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Can you take BC Cough & Cold with Fenofibric acid?

1 drug interaction and 23 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

acetaminophen fenofibric acid

Applies to: BC Cough & Cold (acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / phenylephrine) and fenofibric acid

Both acetaminophen and fenofibric acid can affect the liver, and combining them may increase the risk of liver damage. Talk to your doctor before using these medications together, particularly if you have other risk factors for liver problems. Do not use more than the recommended dose of acetaminophen or take more than one medication containing acetaminophen at the same time. Contact your doctor if you experience increased side effects or symptoms that concern 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.

Food/lifestyle interactions

Major food/lifestyle interactions

Major:

acetaminophen Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: BC Cough & Cold (acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / phenylephrine)

Acetaminophen may cause liver damage and taking it with alcohol may increase that risk. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with acetaminophen. Call your doctor immediately if you have fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, excessive tiredness or weakness, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash or itching, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dark colored urine, or yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes, as these may be symptoms of liver damage. 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 food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

dextromethorphan Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: BC Cough & Cold (acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / phenylephrine)

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of dextromethorphan such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with dextromethorphan. Do not use more than the recommended dose of dextromethorphan, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Moderate:

phenylephrine Caffeine

Applies to: BC Cough & Cold (acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / phenylephrine)

Both phenylephrine 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

20 potential interactions Applies to: 19 conditions, including Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Anemia, Hyperthyroidism, Diabetes Mellitus, and Primary Biliary Cholangitis.

Alcoholism

Major:

BC Cough & Cold

The acetaminophen in BC Cough & Cold has a major potential interaction with Alcoholism.

Chronic alcohol abusers may be at increased risk of hepatotoxicity during treatment with acetaminophen (APAP). Severe liver injury, including cases of acute liver failure resulting in liver transplant and death, has been reported in patients using acetaminophen. Therapy with acetaminophen should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients who consume three or more alcoholic drinks a day. In general, patients should avoid drinking alcohol while taking acetaminophen-containing medications. Patients should be warned not to exceed the maximum recommended total daily dosage of acetaminophen (4 g/day in adults and children 12 years of age or older), and to read all prescription and over-the-counter medication labels to ensure they are not taking multiple acetaminophen-containing products, or check with a healthcare professional if they are unsure. They should also be advised to seek medical attention if they experience signs and symptoms of liver injury such as fever, rash, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, right upper quadrant pain, dark urine, and jaundice.

Anemia

Moderate:

fenofibric acid

Fenofibric acid has a moderate potential interaction with Anemia.

Mild to moderate hemoglobin, hematocrit and white blood cell decreases have been observed in patients following initiation of fibric acid derivatives therapy. However, these levels stabilize during long-term administration. Thrombocytopenia and agranulocytosis have been reported in individuals treated with these agents. Caution is recommended when treating patients predisposed to hematologic changes. Periodic monitoring of red and white blood cell counts is recommended during the first 12 months of therapy.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Moderate:

BC Cough & Cold

The phenylephrine in BC Cough & Cold 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.

Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders

Major:

BC Cough & Cold

The phenylephrine in BC Cough & Cold 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.

Cerebrovascular Insufficiency

Major:

BC Cough & Cold

The phenylephrine in BC Cough & Cold 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.

Dehydration

Major:

BC Cough & Cold

The acetaminophen in BC Cough & Cold has a major potential interaction with Dehydration.

Acetaminophen is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment or severe active liver disease. Patients with hepatic impairment may be at increased risk of toxicity. Severe liver injury, including cases of acute liver failure and death, have been reported in patients using this drug. Clinical monitoring of hepatic function is recommended. Caution is advised if using acetaminophen in patients with chronic malnutrition or severe hypovolemia. Instruct patients to avoid drinking alcohol while taking acetaminophen-containing medications. Patients should be warned not to exceed the maximum recommended total daily dosage of acetaminophen (4 g/day in adults and children 12 years of age or older), and to read all prescription and over-the-counter medication labels to ensure they are not taking multiple acetaminophen-containing products, or check with a healthcare professional if they are unsure.

Diabetes Mellitus

Moderate:

BC Cough & Cold

The phenylephrine in BC Cough & Cold 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.

Gallbladder Disease

Major:

fenofibric acid

Fenofibric acid has a major potential interaction with Gallbladder Disease.

The use of fibric acid derivatives is contraindicated in patients with gallbladder disease. A significantly increased incidence of cholelithiasis has been observed in patients treated with the fibric acid derivative, clofibrate, presumably because of increased cholesterol excretion into the bile. Based on two separate studies (the WHO study and the Coronary Drug Project study), clofibrate use was associated with twice the risk of developing cholelithiasis and cholecystitis requiring surgery. Due to their structural and pharmacologic similarities, use of other fibric acid derivatives may be expected to carry the same risk.

Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension

Moderate:

BC Cough & Cold

The phenylephrine in BC Cough & Cold 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.

Hyperthyroidism

Major:

BC Cough & Cold

The phenylephrine in BC Cough & Cold 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.

Liver Disease

Major:

BC Cough & Cold

The acetaminophen in BC Cough & Cold has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Acetaminophen is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment or severe active liver disease. Patients with hepatic impairment may be at increased risk of toxicity. Severe liver injury, including cases of acute liver failure and death, have been reported in patients using this drug. Clinical monitoring of hepatic function is recommended. Caution is advised if using acetaminophen in patients with chronic malnutrition or severe hypovolemia. Instruct patients to avoid drinking alcohol while taking acetaminophen-containing medications. Patients should be warned not to exceed the maximum recommended total daily dosage of acetaminophen (4 g/day in adults and children 12 years of age or older), and to read all prescription and over-the-counter medication labels to ensure they are not taking multiple acetaminophen-containing products, or check with a healthcare professional if they are unsure.

Major:

fenofibric acid

Fenofibric acid has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

The use of fibric acid derivatives is contraindicated in patients with active liver disease or unexplained, persistent elevations of serum transaminases. Fibric acid derivatives therapy is associated with dose-related hepatotoxicity, including biochemical abnormalities of liver function, hepatitis (hepatocellular, chronic active, as well as cholestatic) and, rarely, cirrhosis. Postmarketing cases of severe drug-induced liver injury, including liver transplantation and death, have been reported. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of liver disease and/or heavy alcohol use. Liver function tests, including serum transaminase levels and total bilirubin, should be performed at baseline and periodically throughout the duration of therapy. Therapy should be discontinued if signs or symptoms of liver injury develop or if elevated enzyme levels persist (ALT or AST greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal, or if accompanied by elevation of bilirubin). Do not restart therapy if there is no alternative explanation for the liver injury.

Malnourishment

Major:

BC Cough & Cold

The acetaminophen in BC Cough & Cold has a major potential interaction with Malnourishment.

Acetaminophen is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment or severe active liver disease. Patients with hepatic impairment may be at increased risk of toxicity. Severe liver injury, including cases of acute liver failure and death, have been reported in patients using this drug. Clinical monitoring of hepatic function is recommended. Caution is advised if using acetaminophen in patients with chronic malnutrition or severe hypovolemia. Instruct patients to avoid drinking alcohol while taking acetaminophen-containing medications. Patients should be warned not to exceed the maximum recommended total daily dosage of acetaminophen (4 g/day in adults and children 12 years of age or older), and to read all prescription and over-the-counter medication labels to ensure they are not taking multiple acetaminophen-containing products, or check with a healthcare professional if they are unsure.

Myoneural Disorder

Major:

fenofibric acid

Fenofibric acid has a major potential interaction with Myoneural Disorder.

Severe myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure secondary to myoglobinuria, has been reported rarely with the use of fibric acid derivatives. The myopathy may be dose-related and is characterized by muscle aches and/or weakness in conjunction with increases in creatine phosphokinase (CPK) values exceeding 10 times the upper limit of normal. Therapy with fibric acid derivatives should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting myopathy or a myoneural disorder, since it may delay the recognition or confound the diagnosis of a drug-induced musculoskeletal effect. Patients should be advised to report promptly any unusual muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever. Periodic CPK determinations may be considered in some patients, although the value of such monitoring is uncertain. Therapy should be withdrawn if markedly elevated CPK levels occur or if drug-related myopathy is diagnosed or suspected.

Myopathy

Major:

fenofibric acid

Fenofibric acid has a major potential interaction with Myopathy.

Severe myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure secondary to myoglobinuria, has been reported rarely with the use of fibric acid derivatives. The myopathy may be dose-related and is characterized by muscle aches and/or weakness in conjunction with increases in creatine phosphokinase (CPK) values exceeding 10 times the upper limit of normal. Therapy with fibric acid derivatives should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting myopathy or a myoneural disorder, since it may delay the recognition or confound the diagnosis of a drug-induced musculoskeletal effect. Patients should be advised to report promptly any unusual muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever. Periodic CPK determinations may be considered in some patients, although the value of such monitoring is uncertain. Therapy should be withdrawn if markedly elevated CPK levels occur or if drug-related myopathy is diagnosed or suspected.

Phenylketonuria

Moderate:

BC Cough & Cold

The acetaminophen in BC Cough & Cold has a moderate potential interaction with Phenylketonuria.

Several oral acetaminophen and acetaminophen-combination products, particularly flavored chewable tablets, contain the artificial sweetener, aspartame (NutraSweet). Aspartame is converted to phenylalanine in the gastrointestinal tract following ingestion. Chewable and effervescent formulations of acetaminophen products may also contain phenylalanine. The aspartame/phenylalanine content should be considered when these products are used in patients who must restrict their intake of phenylalanine (i.e. phenylketonurics).

Pheochromocytoma

Major:

BC Cough & Cold

The phenylephrine in BC Cough & Cold has a major potential interaction with Pheochromocytoma.

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.

Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Major:

fenofibric acid

Fenofibric acid has a major potential interaction with Primary Biliary Cholangitis.

The use of fibric acid derivatives is contraindicated in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. These agents may further raise the already elevated cholesterol in these patients.

Prostate Tumor, Benign

Moderate:

BC Cough & Cold

The phenylephrine in BC Cough & Cold 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.

Renal Dysfunction

Major:

fenofibric acid

Fenofibric acid has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

The use of fibric acid derivatives is contraindicated in patients with significantly impaired renal function. The rate of clearance of fenofibric acid has been shown to decrease substantially when CrCl is below 50 mL/min, with drug accumulation during chronic dosing. Increased adverse effects, including rhabdomyolysis (with or without secondary renal failure) and severe hyperkalemia, have been associated with the use of fibric acid derivatives in patients with renal insufficiency. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment. Close clinical monitoring is recommended during therapy.

More resources

BC Cough & Cold

A total of 950 drugs are known to interact with BC Cough & Cold.

fenofibric acid

A total of 85 drugs are known to interact with fenofibric acid.

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.