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drug(s). Clinically significant prolongation of QT interval and hypokalemia occur infrequently when beta-2 adrenergic agonists are inhaled at normally recommended dosages. However, these effects may be more common when the drugs are administered systemically or when recommended dosages are exceeded.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if beta-2 adrenergic agonists are used in combination with other drugs that prolong the QT interval, including class IA and III antiarrhythmic agents, certain neuroleptic agents, phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants, quinolones, ketolide and macrolide antibiotics, and cisapride. It may be appropriate to monitor ECG and serum electrolytes during chronic systemic use or high-dose therapy. Patients should be advised to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitations, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or syncope.

References

  1. Whyte KF, Addis GJ, Whitesmith R, Reid JL "The mechanism of salbutamol-induced hypokalaemia." Br J Clin Pharmacol 23 (1987): 65-71
  2. Larsson S, Svedmyr N "Bronchodilating effect and side effects of beta2- adrenoceptor stimulants by different modes of administration (tablets, metered aerosol, and combinations thereof). A study with salbutamol inasthmatics." Am Rev Respir Dis 116 (1977): 861-9
  3. Hastwell G, Lambert BE "The effect of oral salbutamol on serum potassium and blood sugar." Br J Obstet Gynaecol 85 (1978): 767-9
  4. "Hypokalaemia due to salbutamol overdosage." Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 283 (1981): 500-1
  5. Kantola I, Tarssanen L "Hypokalemia from usual salbutamol dosage ." Chest 89 (1986): 619-20
  6. Wong CS, Pavord ID, Williams J, Britton JR, Tattersfield AE "Bronchodilator, cardiovascular, and hypokalaemic effects of fenoterol, salbutamol, and terbutaline in asthma." Lancet 336 (1990): 1396-9
  7. Gross TL, Sokol RJ "Severe hypokalemia and acidosis: a potential complication of beta- adrenergic treatment." Am J Obstet Gynecol 138 (1980): 1225-6
  8. Clifton GD, Hunt BA, Patel RC, Burki NK "Effects of sequential doses of parenteral terbutaline on plasma levels of potassium and related cardiopulmonary responses." Am Rev Respir Dis 141 (1990): 575-9
  9. Hurlbert BJ, Edelman JD, David K "Serum potassium levels during and after terbutaline." Anesth Analg 60 (1981): 723-5
  10. Bengtsson B, Fagerstrom PO "Extrapulmonary effects of terbutaline during prolonged administration." Clin Pharmacol Ther 31 (1982): 726-32
  11. Gelmont DM, Balmes JR, Yee A "Hypokalemia induced by inhaled bronchodilators." Chest 94 (1988): 763-6
  12. Sanders JP, Potter DE, Ellis S, Bee DE, Grant JA "Metabolic and cardiovascular effects of carbuterol and metaproterenol." J Allergy Clin Immunol 60 (1977): 174-9
  13. "Product Information. Proventil (albuterol)." Schering Corporation PROD (2002):
  14. Windom H, Grainger J, Burgess C, Crane J, Pearce N, Beasley R "A comparison of the haemodynamic and hypokalaemic effects of inhaled pirbuterol and salbutamol." N Z Med J 103 (1990): 259-61
  15. "Product Information. Serevent (salmeterol)." Glaxo Wellcome PROD
  16. "Product Information. Maxair (pirbuterol)." 3M Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  17. Dickens GR, Mccoy RA, West R, Stapczynski JS, Clifton GD "Effect of nebulized albuterol on serum potassium and cardiac rhythm in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease." Pharmacotherapy 14 (1994): 729-33
  18. Tveskov C, Djurhuus MS, Klitgaard NAH, Egstrup K "Potassium and magnesium distribution, ECG changes, and ventricular ectopic beats during beta(2)-adrenergic stimulation with terbutaline in healthy subjects." Chest 106 (1994): 1654-9
  19. Braden GL, vonOeyen PT, Germain MJ, Watson DJ, Haag BL "Ritodrine- and terbutaline-induced hypokalemia in preterm labor: Mechanisms and consequences." Kidney Int 51 (1997): 1867-75
  20. Rakhmanina NY, Kearns GL, Farrar HC "Hypokalemia in an asthmatic child from abuse of albuterol metered dose inhaler." Pediatr Emerg Care 14 (1998): 145-7
  21. "Product Information. Xopenex (levalbuterol)." Sepracor Inc PROD (2001):
  22. "Product Information. Foradil (formoterol)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  23. Ferguson GT, Funck-Brentano C, Fischer T, Darken P, Reisner C "Cardiovascular Safety of Salmeterol in COPD." Chest 123 (2003): 1817-24
  24. Milic M, Bao X, Rizos D, Liu F, Ziegler MG "Literature review and pilot studies of the effect of qt correction formulas on reported beta(2)-agonist-induced QTc prolongation." Clin Ther 28 (2006): 582-90
  25. "Product Information. Brovana (arformoterol)." Sepracor Inc (2006):
  26. Lowe MD, Rowland E, Brown MJ, Grace AA "Beta(2) adrenergic receptors mediate important electrophysiological effects in human ventricular myocardium." Heart 86 (2001): 45-51
  27. Sun ZH, Swan H, Vitasalo M, Toivonen L "Effects of epinephrine and phenylephrine on QT interval dispersion in congenital long QT syndrome." J Am Coll Cardiol 31 (1998): 1400-5
View all 27 references
Major

isoproterenol lumefantrine

Applies to: Duo-Medihaler (isoproterenol / phenylephrine) and artemether / lumefantrine

Using isoproterenol together with lumefantrine can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances (for example, magnesium or potassium loss due to severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting). Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may already be aware of the risks, but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you and has taken appropriate precautions and is monitoring you closely for any potential complications. Do not exceed the dose and frequency of use recommended on the product label or prescribed by your doctor. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with these medications, whether together or alone. 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

isoproterenol phenylephrine

Applies to: Duo-Medihaler (isoproterenol / phenylephrine) and Duo-Medihaler (isoproterenol / phenylephrine)

Using isoproterenol together with phenylephrine may increase cardiovascular side effects such as elevations in heart rate and blood pressure or irregular heart rhythm. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns, particularly if you have a history of high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or heart disease. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications. 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

lumefantrine food

Applies to: artemether / lumefantrine

Each dose of lumefantrine should be taken with food such as milk, infant formula, pudding, porridge, or broth. Food helps the medication get absorbed into the bloodstream, so the medication may not work as well when taken on an empty stomach. If unable to be swallowed whole, lumefantrine tablets may be crushed and mixed with one to two teaspoons of water in a clean container and consumed immediately after mixing. The container should then be rinsed with more water and the contents consumed. This should be followed by eating as soon as possible. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice during treatment with lumefantrine. Grapefruit juice can cause too much of the medication to be in the blood. 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

isoproterenol food

Applies to: Duo-Medihaler (isoproterenol / phenylephrine)

Consumer information for this interaction is not currently available.

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

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

phenylephrine food

Applies to: Duo-Medihaler (isoproterenol / phenylephrine)

Consumer information for this interaction is not currently available.

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

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

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.

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