Drug Interactions between Aspirin Low Strength and fesoterodine

MONITOR: Coadministration with moderate inhibitors of CYP450 3A4 such as grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of fesoterodine's active metabolite, 5-hydroxymethyl tolterodine, which is partially metabolized by the isoenzyme. The possibility of prolonged and/or increased pharmacologic effects of fesoterodine should be considered. Because 5-hydroxymethyl tolterodine is also metabolized by CYP450 2D6, the clinical significance of the interaction may be greater in patients who are CYP450 2D6-deficient, or so-called poor metabolizers of CYP450 2D6 (approximately 7% of Caucasians and less than 2% of Asians and individuals of African descent) who may rely more on the 3A4 metabolic pathway for clearance of the drug.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if fesoterodine is administered with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they experience potential adverse effects of fesoterodine such as irregular heartbeat, blurry vision, difficulty urinating, dry mouth, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, gastrointestinal upset, or constipation.

GENERALLY AVOID: The concurrent use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and ethanol may lead to gastrointestinal (GI) blood loss. The mechanism may be due to a combined local effect as well as inhibition of prostaglandins leading to decreased integrity of the GI lining.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be counseled on this potential interaction and advised to refrain from alcohol consumption while taking aspirin or NSAIDs.

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.