Can you take Atripla with Bitolterol?
3 drug interactions and 26 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:
- Atripla (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil)
- bitolterol
Drug interactions
Moderate drug interactions
Moderate:
bitolterol efavirenz
Applies to: bitolterol and Atripla (efavirenz / emtricitabine / tenofovir disoproxil)
Using bitolterol together with efavirenz can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a rare side effect.
You may be more susceptible if you have:
- a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome
- other cardiac diseases
- conduction abnormalities
- electrolyte disturbances (for example, magnesium or potassium loss due to severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting)
The risk may exist even when bitolterol or similar medications are given by oral inhalation directly into the lungs, and more so if these products are overused. Do not exceed the dose and frequency of use recommended on the product label or prescribed by your doctor.
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.
You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with these 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.
Moderate:
efavirenz tenofovir
Applies to: Atripla (efavirenz / emtricitabine / tenofovir disoproxil) and Atripla (efavirenz / emtricitabine / tenofovir disoproxil)
Efavirenz may cause liver problems, and using it with other medications that can also affect the liver such as tenofovir may increase that risk.
You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications.
Call your doctor immediately if you have:
- fever
- chills
- joint pain or swelling
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- skin rash
- itching
- loss of appetite
- fatigue
- nausea
- vomiting
- abdominal pain
- dark colored urine
- light colored stools
- and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes
These may be signs and symptoms of liver damage.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. 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.
Moderate:
efavirenz emtricitabine
Applies to: Atripla (efavirenz / emtricitabine / tenofovir disoproxil) and Atripla (efavirenz / emtricitabine / tenofovir disoproxil)
Efavirenz may cause liver problems, and using it with other medications that can also affect the liver such as emtricitabine may increase that risk.
You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications.
Call your doctor immediately if you have:
- fever
- chills
- joint pain or swelling
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- skin rash
- itching
- loss of appetite
- fatigue
- nausea
- vomiting
- abdominal pain
- dark colored urine
- light colored stools
- and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes
These may be signs and symptoms of liver damage.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. 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.
Food/lifestyle interactions
Moderate food/lifestyle interactions
Moderate:
efavirenz Food/Lifestyle
Applies to: Atripla (efavirenz / emtricitabine / tenofovir disoproxil)
Taking efavirenz with food increases the amount of medicine in your body, which may increase the frequency of side effects.
You should take efavirenz once a day on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime.
Taking it at bedtime may make some side effects such as dizziness, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, trouble concentrating, and/or unusual dreams less bothersome. However, these symptoms may be more severe if efavirenz is used with alcohol or mood-altering (street) drugs.
You should avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
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.
Moderate:
tenofovir Food/Lifestyle
Applies to: Atripla (efavirenz / emtricitabine / tenofovir disoproxil)
Food may affect the absorption of tenofovir.
You should take tenofovir alafenamide products with food. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets may be taken with or without food, although some authorities recommend taking them with food. If you are using tenofovir disoproxil fumarate oral powder or granules, mix tenofovir with soft food and take it with food.
Follow the directions on your prescription label and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how to take tenofovir.
Take tenofovir regularly and avoid missing doses, since missed doses may make the medication less effective and may lead to drug resistance.
Moderate:
bitolterol Caffeine
Applies to: bitolterol
Both bitolterol and caffeine can increase blood pressure and heart rate, and combining them may enhance these effects.
Talk to your doctor before using these medications, especially if you have a history of high blood pressure or heart disease. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications.
Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects.
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.
Disease interactions
23 potential interactions Applies to: 18 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, Depression, Vitamin D Deficiency, Osteoporosis, and Seizures.
Alcoholism
Major:
Atripla
The tenofovir in Atripla has a major potential interaction with Alcoholism.
Hepatotoxicity including lactic acidosis, severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, fulminant hepatitis, and hepatic failure has been associated with the use of some nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) alone or in combination with other antiretroviral agents. Therapy with NRTIs should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting liver disease, a history of alcohol abuse, or hepatitis. Therapy should be suspended if clinical or laboratory findings suggestive of lactic acidosis or pronounced hepatotoxicity occur. The use of abacavir is contraindicated in patients with moderate to severe liver dysfunction as its safety and efficacy have not been established in these patients.
Moderate:
Atripla
The efavirenz in Atripla has a moderate potential interaction with Alcoholism.
During clinical trials, efavirenz was associated with an increase in the occurrence of serious psychiatric events, including severe depression, suicidal ideation, nonfatal suicide attempts, aggressive behavior, paranoid reactions, and manic reactions. Other factors associated with an increased occurrence of these psychiatric symptoms were history of injectable drug use, psychiatric history, or use of psychiatric medications at study entry; similar associations were observed in the efavirenz and control groups. Therapy with efavirenz should be administered cautiously in patients with current/history of psychiatric illness, emotional instability, or substance abuse. Patients with serious psychiatric adverse reactions should receive prompt medical evaluation to assess the possibility that symptoms are related to efavirenz use, and if so, to determine whether the risks of continued therapy outweigh the benefits.
Depression
Moderate:
Atripla
The efavirenz in Atripla has a moderate potential interaction with Depression.
During clinical trials, efavirenz was associated with an increase in the occurrence of serious psychiatric events, including severe depression, suicidal ideation, nonfatal suicide attempts, aggressive behavior, paranoid reactions, and manic reactions. Other factors associated with an increased occurrence of these psychiatric symptoms were history of injectable drug use, psychiatric history, or use of psychiatric medications at study entry; similar associations were observed in the efavirenz and control groups. Therapy with efavirenz should be administered cautiously in patients with current/history of psychiatric illness, emotional instability, or substance abuse. Patients with serious psychiatric adverse reactions should receive prompt medical evaluation to assess the possibility that symptoms are related to efavirenz use, and if so, to determine whether the risks of continued therapy outweigh the benefits.
Diabetes Mellitus
Moderate:
bitolterol
Bitolterol has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.
Adrenergic bronchodilators 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. Large doses of IV albuterol (not commercially available in the U.S.) and terbutaline sulfate have been reported to cause exacerbation of preexisting diabetes mellitus and ketoacidosis. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus. Closer monitoring of blood glucose concentrations may be appropriate. Systemic adverse effects are minimized, but not abolished, by administration of these agents via oral inhalation.
Drug Dependence
Moderate:
Atripla
The efavirenz in Atripla has a moderate potential interaction with Drug Dependence.
During clinical trials, efavirenz was associated with an increase in the occurrence of serious psychiatric events, including severe depression, suicidal ideation, nonfatal suicide attempts, aggressive behavior, paranoid reactions, and manic reactions. Other factors associated with an increased occurrence of these psychiatric symptoms were history of injectable drug use, psychiatric history, or use of psychiatric medications at study entry; similar associations were observed in the efavirenz and control groups. Therapy with efavirenz should be administered cautiously in patients with current/history of psychiatric illness, emotional instability, or substance abuse. Patients with serious psychiatric adverse reactions should receive prompt medical evaluation to assess the possibility that symptoms are related to efavirenz use, and if so, to determine whether the risks of continued therapy outweigh the benefits.
Heart Disease
Moderate:
bitolterol
Bitolterol has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Disease.
Adrenergic bronchodilators can stimulate cardiovascular beta- 1 and beta- 2 receptors, resulting in adverse effects such as tachycardia, palpitation, peripheral vasodilation, blood pressure changes, and ECG changes (e.g., flattening of the T wave; prolongation of the QT interval; ST segment depression). Direct stimulation of cardiac tissues is mediated by beta- 1 receptors and thus less likely to occur with beta-2-selective agents such as albuterol. However, beta-2-selectivity is not absolute and can be lost with larger doses. High dosages of these agents have been associated with precipitation or aggravation of angina, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac arrhythmias. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, and/or underlying cardiovascular disorders such as coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, or hypertension. The recommended dosages should not be exceeded.
Hemodialysis
Moderate:
Atripla
The emtricitabine in Atripla has a moderate potential interaction with Hemodialysis.
Emtricitabine is removed by hemodialysis. When started within 1.5 hours of emtricitabine dosing, about 30% of the dose was removed over a 3-hour hemodialysis session (blood flow rate of 400 mL/min and a dialysate flow rate of 600 mL/min). If dosing on day of hemodialysis, emtricitabine should be administered after hemodialysis.
High Blood Pressure
Moderate:
bitolterol
Bitolterol has a moderate potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.
Adrenergic bronchodilators can stimulate cardiovascular beta- 1 and beta- 2 receptors, resulting in adverse effects such as tachycardia, palpitation, peripheral vasodilation, blood pressure changes, and ECG changes (e.g., flattening of the T wave; prolongation of the QT interval; ST segment depression). Direct stimulation of cardiac tissues is mediated by beta- 1 receptors and thus less likely to occur with beta-2-selective agents such as albuterol. However, beta-2-selectivity is not absolute and can be lost with larger doses. High dosages of these agents have been associated with precipitation or aggravation of angina, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac arrhythmias. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, and/or underlying cardiovascular disorders such as coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, or hypertension. The recommended dosages should not be exceeded.
Hyperthyroidism
Moderate:
bitolterol
Bitolterol has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.
Adrenergic bronchodilators can stimulate cardiovascular beta- 1 and beta- 2 receptors, resulting in adverse effects such as tachycardia, palpitation, peripheral vasodilation, blood pressure changes, and ECG changes (e.g., flattening of the T wave; prolongation of the QT interval; ST segment depression). Direct stimulation of cardiac tissues is mediated by beta- 1 receptors and thus less likely to occur with beta-2-selective agents such as albuterol. However, beta-2-selectivity is not absolute and can be lost with larger doses. High dosages of these agents have been associated with precipitation or aggravation of angina, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac arrhythmias. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, and/or underlying cardiovascular disorders such as coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, or hypertension. The recommended dosages should not be exceeded.
Hypokalemia
Moderate:
bitolterol
Bitolterol has a moderate potential interaction with Hypokalemia.
Adrenergic bronchodilators may cause decreases in serum potassium concentrations, primarily when given by nebulization or intravenous administration. Although this effect is usually transient and does not require supplementation, clinically significant hypokalemia may occur in some patients, with the potential to induce cardiovascular adverse effects. The relevance of these observations to oral or oral aerosol/powder for inhalation therapy is unknown. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to hypokalemia.
Infectious Hepatitis
Major:
Atripla
The emtricitabine and tenofovir in Atripla both have a major potential interaction with Infectious Hepatitis.
Severe acute exacerbations of HBV have been reported in HIV-1/HBV-coinfected patients who have discontinued products containing emtricitabine, lamivudine, and/or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (DF) and may occur with discontinuation of tenofovir alafenamide-containing products. It is recommended that all patients with HIV-1 infection be tested for the presence of HBV before or when initiating products containing emtricitabine, lamivudine, tenofovir DF, or tenofovir alafenamide. Hepatic function should be monitored closely with both clinical and laboratory follow-up for at least several months in HIV-1/HBV-coinfected patients who discontinue products (including fixed-dose combination products) that contain emtricitabine, lamivudine, tenofovir DF, or tenofovir alafenamide. If appropriate, initiation or resumption of antihepatitis B therapy may be warranted, especially in patients with advanced liver disease or cirrhosis since posttreatment exacerbation of hepatitis may lead to hepatic decompensation and liver failure.
Liver Disease
Major:
Atripla
The tenofovir in Atripla has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Hepatotoxicity including lactic acidosis, severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, fulminant hepatitis, and hepatic failure has been associated with the use of some nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) alone or in combination with other antiretroviral agents. Therapy with NRTIs should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting liver disease, a history of alcohol abuse, or hepatitis. Therapy should be suspended if clinical or laboratory findings suggestive of lactic acidosis or pronounced hepatotoxicity occur. The use of abacavir is contraindicated in patients with moderate to severe liver dysfunction as its safety and efficacy have not been established in these patients.
Moderate:
Atripla
The efavirenz in Atripla has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Efavirenz is not recommended for patients with moderate or severe liver dysfunction; insufficient data are available to determine whether dose adjustment is needed. Patients with mild liver dysfunction may receive efavirenz without dose adjustment. Due to extensive CYP450-mediated metabolism and limited clinical experience in patients with liver dysfunction, therapy with efavirenz should be administered cautiously in patients with mild liver dysfunction; careful monitoring is recommended for these patients. In addition, postmarketing cases of hepatitis (including fulminant hepatitis progressing to liver failure requiring transplantation or resulting in death) have occurred during therapy with efavirenz; reports have included patients with underlying liver disease (including coinfection with hepatitis B or C). Monitoring of liver enzymes before and during therapy is recommended for all patients.
Moderate:
Atripla
The tenofovir in Atripla has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Tenofovir alafenamide (as a single ingredient product) is not recommended in patients with decompensated liver dysfunction (Child-Pugh B or C); safety and efficacy have not been established in these patients. No dose adjustment of tenofovir alafenamide is required in patients with mild liver dysfunction (Child-Pugh A).
-Combination products containing tenofovir alafenamide have not been studied in patients with severe liver dysfunction; some of these products are not recommended for use in such patients. No dose adjustment of tenofovir alafenamide-containing products is required in patients with mild or moderate liver dysfunction (Child-Pugh A or B).
The pharmacokinetics of tenofovir after a single 300 mg dose of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (DF) have been studied in non-HIV infected subjects with moderate to severe liver dysfunction. There were no significant changes in tenofovir pharmacokinetics in subjects with liver dysfunction compared to those with normal liver function. No adjustment in tenofovir DF dosing is required in patients with liver dysfunction.
Long QT Syndrome
Moderate:
Atripla
The efavirenz in Atripla has a moderate potential interaction with Long QT Syndrome.
QTc prolongation has been observed with the use of efavirenz. Alternatives to efavirenz should be considered when administered to patients at higher risk of torsade de pointes or when coadministered with a medication with known risk of torsade de pointes.
Osteoporosis
Moderate:
Atripla
The tenofovir in Atripla has a moderate potential interaction with Osteoporosis.
In clinical trials, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (DF) was associated with slightly greater reductions in bone mineral density (BMD) and increases in biochemical markers of bone metabolism, suggesting increased bone turnover relative to comparators. The effects of tenofovir DF-associated changes in BMD and biochemical markers on long-term bone health and future fracture risk have not been established. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation may be beneficial; however, the effect of such supplementation was not studied. Assessment of BMD should be considered for patients with history of pathologic bone fracture or other risk factors for osteoporosis or bone loss. If bone abnormalities are suspected, appropriate consultation should be obtained.
Psychiatric Disorders
Moderate:
Atripla
The efavirenz in Atripla has a moderate potential interaction with Psychiatric Disorders.
During clinical trials, efavirenz was associated with an increase in the occurrence of serious psychiatric events, including severe depression, suicidal ideation, nonfatal suicide attempts, aggressive behavior, paranoid reactions, and manic reactions. Other factors associated with an increased occurrence of these psychiatric symptoms were history of injectable drug use, psychiatric history, or use of psychiatric medications at study entry; similar associations were observed in the efavirenz and control groups. Therapy with efavirenz should be administered cautiously in patients with current/history of psychiatric illness, emotional instability, or substance abuse. Patients with serious psychiatric adverse reactions should receive prompt medical evaluation to assess the possibility that symptoms are related to efavirenz use, and if so, to determine whether the risks of continued therapy outweigh the benefits.
Psychosis
Moderate:
Atripla
The efavirenz in Atripla has a moderate potential interaction with Psychosis.
During clinical trials, efavirenz was associated with an increase in the occurrence of serious psychiatric events, including severe depression, suicidal ideation, nonfatal suicide attempts, aggressive behavior, paranoid reactions, and manic reactions. Other factors associated with an increased occurrence of these psychiatric symptoms were history of injectable drug use, psychiatric history, or use of psychiatric medications at study entry; similar associations were observed in the efavirenz and control groups. Therapy with efavirenz should be administered cautiously in patients with current/history of psychiatric illness, emotional instability, or substance abuse. Patients with serious psychiatric adverse reactions should receive prompt medical evaluation to assess the possibility that symptoms are related to efavirenz use, and if so, to determine whether the risks of continued therapy outweigh the benefits.
Renal Dysfunction
Moderate:
Atripla
The tenofovir in Atripla has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Tenofovir is primarily eliminated by the kidneys via glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion. Serum creatinine, estimated CrCl, urine glucose, and urine protein should be assessed in all patients before/when starting tenofovir (alafenamide or disoproxil fumarate [DF]) and during therapy when clinically appropriate. Serum phosphorus should also be assessed in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Postmarketing cases of renal impairment (including acute renal failure, proximal renal tubulopathy, and Fanconi syndrome) have been reported with tenofovir alafenamide-containing products; most cases had potential confounders that may have contributed to the reported renal events and may have predisposed patients to tenofovir-related side effects. Tenofovir alafenamide should be discontinued in patients who develop clinically significant decreases in renal function or evidence of Fanconi syndrome.
Renal impairment (including acute renal failure and Fanconi syndrome) has been reported with tenofovir DF. Close monitoring of renal function and dosing interval adjustment are recommended for all patients with CrCl less than 50 mL/min. Creatinine clearance should be calculated in all patients before starting tenofovir treatment and during treatment when clinically appropriate. Routine monitoring of serum creatinine and phosphorus is recommended for patients at risk of or with a history of renal dysfunction. Safety and efficacy have not been evaluated in patients with renal dysfunction using dose adjustments; therefore, the benefit of tenofovir DF treatment should be weighed against the risk of renal toxicity. Renal function should be evaluated in patients at risk of renal dysfunction who have persistent or worsening bone pain, pain in extremities, fractures, and/or muscular pain or weakness (may be indicators of proximal renal tubulopathy).
Moderate:
Atripla
The emtricitabine in Atripla has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Emtricitabine is primarily eliminated by the kidney. Dosage adjustment of emtricitabine is recommended for patients with CrCl below 50 mL/min or in patients with ESRD requiring dialysis, in accordance with the manufacturer product information. Clinical response to treatment and renal function should be closely monitored.
Seizures
Moderate:
Atripla
The efavirenz in Atripla has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.
Convulsions have been observed in adult and pediatric patients receiving efavirenz, generally in the presence of known medical history of seizures. Caution should be taken with any patient with history of seizures. Anticonvulsant medications primarily metabolized by the liver (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital) may require periodic monitoring of plasma levels.
Moderate:
bitolterol
Bitolterol has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.
Adrenergic bronchodilators may cause CNS stimulation. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with seizure disorders. Systemic adverse effects are minimized, but not abolished, by administration of these agents via oral inhalation.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Moderate:
Atripla
The tenofovir in Atripla has a moderate potential interaction with Vitamin D Deficiency.
In clinical trials, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (DF) was associated with slightly greater reductions in bone mineral density (BMD) and increases in biochemical markers of bone metabolism, suggesting increased bone turnover relative to comparators. The effects of tenofovir DF-associated changes in BMD and biochemical markers on long-term bone health and future fracture risk have not been established. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation may be beneficial; however, the effect of such supplementation was not studied. Assessment of BMD should be considered for patients with history of pathologic bone fracture or other risk factors for osteoporosis or bone loss. If bone abnormalities are suspected, appropriate consultation should be obtained.
More resources
Atripla
A total of 1039 drugs are known to interact with Atripla.
- Atripla is in the drug class antiviral combinations.
- Atripla is used to treat the following conditions:
bitolterol
A total of 396 drugs are known to interact with bitolterol.
- Bitolterol is in the drug class adrenergic bronchodilators.
- Bitolterol is used to treat the following conditions:
Drug Interaction Classification
| Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
| Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
| 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. | |
| No interaction information available. |
Further information
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