Interactions between Asenapine and Polytine CS

Asenapine has a major potential interaction with Abnormal Electrocardiogram.

Some atypical antipsychotic agents can prolong the QTc interval of the electrocardiogram in a dose-dependent manner. Electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia may augment the prolongation effect of these agents on the QT interval and should be corrected prior to institution of therapy. In addition, patients who experience frequent, severe, or prolonged diarrhea may be subject to electrolyte losses and should be followed closely and managed accordingly during therapy with these agents. Atypical antipsychotic agents should be avoided in patients with a history of cardiac arrhythmias or other conditions that may increase the risk of torsade de pointes and/or sudden death, including bradycardia; hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia; congenital long QT syndrome; recent acute myocardial infarction; and/or uncompensated heart failure.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a major potential interaction with Acute Alcohol Intoxication.

The use of opiate agonists is contraindicated in patients with acute alcohol intoxication exhibiting depressed vital signs. The central nervous system depressant effects of opiate agonists may be additive with those of alcohol. Severe respiratory depression and death may occur. Therapy with opiate agonists should be administered cautiously in patients who might be prone to acute alcohol intake.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a moderate potential interaction with Adrenal Insufficiency.

Patients with Addison's disease may have increased risk of respiratory depression and prolonged CNS depression associated with the use of narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents. Conversely, these agents may cause or potentiate adrenal insufficiency. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with adrenocortical insufficiency. Subsequent doses should be titrated based on individual response rather than a fixed dosing schedule.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a major potential interaction with Alcoholism.

Opiate agonists have the potential to cause dependence and abuse. Tolerance as well as physical and psychological dependence can develop after prolonged use. Abrupt cessation, reduction in dosage, or administration of an opiate antagonist such as naloxone may precipitate withdrawal symptoms. In patients who have developed tolerance to an opiate agonist, overdosage can still produce respiratory depression and death, and cross-tolerance usually will occur with other agents in the class. Addiction-prone individuals, such as those with a history of alcohol or substance abuse, should be under careful surveillance or medical supervision when treated with opiate agonists. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients. After prolonged use or if dependency is suspected, withdrawal of opiate therapy should be undertaken gradually using a dosage-tapering schedule.

Asenapine has a moderate potential interaction with Alcoholism.

Antipsychotic and neuroleptic drugs can lower the seizure threshold and trigger seizures in a dose-dependent manner. This risk is greatest in patients with a history of seizures or with conditions that lower the seizure threshold. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of seizures or other predisposing factors, such as head trauma, CNS abnormalities, and alcoholism.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a major potential interaction with Altered Consciousness.

Opiate agonists may produce significant central nervous system and respiratory depression of varying duration, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Apnea may result from decreased respiratory drive as well as increased airway resistance, and rigidity of respiratory muscles may occur during rapid IV administration or when these agents are used in the induction of anesthesia. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, the respiratory effects are usually not clinically important except in patients with preexisting pulmonary impairment. Therapy with opiate agonists should be avoided or administered with extreme caution and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with severe CNS depression; sleep apnea; hypoxia, anoxia, or hypercapnia; upper airway obstruction; chronic pulmonary insufficiency; a limited ventilatory reserve; or other respiratory disorders. In the presence of excessive respiratory secretions, the use of opiate agonists may also be problematic because they decrease ciliary activity and reduce the cough reflex. Caution is also advised in patients who may be at increased risk for respiratory depression, such as comatose patients or those with head injury, intracranial lesions, or intracranial hypertension. Clinical monitoring of pulmonary function is recommended, and equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available if parenteral or neuraxial routes are used. Naloxone may be administered to reverse clinically significant respiratory depression, which may be prolonged depending on the opioid agent, cumulative dose, and route of administration.

Asenapine has a major potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

Some atypical antipsychotic agents can prolong the QTc interval of the electrocardiogram in a dose-dependent manner. Electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia may augment the prolongation effect of these agents on the QT interval and should be corrected prior to institution of therapy. In addition, patients who experience frequent, severe, or prolonged diarrhea may be subject to electrolyte losses and should be followed closely and managed accordingly during therapy with these agents. Atypical antipsychotic agents should be avoided in patients with a history of cardiac arrhythmias or other conditions that may increase the risk of torsade de pointes and/or sudden death, including bradycardia; hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia; congenital long QT syndrome; recent acute myocardial infarction; and/or uncompensated heart failure.

Asenapine has a moderate potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

The use of atypical antipsychotic agents has been associated with orthostatic hypotension and syncope. Therapy with atypical antipsychotics should be administered cautiously in patients with hypotension or conditions that could be exacerbated by hypotension, such as a history of myocardial infarction, angina, or ischemic stroke. Patients with dehydration (e.g., due to severe diarrhea or vomiting) may be predisposed to hypotension and should also be managed carefully during therapy with atypical antipsychotics. Blood pressure should be monitored at regular intervals, particularly during dosage escalation or whenever dosage has been altered, and patients should be advised not to rise abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a moderate potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

Opiate agonists have cholinergic activity. Large doses and/or rapid intravenous administration may produce bradycardia and arrhythmias via stimulation of medullary vagal nuclei. Therapy with opiate agonists should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of arrhythmias. Clinical monitoring of cardiovascular status is recommended during therapy.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a major potential interaction with Asphyxia.

Opiate agonists may produce significant central nervous system and respiratory depression of varying duration, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Apnea may result from decreased respiratory drive as well as increased airway resistance, and rigidity of respiratory muscles may occur during rapid IV administration or when these agents are used in the induction of anesthesia. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, the respiratory effects are usually not clinically important except in patients with preexisting pulmonary impairment. Therapy with opiate agonists should be avoided or administered with extreme caution and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with severe CNS depression; sleep apnea; hypoxia, anoxia, or hypercapnia; upper airway obstruction; chronic pulmonary insufficiency; a limited ventilatory reserve; or other respiratory disorders. In the presence of excessive respiratory secretions, the use of opiate agonists may also be problematic because they decrease ciliary activity and reduce the cough reflex. Caution is also advised in patients who may be at increased risk for respiratory depression, such as comatose patients or those with head injury, intracranial lesions, or intracranial hypertension. Clinical monitoring of pulmonary function is recommended, and equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available if parenteral or neuraxial routes are used. Naloxone may be administered to reverse clinically significant respiratory depression, which may be prolonged depending on the opioid agent, cumulative dose, and route of administration.

The brompheniramine in Polytine CS has a moderate potential interaction with Asthma.

It has been suggested that the anticholinergic effect of antihistamines may reduce the volume and cause thickening of bronchial secretions, resulting in obstruction of respiratory tract. Some manufacturers and clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The phenylpropanolamine in Polytine CS has a moderate potential interaction with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause or worsen urinary difficulty in patients with prostate enlargement due to smooth muscle contraction in the bladder neck via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with hypertrophy or neoplasm of the prostate.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a moderate potential interaction with Biliary Obstruction.

Opioid agonists may cause spasm of the sphincter of Oddi, which may increase biliary tract pressure. Other opioid-induced effects may include a reduction in biliary and pancreatic secretions and transient elevations in serum amylase. Patients with biliary tract disease (including acute pancreatitis) should be regularly evaluated for worsening symptoms. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously in patients with biliary tract disease, gallbladder disease, or acute pancreatitis.

Asenapine has a moderate potential interaction with Bipolar Disorder.

Adult and pediatric patients with depression and other psychiatric disorders may experience worsening of their symptoms and may have the emergence of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Patients should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for worsening of their symptoms, suicidality or changes in their behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment, and at times of dose changes. Discontinuing the medication should be considered if symptoms are persistently worse, or abrupt in onset.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a major potential interaction with Brain Tumor.

The hypoventilation associated with administration of opiate agonists, particularly by the intravenous route, can induce cerebral hypoxia and vasodilatation with resultant increase in intracranial pressure. Opiate agonists should not be used in patients with suspected or known head injury or increased intracranial pressure. Also, clinicians treating such patients should be aware that opiate agonists may interfere with the evaluation of CNS function, especially with respect to consciousness levels, respiratory status, and pupillary changes.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a major potential interaction with Brain Tumor.

Opiate agonists may produce significant central nervous system and respiratory depression of varying duration, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Apnea may result from decreased respiratory drive as well as increased airway resistance, and rigidity of respiratory muscles may occur during rapid IV administration or when these agents are used in the induction of anesthesia. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, the respiratory effects are usually not clinically important except in patients with preexisting pulmonary impairment. Therapy with opiate agonists should be avoided or administered with extreme caution and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with severe CNS depression; sleep apnea; hypoxia, anoxia, or hypercapnia; upper airway obstruction; chronic pulmonary insufficiency; a limited ventilatory reserve; or other respiratory disorders. In the presence of excessive respiratory secretions, the use of opiate agonists may also be problematic because they decrease ciliary activity and reduce the cough reflex. Caution is also advised in patients who may be at increased risk for respiratory depression, such as comatose patients or those with head injury, intracranial lesions, or intracranial hypertension. Clinical monitoring of pulmonary function is recommended, and equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available if parenteral or neuraxial routes are used. Naloxone may be administered to reverse clinically significant respiratory depression, which may be prolonged depending on the opioid agent, cumulative dose, and route of administration.

Asenapine has a moderate potential interaction with Breast Cancer.

The chronic use of neuroleptic agents can cause persistent elevations in prolactin levels due to antagonism of dopamine D2 receptors. Based on in vitro data, approximately one-third of human breast cancers are thought to be prolactin-dependent. The clinical significance of this observation with respect to long-term neuroleptic therapy is unknown. Chronic administration of neuroleptic drugs has been associated with mammary tumorigenesis in rodent studies but not in human clinical or epidemiologic studies. Until further data are available, therapy with neuroleptic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with a previously detected breast cancer. Caution is also advised in patients with preexisting hyperprolactinemia. Hyperprolactinemia may suppress hypothalamic gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH), resulting in reduced pituitary gonadotropin secretion. This, in turn, may inhibit reproductive function by impairing gonadal steroidogenesis in both female and male patients. Galactorrhea, amenorrhea, gynecomastia, and impotence have been reported in patients receiving prolactin-elevating compounds; however, the clinical significance of elevated serum prolactin levels is unknown for most patients. Long-standing hyperprolactinemia when associated with hypogonadism may lead to decreased bone density in both female and male patients.

The phenylpropanolamine in Polytine CS has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. In cardiac tissues, these agents may produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects via stimulation of beta- 1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and the work of the heart may be increased. In the peripheral vasculature, vasoconstriction may occur via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

The brompheniramine in Polytine CS has a moderate potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.

Antihistamines may infrequently cause cardiovascular adverse effects related to their anticholinergic and local anesthetic (quinidine-like) activities. Tachycardia, palpitation, ECG changes, arrhythmias, hypotension, and hypertension have been reported. Although these effects are uncommon and usually limited to overdosage situations, the manufacturers and some clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and/or hyperthyroidism.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a major potential interaction with Cerebral Vascular Disorder.

Opiate agonists may produce significant central nervous system and respiratory depression of varying duration, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Apnea may result from decreased respiratory drive as well as increased airway resistance, and rigidity of respiratory muscles may occur during rapid IV administration or when these agents are used in the induction of anesthesia. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, the respiratory effects are usually not clinically important except in patients with preexisting pulmonary impairment. Therapy with opiate agonists should be avoided or administered with extreme caution and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with severe CNS depression; sleep apnea; hypoxia, anoxia, or hypercapnia; upper airway obstruction; chronic pulmonary insufficiency; a limited ventilatory reserve; or other respiratory disorders. In the presence of excessive respiratory secretions, the use of opiate agonists may also be problematic because they decrease ciliary activity and reduce the cough reflex. Caution is also advised in patients who may be at increased risk for respiratory depression, such as comatose patients or those with head injury, intracranial lesions, or intracranial hypertension. Clinical monitoring of pulmonary function is recommended, and equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available if parenteral or neuraxial routes are used. Naloxone may be administered to reverse clinically significant respiratory depression, which may be prolonged depending on the opioid agent, cumulative dose, and route of administration.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a major potential interaction with Cerebral Vascular Disorder.

The hypoventilation associated with administration of opiate agonists, particularly by the intravenous route, can induce cerebral hypoxia and vasodilatation with resultant increase in intracranial pressure. Opiate agonists should not be used in patients with suspected or known head injury or increased intracranial pressure. Also, clinicians treating such patients should be aware that opiate agonists may interfere with the evaluation of CNS function, especially with respect to consciousness levels, respiratory status, and pupillary changes.

The phenylpropanolamine in Polytine CS has a major potential interaction with Cerebrovascular Insufficiency.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. In cardiac tissues, these agents may produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects via stimulation of beta- 1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and the work of the heart may be increased. In the peripheral vasculature, vasoconstriction may occur via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

Asenapine has a moderate potential interaction with Cerebrovascular Insufficiency.

The use of atypical antipsychotic agents has been associated with orthostatic hypotension and syncope. Therapy with atypical antipsychotics should be administered cautiously in patients with hypotension or conditions that could be exacerbated by hypotension, such as a history of myocardial infarction, angina, or ischemic stroke. Patients with dehydration (e.g., due to severe diarrhea or vomiting) may be predisposed to hypotension and should also be managed carefully during therapy with atypical antipsychotics. Blood pressure should be monitored at regular intervals, particularly during dosage escalation or whenever dosage has been altered, and patients should be advised not to rise abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a major potential interaction with Constipation.

Narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents increase smooth muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract and decrease peristalsis, which can lead to elevated intraluminal pressure, spasm, and constipation following prolonged use. In patients with severe or acute inflammatory bowel disease, the decrease in colonic motility may induce toxic megacolon. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously in patients with gastrointestinal obstruction, constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, or recent gastrointestinal tract surgery. Gastrointestinal effects appear to be the most pronounced with morphine.

The brompheniramine in Polytine CS has a moderate potential interaction with COPD.

It has been suggested that the anticholinergic effect of antihistamines may reduce the volume and cause thickening of bronchial secretions, resulting in obstruction of respiratory tract. Some manufacturers and clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a major potential interaction with Dehydration.

Opiate agonists can induce vasodilation and significant hypotension, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Opiate analgesics cause vasodilatation that may exacerbate hypotension and hypoperfusion and, therefore, are contraindicated in circulatory shock. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, ambulatory patients are more likely to experience dizziness and hypotension than patients who are confined to bed. However, orthostatic hypotension may occur in supine patients upon rising. Therapy with opiate agonists should be administered cautiously and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with hypovolemia, or a predisposition to hypotension. When given by intramuscular or subcutaneous administration, clinicians should also be aware that impaired perfusion in these patients may prevent complete absorption of the drug. With repeated injections, an excessive amount may be absorbed suddenly if normal circulation is reestablished.

Asenapine has a moderate potential interaction with Dehydration.

The use of atypical antipsychotic agents has been associated with orthostatic hypotension and syncope. Therapy with atypical antipsychotics should be administered cautiously in patients with hypotension or conditions that could be exacerbated by hypotension, such as a history of myocardial infarction, angina, or ischemic stroke. Patients with dehydration (e.g., due to severe diarrhea or vomiting) may be predisposed to hypotension and should also be managed carefully during therapy with atypical antipsychotics. Blood pressure should be monitored at regular intervals, particularly during dosage escalation or whenever dosage has been altered, and patients should be advised not to rise abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position.

Asenapine has a major potential interaction with Dementia.

Antipsychotic drugs are not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis. Older patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death; although the causes were varied, most of the deaths appeared to be either cardiovascular (e.g., heart failure, sudden death) or infectious (e.g., pneumonia) in nature. A causal relationship with antipsychotic use has not been established. In controlled trials in older patients with dementia-related psychosis, patients randomized to risperidone, aripiprazole, and olanzapine had higher incidence of cerebrovascular adverse events (e.g., stroke, transient ischemic attack), including fatalities, compared to patients treated with placebo.

Asenapine has a moderate potential interaction with Depression.

Adult and pediatric patients with depression and other psychiatric disorders may experience worsening of their symptoms and may have the emergence of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Patients should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for worsening of their symptoms, suicidality or changes in their behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment, and at times of dose changes. Discontinuing the medication should be considered if symptoms are persistently worse, or abrupt in onset.

Asenapine has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Hyperglycemia, in some cases extreme and associated with ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar coma or death, has been reported with the use of atypical antipsychotic agents. Patients with diabetes should be monitored for worsening control of blood glucose when treated with these agents. It is recommended that patients with risk factors for diabetes mellitus starting treatment with atypical antipsychotics should undergo fasting blood glucose testing at the beginning of treatment, and periodically thereafter. Any patient treated with atypical antipsychotics should be monitored for symptoms of hyperglycemia including polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, and weakness. Patients who develop symptoms of hyperglycemia during treatment with atypical antipsychotics should undergo fasting blood glucose testing. In some cases, hyperglycemia has resolved when treatment with these agents was discontinued; however, some patients required continuation of anti-diabetic treatment despite discontinuation of the atypical antipsychotic drug.

The phenylpropanolamine in Polytine CS has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause increases in blood glucose concentrations. These effects are usually transient and slight but may be significant with dosages higher than those normally recommended. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus. Closer monitoring of blood glucose concentrations may be appropriate.

Asenapine has a major potential interaction with Diarrhea.

Some atypical antipsychotic agents can prolong the QTc interval of the electrocardiogram in a dose-dependent manner. Electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia may augment the prolongation effect of these agents on the QT interval and should be corrected prior to institution of therapy. In addition, patients who experience frequent, severe, or prolonged diarrhea may be subject to electrolyte losses and should be followed closely and managed accordingly during therapy with these agents. Atypical antipsychotic agents should be avoided in patients with a history of cardiac arrhythmias or other conditions that may increase the risk of torsade de pointes and/or sudden death, including bradycardia; hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia; congenital long QT syndrome; recent acute myocardial infarction; and/or uncompensated heart failure.

Asenapine has a moderate potential interaction with Diarrhea.

The use of atypical antipsychotic agents has been associated with orthostatic hypotension and syncope. Therapy with atypical antipsychotics should be administered cautiously in patients with hypotension or conditions that could be exacerbated by hypotension, such as a history of myocardial infarction, angina, or ischemic stroke. Patients with dehydration (e.g., due to severe diarrhea or vomiting) may be predisposed to hypotension and should also be managed carefully during therapy with atypical antipsychotics. Blood pressure should be monitored at regular intervals, particularly during dosage escalation or whenever dosage has been altered, and patients should be advised not to rise abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a major potential interaction with Drug Dependence.

Opiate agonists have the potential to cause dependence and abuse. Tolerance as well as physical and psychological dependence can develop after prolonged use. Abrupt cessation, reduction in dosage, or administration of an opiate antagonist such as naloxone may precipitate withdrawal symptoms. In patients who have developed tolerance to an opiate agonist, overdosage can still produce respiratory depression and death, and cross-tolerance usually will occur with other agents in the class. Addiction-prone individuals, such as those with a history of alcohol or substance abuse, should be under careful surveillance or medical supervision when treated with opiate agonists. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients. After prolonged use or if dependency is suspected, withdrawal of opiate therapy should be undertaken gradually using a dosage-tapering schedule.

Asenapine has a moderate potential interaction with Dysphagia.

Esophageal dysmotility and aspiration have been associated with the use of antipsychotic drugs. These drugs should be administered cautiously in patients at risk for aspiration pneumonia.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a moderate potential interaction with Gallbladder Disease.

Opioid agonists may cause spasm of the sphincter of Oddi, which may increase biliary tract pressure. Other opioid-induced effects may include a reduction in biliary and pancreatic secretions and transient elevations in serum amylase. Patients with biliary tract disease (including acute pancreatitis) should be regularly evaluated for worsening symptoms. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously in patients with biliary tract disease, gallbladder disease, or acute pancreatitis.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a major potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.

Narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents increase smooth muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract and decrease peristalsis, which can lead to elevated intraluminal pressure, spasm, and constipation following prolonged use. In patients with severe or acute inflammatory bowel disease, the decrease in colonic motility may induce toxic megacolon. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously in patients with gastrointestinal obstruction, constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, or recent gastrointestinal tract surgery. Gastrointestinal effects appear to be the most pronounced with morphine.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a major potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.

Opioid analgesics are contraindicated in patients with known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus.

The brompheniramine in Polytine CS has a moderate potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.

Antihistamines often have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. Conventional, first-generation antihistamines such as the ethanolamines (bromodiphenhydramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, phenyltoloxamine) tend to exhibit substantial anticholinergic effects. In contrast, the newer, relatively nonsedating antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) reportedly have low to minimal anticholinergic activity at normally recommended dosages and may be appropriate alternatives.

The phenylpropanolamine in Polytine CS has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.

Sympathomimetic agents can induce transient mydriasis via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. In patients with anatomically narrow angles or narrow-angle glaucoma, pupillary dilation can provoke an acute attack. In patients with other forms of glaucoma, mydriasis may occasionally increase intraocular pressure. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to glaucoma, particularly narrow-angle glaucoma.

The brompheniramine in Polytine CS has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.

Antihistamines often have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. Conventional, first-generation antihistamines such as the ethanolamines (bromodiphenhydramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, phenyltoloxamine) tend to exhibit substantial anticholinergic effects. In contrast, the newer, relatively nonsedating antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) reportedly have low to minimal anticholinergic activity at normally recommended dosages and may be appropriate alternatives.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a major potential interaction with Head Injury.

The hypoventilation associated with administration of opiate agonists, particularly by the intravenous route, can induce cerebral hypoxia and vasodilatation with resultant increase in intracranial pressure. Opiate agonists should not be used in patients with suspected or known head injury or increased intracranial pressure. Also, clinicians treating such patients should be aware that opiate agonists may interfere with the evaluation of CNS function, especially with respect to consciousness levels, respiratory status, and pupillary changes.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a major potential interaction with Head Injury.

Opiate agonists may produce significant central nervous system and respiratory depression of varying duration, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Apnea may result from decreased respiratory drive as well as increased airway resistance, and rigidity of respiratory muscles may occur during rapid IV administration or when these agents are used in the induction of anesthesia. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, the respiratory effects are usually not clinically important except in patients with preexisting pulmonary impairment. Therapy with opiate agonists should be avoided or administered with extreme caution and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with severe CNS depression; sleep apnea; hypoxia, anoxia, or hypercapnia; upper airway obstruction; chronic pulmonary insufficiency; a limited ventilatory reserve; or other respiratory disorders. In the presence of excessive respiratory secretions, the use of opiate agonists may also be problematic because they decrease ciliary activity and reduce the cough reflex. Caution is also advised in patients who may be at increased risk for respiratory depression, such as comatose patients or those with head injury, intracranial lesions, or intracranial hypertension. Clinical monitoring of pulmonary function is recommended, and equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available if parenteral or neuraxial routes are used. Naloxone may be administered to reverse clinically significant respiratory depression, which may be prolonged depending on the opioid agent, cumulative dose, and route of administration.

Asenapine has a moderate potential interaction with Head Injury.

Antipsychotic and neuroleptic drugs can lower the seizure threshold and trigger seizures in a dose-dependent manner. This risk is greatest in patients with a history of seizures or with conditions that lower the seizure threshold. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of seizures or other predisposing factors, such as head trauma, CNS abnormalities, and alcoholism.

Asenapine has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Failure.

The use of atypical antipsychotic agents has been associated with orthostatic hypotension and syncope. Therapy with atypical antipsychotics should be administered cautiously in patients with hypotension or conditions that could be exacerbated by hypotension, such as a history of myocardial infarction, angina, or ischemic stroke. Patients with dehydration (e.g., due to severe diarrhea or vomiting) may be predisposed to hypotension and should also be managed carefully during therapy with atypical antipsychotics. Blood pressure should be monitored at regular intervals, particularly during dosage escalation or whenever dosage has been altered, and patients should be advised not to rise abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position.

Asenapine has a moderate potential interaction with High Cholesterol.

Atypical antipsychotic drugs have been associated with undesirable alterations in lipid levels. While all agents in the class have been shown to produce some changes, each drug has its own specific risk profile. Before or soon after initiation of antipsychotic medications, a fasting lipid profile should be obtained at baseline and monitored periodically during treatment.

Asenapine has a moderate potential interaction with History - Myocardial Infarction.

The use of atypical antipsychotic agents has been associated with orthostatic hypotension and syncope. Therapy with atypical antipsychotics should be administered cautiously in patients with hypotension or conditions that could be exacerbated by hypotension, such as a history of myocardial infarction, angina, or ischemic stroke. Patients with dehydration (e.g., due to severe diarrhea or vomiting) may be predisposed to hypotension and should also be managed carefully during therapy with atypical antipsychotics. Blood pressure should be monitored at regular intervals, particularly during dosage escalation or whenever dosage has been altered, and patients should be advised not to rise abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position.

Asenapine has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperprolactinemia.

The chronic use of neuroleptic agents can cause persistent elevations in prolactin levels due to antagonism of dopamine D2 receptors. Based on in vitro data, approximately one-third of human breast cancers are thought to be prolactin-dependent. The clinical significance of this observation with respect to long-term neuroleptic therapy is unknown. Chronic administration of neuroleptic drugs has been associated with mammary tumorigenesis in rodent studies but not in human clinical or epidemiologic studies. Until further data are available, therapy with neuroleptic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with a previously detected breast cancer. Caution is also advised in patients with preexisting hyperprolactinemia. Hyperprolactinemia may suppress hypothalamic gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH), resulting in reduced pituitary gonadotropin secretion. This, in turn, may inhibit reproductive function by impairing gonadal steroidogenesis in both female and male patients. Galactorrhea, amenorrhea, gynecomastia, and impotence have been reported in patients receiving prolactin-elevating compounds; however, the clinical significance of elevated serum prolactin levels is unknown for most patients. Long-standing hyperprolactinemia when associated with hypogonadism may lead to decreased bone density in both female and male patients.

The phenylpropanolamine in Polytine CS has a major potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. In cardiac tissues, these agents may produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects via stimulation of beta- 1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and the work of the heart may be increased. In the peripheral vasculature, vasoconstriction may occur via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

The brompheniramine in Polytine CS has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

Antihistamines may infrequently cause cardiovascular adverse effects related to their anticholinergic and local anesthetic (quinidine-like) activities. Tachycardia, palpitation, ECG changes, arrhythmias, hypotension, and hypertension have been reported. Although these effects are uncommon and usually limited to overdosage situations, the manufacturers and some clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and/or hyperthyroidism.

Asenapine has a major potential interaction with Hypokalemia.

Some atypical antipsychotic agents can prolong the QTc interval of the electrocardiogram in a dose-dependent manner. Electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia may augment the prolongation effect of these agents on the QT interval and should be corrected prior to institution of therapy. In addition, patients who experience frequent, severe, or prolonged diarrhea may be subject to electrolyte losses and should be followed closely and managed accordingly during therapy with these agents. Atypical antipsychotic agents should be avoided in patients with a history of cardiac arrhythmias or other conditions that may increase the risk of torsade de pointes and/or sudden death, including bradycardia; hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia; congenital long QT syndrome; recent acute myocardial infarction; and/or uncompensated heart failure.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a major potential interaction with Hypotension.

Opiate agonists can induce vasodilation and significant hypotension, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Opiate analgesics cause vasodilatation that may exacerbate hypotension and hypoperfusion and, therefore, are contraindicated in circulatory shock. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, ambulatory patients are more likely to experience dizziness and hypotension than patients who are confined to bed. However, orthostatic hypotension may occur in supine patients upon rising. Therapy with opiate agonists should be administered cautiously and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with hypovolemia, or a predisposition to hypotension. When given by intramuscular or subcutaneous administration, clinicians should also be aware that impaired perfusion in these patients may prevent complete absorption of the drug. With repeated injections, an excessive amount may be absorbed suddenly if normal circulation is reestablished.

Asenapine has a moderate potential interaction with Hypotension.

The use of atypical antipsychotic agents has been associated with orthostatic hypotension and syncope. Therapy with atypical antipsychotics should be administered cautiously in patients with hypotension or conditions that could be exacerbated by hypotension, such as a history of myocardial infarction, angina, or ischemic stroke. Patients with dehydration (e.g., due to severe diarrhea or vomiting) may be predisposed to hypotension and should also be managed carefully during therapy with atypical antipsychotics. Blood pressure should be monitored at regular intervals, particularly during dosage escalation or whenever dosage has been altered, and patients should be advised not to rise abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position.

The brompheniramine in Polytine CS has a moderate potential interaction with Hypotension.

Antihistamines may infrequently cause cardiovascular adverse effects related to their anticholinergic and local anesthetic (quinidine-like) activities. Tachycardia, palpitation, ECG changes, arrhythmias, hypotension, and hypertension have been reported. Although these effects are uncommon and usually limited to overdosage situations, the manufacturers and some clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and/or hyperthyroidism.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a major potential interaction with Infectious Gastroenteritis.

Narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents may prolong and/or worsen diarrhea associated with organisms that invade the intestinal mucosa, such as toxigenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, and pseudomembranous colitis due to broad-spectrum antibiotics. These agents decrease gastrointestinal motility, which may delay the excretion of infective gastroenteric organisms and/or their toxins. Other symptoms and complications such as fever, shedding of organisms, and extraintestinal illness may also be increased or prolonged. Therapy with opioids should be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with infectious diarrhea, particularly that due to pseudomembranous enterocolitis or enterotoxin-producing bacteria or if accompanied by high fever, pus, or blood in the stool.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a major potential interaction with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents increase smooth muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract and decrease peristalsis, which can lead to elevated intraluminal pressure, spasm, and constipation following prolonged use. In patients with severe or acute inflammatory bowel disease, the decrease in colonic motility may induce toxic megacolon. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously in patients with gastrointestinal obstruction, constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, or recent gastrointestinal tract surgery. Gastrointestinal effects appear to be the most pronounced with morphine.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a major potential interaction with Intestinal Anastomoses.

Narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents increase smooth muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract and decrease peristalsis, which can lead to elevated intraluminal pressure, spasm, and constipation following prolonged use. In patients with severe or acute inflammatory bowel disease, the decrease in colonic motility may induce toxic megacolon. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously in patients with gastrointestinal obstruction, constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, or recent gastrointestinal tract surgery. Gastrointestinal effects appear to be the most pronounced with morphine.

Asenapine has a moderate potential interaction with Ischemic Heart Disease.

The use of atypical antipsychotic agents has been associated with orthostatic hypotension and syncope. Therapy with atypical antipsychotics should be administered cautiously in patients with hypotension or conditions that could be exacerbated by hypotension, such as a history of myocardial infarction, angina, or ischemic stroke. Patients with dehydration (e.g., due to severe diarrhea or vomiting) may be predisposed to hypotension and should also be managed carefully during therapy with atypical antipsychotics. Blood pressure should be monitored at regular intervals, particularly during dosage escalation or whenever dosage has been altered, and patients should be advised not to rise abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position.

Asenapine has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Asenapine is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C). Asenapine is a high clearance drug and its exposure has shown to be 7-fold higher in subjects with severe hepatic impairment than the exposure observed in subjects with normal hepatic function. No dosage adjustment for asenapine is required in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A and B) because the drug exposure is similar to that in subjects with normal hepatic function.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents are extensively metabolized by the liver, and several of them (e.g., codeine, hydrocodone, meperidine, methadone, morphine, propoxyphene) have active metabolites that are further converted to inactive substances. The serum concentrations of these agents and their metabolites may be increased and the half-lives prolonged in patients with impaired hepatic function. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with liver disease. Subsequent doses should be titrated based on individual response rather than a fixed dosing schedule.

The brompheniramine in Polytine CS has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Limited pharmacokinetic data are available for the older, first-generation antihistamines. Many appear to be primarily metabolized by the liver, and both parent drugs and metabolites are excreted in the urine. Patients with renal and/or liver disease may be at greater risk for adverse effects from antihistamines due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously in such patients. Lower initial dosages may be appropriate.

Asenapine has a major potential interaction with Magnesium Imbalance.

Some atypical antipsychotic agents can prolong the QTc interval of the electrocardiogram in a dose-dependent manner. Electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia may augment the prolongation effect of these agents on the QT interval and should be corrected prior to institution of therapy. In addition, patients who experience frequent, severe, or prolonged diarrhea may be subject to electrolyte losses and should be followed closely and managed accordingly during therapy with these agents. Atypical antipsychotic agents should be avoided in patients with a history of cardiac arrhythmias or other conditions that may increase the risk of torsade de pointes and/or sudden death, including bradycardia; hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia; congenital long QT syndrome; recent acute myocardial infarction; and/or uncompensated heart failure.

Asenapine has a major potential interaction with Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.

The central dopaminergic blocking effects of neuroleptic agents may precipitate or aggravate a potentially fatal symptom complex known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). NMS is observed most frequently when high-potency agents like haloperidol are administered intramuscularly, but may occur with any neuroleptic agent given for any length of time. Clinical manifestations of NMS include hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status and autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure, tachycardia, diaphoresis and cardiac arrhythmias). Additional signs may include elevated creatine phosphokinase, myoglobinuria, and acute renal failure. Neuroleptic agents should not be given to patients with active NMS and should be immediately discontinued if currently being administered in such patients. In patients with a history of NMS, introduction or reintroduction of neuroleptic agents should be carefully considered, since NMS may recur.

Asenapine has a moderate potential interaction with Neutropenia.

Cases of leukopenia, neutropenia, and agranulocytosis have been reported with the use of atypical antipsychotic agents. Patients with preexisting low white blood cell count may be at increased risk. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of, or predisposition to, decreased white blood cell or neutrophil counts. Clinical monitoring of hematopoietic function is recommended. At the first sign of a clinically significant decline in white blood cells, discontinuation of atypical antipsychotic therapy should be considered in the absence of other causative factors, and the patient closely monitored for fever or other signs and symptoms of infection.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a moderate potential interaction with Pancreatitis.

Opioid agonists may cause spasm of the sphincter of Oddi, which may increase biliary tract pressure. Other opioid-induced effects may include a reduction in biliary and pancreatic secretions and transient elevations in serum amylase. Patients with biliary tract disease (including acute pancreatitis) should be regularly evaluated for worsening symptoms. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously in patients with biliary tract disease, gallbladder disease, or acute pancreatitis.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a major potential interaction with Prematurity/Underweight in Infancy.

The use of narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents is contraindicated in premature infants. These agents may cross the immature blood-brain barrier to a greater extent than in adults, resulting in disproportionate respiratory depression.

The phenylpropanolamine in Polytine CS has a moderate potential interaction with Prostate Tumor, Benign.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause or worsen urinary difficulty in patients with prostate enlargement due to smooth muscle contraction in the bladder neck via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with hypertrophy or neoplasm of the prostate.

The phenylpropanolamine in Polytine CS has a moderate potential interaction with Psychiatric Disorders.

Phenylpropanolamine may precipitate or exacerbate psychotic symptoms, particularly at high dosages. Therapy with phenylpropanolamine should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of psychiatric disorders.

The phenylpropanolamine in Polytine CS has a moderate potential interaction with Psychosis.

Phenylpropanolamine may precipitate or exacerbate psychotic symptoms, particularly at high dosages. Therapy with phenylpropanolamine should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of psychiatric disorders.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a major potential interaction with Pulmonary Impairment.

Opiate agonists may produce significant central nervous system and respiratory depression of varying duration, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Apnea may result from decreased respiratory drive as well as increased airway resistance, and rigidity of respiratory muscles may occur during rapid IV administration or when these agents are used in the induction of anesthesia. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, the respiratory effects are usually not clinically important except in patients with preexisting pulmonary impairment. Therapy with opiate agonists should be avoided or administered with extreme caution and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with severe CNS depression; sleep apnea; hypoxia, anoxia, or hypercapnia; upper airway obstruction; chronic pulmonary insufficiency; a limited ventilatory reserve; or other respiratory disorders. In the presence of excessive respiratory secretions, the use of opiate agonists may also be problematic because they decrease ciliary activity and reduce the cough reflex. Caution is also advised in patients who may be at increased risk for respiratory depression, such as comatose patients or those with head injury, intracranial lesions, or intracranial hypertension. Clinical monitoring of pulmonary function is recommended, and equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available if parenteral or neuraxial routes are used. Naloxone may be administered to reverse clinically significant respiratory depression, which may be prolonged depending on the opioid agent, cumulative dose, and route of administration.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Although narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents are generally metabolized by the liver, renal impairment can alter the elimination of these agents and their metabolites (some of which are pharmacologically active), resulting in drug accumulation and increased risk of toxicity. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with significantly impaired renal function. Subsequent doses should be titrated based on individual response rather than a fixed dosing schedule.

The brompheniramine in Polytine CS has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Limited pharmacokinetic data are available for the older, first-generation antihistamines. Many appear to be primarily metabolized by the liver, and both parent drugs and metabolites are excreted in the urine. Patients with renal and/or liver disease may be at greater risk for adverse effects from antihistamines due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously in such patients. Lower initial dosages may be appropriate.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a major potential interaction with Respiratory Arrest.

Opiate agonists may produce significant central nervous system and respiratory depression of varying duration, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Apnea may result from decreased respiratory drive as well as increased airway resistance, and rigidity of respiratory muscles may occur during rapid IV administration or when these agents are used in the induction of anesthesia. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, the respiratory effects are usually not clinically important except in patients with preexisting pulmonary impairment. Therapy with opiate agonists should be avoided or administered with extreme caution and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with severe CNS depression; sleep apnea; hypoxia, anoxia, or hypercapnia; upper airway obstruction; chronic pulmonary insufficiency; a limited ventilatory reserve; or other respiratory disorders. In the presence of excessive respiratory secretions, the use of opiate agonists may also be problematic because they decrease ciliary activity and reduce the cough reflex. Caution is also advised in patients who may be at increased risk for respiratory depression, such as comatose patients or those with head injury, intracranial lesions, or intracranial hypertension. Clinical monitoring of pulmonary function is recommended, and equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available if parenteral or neuraxial routes are used. Naloxone may be administered to reverse clinically significant respiratory depression, which may be prolonged depending on the opioid agent, cumulative dose, and route of administration.

Asenapine has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.

Antipsychotic and neuroleptic drugs can lower the seizure threshold and trigger seizures in a dose-dependent manner. This risk is greatest in patients with a history of seizures or with conditions that lower the seizure threshold. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of seizures or other predisposing factors, such as head trauma, CNS abnormalities, and alcoholism.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.

Narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents may increase the frequency of seizures in patients with seizure disorders, may increase the risk of seizures occurring in other clinical settings associated with seizures, and, at higher dosages, have been reported to induce seizures in patients without history of seizures. Patients with history of seizure disorders should be regularly evaluated for worsened seizure control during therapy. Prolonged meperidine use may increase the risk of toxicity (e.g., seizures) from the accumulation of the active metabolite (normeperidine).

The codeine in Polytine CS has a major potential interaction with Shock.

Opiate agonists can induce vasodilation and significant hypotension, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Opiate analgesics cause vasodilatation that may exacerbate hypotension and hypoperfusion and, therefore, are contraindicated in circulatory shock. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, ambulatory patients are more likely to experience dizziness and hypotension than patients who are confined to bed. However, orthostatic hypotension may occur in supine patients upon rising. Therapy with opiate agonists should be administered cautiously and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with hypovolemia, or a predisposition to hypotension. When given by intramuscular or subcutaneous administration, clinicians should also be aware that impaired perfusion in these patients may prevent complete absorption of the drug. With repeated injections, an excessive amount may be absorbed suddenly if normal circulation is reestablished.

Asenapine has a moderate potential interaction with Syncope.

The use of atypical antipsychotic agents has been associated with orthostatic hypotension and syncope. Therapy with atypical antipsychotics should be administered cautiously in patients with hypotension or conditions that could be exacerbated by hypotension, such as a history of myocardial infarction, angina, or ischemic stroke. Patients with dehydration (e.g., due to severe diarrhea or vomiting) may be predisposed to hypotension and should also be managed carefully during therapy with atypical antipsychotics. Blood pressure should be monitored at regular intervals, particularly during dosage escalation or whenever dosage has been altered, and patients should be advised not to rise abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position.

Asenapine has a moderate potential interaction with Tardive Dyskinesia.

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) has occurred in patients treated with antipsychotic drugs; the syndrome consists of potentially irreversible, involuntary, dyskinetic movements. The risk appears highest in older patients (particularly older women) but it is not possible to predict which patients are likely to develop TD; whether antipsychotic drugs differ in their potential to cause TD is unknown. The risk of TD and the likelihood that it will become irreversible increase with the duration of therapy and the total cumulative dose. The syndrome can develop after relatively brief treatment periods, even at low dosages; it may also occur after discontinuation of therapy. TD may remit (partially or completely) upon discontinuation of antipsychotic therapy, although antipsychotic therapy itself may suppress (or partially suppress) signs/symptoms of TD, possibly masking the underlying process; the effect of symptomatic suppression on the long-term course of TD is unknown. In patients with preexisting drug-induced TD, initiating or increasing the dosage of antipsychotic therapy may temporarily mask the symptoms of TD but could eventually worsen the condition. In patients requiring chronic therapy, the lowest dose and shortest duration of therapy producing a satisfactory clinical response are recommended; the need for continued therapy should be reassessed periodically. If signs/symptoms of TD occur during antipsychotic therapy, discontinuation of the offending agent should be considered; however, some patients may require treatment despite the presence of TD.

The brompheniramine in Polytine CS has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Retention.

Antihistamines often have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. Conventional, first-generation antihistamines such as the ethanolamines (bromodiphenhydramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, phenyltoloxamine) tend to exhibit substantial anticholinergic effects. In contrast, the newer, relatively nonsedating antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) reportedly have low to minimal anticholinergic activity at normally recommended dosages and may be appropriate alternatives.

The codeine in Polytine CS has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Retention.

Narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents may inhibit the urinary voiding reflex and increase the tone of the vesical sphincter in the bladder. Acute urinary retention requiring catheterization may occur, particularly in patients with prostatic hypertrophy or urethral stricture and in older adult patients. These agents may also decrease urine production via direct effects on the kidney and central stimulation of the release of vasopressin. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to urinary retention and/or oliguria. The effects on smooth muscle tone appear to be the most pronounced with morphine.

Asenapine has a moderate potential interaction with Vomiting.

The use of atypical antipsychotic agents has been associated with orthostatic hypotension and syncope. Therapy with atypical antipsychotics should be administered cautiously in patients with hypotension or conditions that could be exacerbated by hypotension, such as a history of myocardial infarction, angina, or ischemic stroke. Patients with dehydration (e.g., due to severe diarrhea or vomiting) may be predisposed to hypotension and should also be managed carefully during therapy with atypical antipsychotics. Blood pressure should be monitored at regular intervals, particularly during dosage escalation or whenever dosage has been altered, and patients should be advised not to rise abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position.

Asenapine has a moderate potential interaction with Weight Loss.

Weight gain has been observed with atypical antipsychotic use. While all agents in the class have been shown to produce some changes, each drug has its own specific risk profile. When treating pediatric patients with atypical antipsychotic agents, weight gain should be monitored and assessed against that expected for normal growth. Monitor weight at baseline and frequently thereafter.

Asenapine has a moderate potential interaction with Weight Loss.

Hyperglycemia, in some cases extreme and associated with ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar coma or death, has been reported with the use of atypical antipsychotic agents. Patients with diabetes should be monitored for worsening control of blood glucose when treated with these agents. It is recommended that patients with risk factors for diabetes mellitus starting treatment with atypical antipsychotics should undergo fasting blood glucose testing at the beginning of treatment, and periodically thereafter. Any patient treated with atypical antipsychotics should be monitored for symptoms of hyperglycemia including polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, and weakness. Patients who develop symptoms of hyperglycemia during treatment with atypical antipsychotics should undergo fasting blood glucose testing. In some cases, hyperglycemia has resolved when treatment with these agents was discontinued; however, some patients required continuation of anti-diabetic treatment despite discontinuation of the atypical antipsychotic drug.