Drug Interactions between Ascomp with Codeine and Estinyl

GENERALLY AVOID: Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants (e.g., nonbenzodiazepine sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, other opioids, alcohol) may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. The risk of hypotension may also be increased with some CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, phenothiazines).

MANAGEMENT: The use of opioids in conjunction with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants should generally be avoided unless alternative treatment options are inadequate. If coadministration is necessary, the dosage and duration of each drug should be limited to the minimum required to achieve desired clinical effect, with cautious titration and dosage adjustments when needed. Patients should be monitored closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation, and advised to avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how these medications affect them. Cough medications containing opioids (e.g., codeine, hydrocodone) should not be prescribed to patients using benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants including alcohol. For patients who have been receiving extended therapy with both an opioid and a benzodiazepine and require discontinuation of either medication, a gradual tapering of dose is advised, since abrupt withdrawal may lead to withdrawal symptoms. Severe cases of benzodiazepine withdrawal, primarily in patients who have received excessive doses over a prolonged period, may result in numbness and tingling of extremities, hypersensitivity to light and noise, hallucinations, and epileptic seizures.

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ADDITIONAL CONTRACEPTION RECOMMENDED: Coadministration with a barbiturate may reduce the efficacy of contraceptive hormones. There have been numerous case reports of menstrual abnormalities (e.g., breakthrough bleeding, amenorrhea, irregular menses) and unintended pregnancy occurring in women who received oral contraceptives with phenobarbital. In a study of four women treated chronically with a contraceptive pill containing 50 mcg of ethinyl estradiol, coadministration with phenobarbital (30 mg twice a day) was associated with breakthrough bleeding and a greater than 60% reduction in plasma ethinyl estradiol concentration in two of the women. The interaction stems from accelerated clearance of contraceptive hormones as well as decreased plasma concentrations of unbound (active) hormones due to induction of hepatic CYP450 enzymatic activity and enhancement of hormone-binding globulin capacity by phenobarbital. Since all barbiturates are believed to possess enzyme-inducing capabilities, the interaction should be expected with agents in the class other than phenobarbital.

MANAGEMENT: Women using hormonal contraceptives should be advised of the risk of breakthrough bleeding and unintended pregnancy during concomitant therapy with barbiturates. Alternative or additional methods of birth control should be used during and for at least one week after short-term and 4 weeks after long-term (greater than 4 weeks) barbiturate therapy. No precautions or recommendations are available for women using hormone-releasing intrauterine systems, but a significant interaction with these systems is thought to be unlikely due to their local action. Injectable progestin-only contraceptives are also thought to be unaffected by barbiturates. Input from a gynecologist or similar expert on adequate contraception, including emergency contraception, should be sought as needed.

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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.

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