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Can you take Bepridil with Bitolterol?

1 drug interaction and 27 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

bepridil bitolterol

Applies to: bepridil and bitolterol

Using bitolterol together with bepridil 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.

Food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

bepridil Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: bepridil

Grapefruit juice may increase the blood levels of certain medications such as bepridil.

You may want to limit your consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with bepridil. However, if you have been regularly consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice with the medication, then it is advisable for you to talk with your doctor before changing the amounts of these products in your diet, as this may alter the effects of your medication.

Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects.

Orange juice is not expected to interact.

Moderate:

bepridil Alcohol (Ethanol)

Applies to: bepridil

Ethanol and bepridil may have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure.

You may experience headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or changes in pulse or heart rate, especially when treatment is started, the dose is changed, or treatment is restarted.

Tell your doctor promptly if these symptoms occur and seek urgent medical help if you faint or have severe dizziness.

Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you, and use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position.

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:

bepridil multivitamins with minerals

Applies to: bepridil

Using bepridil together with multivitamins with minerals can decrease the effects of bepridil.

Talk with your doctor before using bepridil and multivitamins with minerals together. You may need a dose adjustment or need your blood pressure checked more often if you take both 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:

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: 21 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, Heart Failure, Heart Attack, Seizures, and Diarrhea.

Abnormal Electrocardiogram

Major:

bepridil

Bepridil has a major potential interaction with Abnormal Electrocardiogram.

The use of bepridil is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious ventricular arrhythmias; patients with congenital or acquired QT interval prolongation syndromes; and patients treated concomitantly with class IA or III antiarrhythmic drugs or other medications that are known to produce increases in the QT interval or cause torsade de pointes. Bepridil has class I antiarrhythmic properties and can induce new arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Patients with other severe arrhythmias may have increased susceptibility to the proarrhythmic effects of bepridil, but use in such patients has been limited. Bepridil can also cause torsade de pointes type ventricular tachycardia secondary to its ability to prolong the QT interval. In U.S. clinical trials, the mean prolongations of QTc and QT were 8% and 10%, respectively, but increases of 25% or more occurred in 5% of the studied population for QTc and 8.7% for QT. Although the absolute safe upper limit of QT is not known, the manufacturer recommends that the dosage be reduced in patients whose QT interval exceeds 0.52 seconds during treatment. If prolongation remains excessive, the drug should be discontinued.

Cardiogenic Shock

Major:

bepridil

Bepridil has a major potential interaction with Cardiogenic Shock.

In general, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) should not be used in patients with hypotension (systolic pressure < 90 mm Hg) or cardiogenic shock. Due to potential negative inotropic and peripheral vasodilating effects, the use of CCBs may further depress cardiac output and blood pressure, which can be detrimental in these patients. The use of verapamil and diltiazem is specifically contraindicated under these circumstances.

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.

Diarrhea

Major:

bepridil

Bepridil has a major potential interaction with Diarrhea.

Bepridil can cause torsade de pointes type ventricular tachycardia secondary to its ability to prolong the QT interval. In U.S. clinical trials, the mean prolongations of QTc and QT were 8% and 10%, respectively, but increases of 25% or more occurred in 5% of the studied population for QTc and 8.7% for QT. Electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia may augment the prolongation effect of bepridil on the QT interval and should be corrected prior to institution of bepridil therapy. In addition, patients who experience frequent, severe, and/or prolonged diarrhea may be subject to electrolyte losses and should be followed closely and managed accordingly during therapy with bepridil.

Electrolyte Abnormalities

Major:

bepridil

Bepridil has a major potential interaction with Electrolyte Abnormalities.

Bepridil can cause torsade de pointes type ventricular tachycardia secondary to its ability to prolong the QT interval. In U.S. clinical trials, the mean prolongations of QTc and QT were 8% and 10%, respectively, but increases of 25% or more occurred in 5% of the studied population for QTc and 8.7% for QT. Electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia may augment the prolongation effect of bepridil on the QT interval and should be corrected prior to institution of bepridil therapy. In addition, patients who experience frequent, severe, and/or prolonged diarrhea may be subject to electrolyte losses and should be followed closely and managed accordingly during therapy with bepridil.

Heart Attack

Major:

bepridil

Bepridil has a major potential interaction with Heart Attack.

Bepridil has class I antiarrhythmic properties and can induce new arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. In the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial involving patients with asymptomatic, non-life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias who have had myocardial infarctions for less than two years previously, an excess rate of mortality/nonfatal cardiac arrest was seen in patients treated with the class I antiarrhythmic agents, encainide and flecainide, compared with that seen in patients assigned to matched placebo-treated groups. Although the applicability of these results to other antiarrhythmic agents is uncertain, the manufacturer recommends generally avoiding the use of bepridil in the post-infarction period. There is also limited experience in the use of bepridil within three months following a myocardial infarction, since it was one of the exclusion criteria in U.S. clinical trials.

Major:

bepridil

Bepridil has a major potential interaction with Heart Attack.

Bepridil may have a negative inotropic effect, particularly at high dosages. Congestive heart failure has been observed infrequently (approximately 1%) in U.S. controlled clinical trials. However, experience with the use of bepridil in the presence of significantly impaired ventricular function is limited, and there is little information on the effect of concomitant administration with digoxin. Therapy with bepridil should be administered cautiously in patients with congestive heart failure, especially if they have severe left ventricular dysfunction (e.g., ejection fraction < 30%) or if they are receiving a beta-adrenergic blocker. Likewise, bepridil should not be given to patients with acute myocardial infarction and pulmonary congestion documented by X-ray on admission, since associated heart failure may be acutely worsened. Mild symptoms of cardiac failure should be under control, if possible, prior to initiating bepridil therapy.

Heart Block

Major:

bepridil

Bepridil has a major potential interaction with Heart Block.

The use of some calcium channel blockers (CCBs) is contraindicated in patients with severe bradyarrhythmia, sick sinus syndrome (unless a functioning pacemaker is present), or heart block greater than the first degree (unless a functioning pacemaker is present). CCBs like bepridil, diltiazem and verapamil have a negative effect on AV conduction and the SA node and may exacerbate these conditions.

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.

Heart Failure

Major:

bepridil

Bepridil has a major potential interaction with Heart Failure.

Bepridil may have a negative inotropic effect, particularly at high dosages. Congestive heart failure has been observed infrequently (approximately 1%) in U.S. controlled clinical trials. However, experience with the use of bepridil in the presence of significantly impaired ventricular function is limited, and there is little information on the effect of concomitant administration with digoxin. Therapy with bepridil should be administered cautiously in patients with congestive heart failure, especially if they have severe left ventricular dysfunction (e.g., ejection fraction < 30%) or if they are receiving a beta-adrenergic blocker. Likewise, bepridil should not be given to patients with acute myocardial infarction and pulmonary congestion documented by X-ray on admission, since associated heart failure may be acutely worsened. Mild symptoms of cardiac failure should be under control, if possible, prior to initiating bepridil therapy.

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.

History - Myocardial Infarction

Major:

bepridil

Bepridil has a major potential interaction with History - Myocardial Infarction.

Bepridil has class I antiarrhythmic properties and can induce new arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. In the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial involving patients with asymptomatic, non-life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias who have had myocardial infarctions for less than two years previously, an excess rate of mortality/nonfatal cardiac arrest was seen in patients treated with the class I antiarrhythmic agents, encainide and flecainide, compared with that seen in patients assigned to matched placebo-treated groups. Although the applicability of these results to other antiarrhythmic agents is uncertain, the manufacturer recommends generally avoiding the use of bepridil in the post-infarction period. There is also limited experience in the use of bepridil within three months following a myocardial infarction, since it was one of the exclusion criteria in U.S. clinical trials.

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

Major:

bepridil

Bepridil has a major potential interaction with Hypokalemia.

Bepridil can cause torsade de pointes type ventricular tachycardia secondary to its ability to prolong the QT interval. In U.S. clinical trials, the mean prolongations of QTc and QT were 8% and 10%, respectively, but increases of 25% or more occurred in 5% of the studied population for QTc and 8.7% for QT. Electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia may augment the prolongation effect of bepridil on the QT interval and should be corrected prior to institution of bepridil therapy. In addition, patients who experience frequent, severe, and/or prolonged diarrhea may be subject to electrolyte losses and should be followed closely and managed accordingly during therapy with bepridil.

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.

Hypotension

Major:

bepridil

Bepridil has a major potential interaction with Hypotension.

In general, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) should not be used in patients with hypotension (systolic pressure < 90 mm Hg) or cardiogenic shock. Due to potential negative inotropic and peripheral vasodilating effects, the use of CCBs may further depress cardiac output and blood pressure, which can be detrimental in these patients. The use of verapamil and diltiazem is specifically contraindicated under these circumstances.

Liver Disease

Major:

bepridil

Bepridil has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are extensively metabolized by the liver. The half-lives of CCBs may be prolonged substantially in patients with severe hepatic impairment, with the potential for significant drug accumulation. In addition, the use of some CCBs has been associated with elevations in serum transaminases, both with and without concomitant elevations in alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin. While these effects may be transient and reversible, some patients have developed cholestasis or hepatocellular injury. Therapy with CCBs should be administered cautiously and often at reduced dosages in patients with significantly impaired hepatic function. Periodic monitoring of liver function is advised.

Magnesium Imbalance

Major:

bepridil

Bepridil has a major potential interaction with Magnesium Imbalance.

Bepridil can cause torsade de pointes type ventricular tachycardia secondary to its ability to prolong the QT interval. In U.S. clinical trials, the mean prolongations of QTc and QT were 8% and 10%, respectively, but increases of 25% or more occurred in 5% of the studied population for QTc and 8.7% for QT. Electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia may augment the prolongation effect of bepridil on the QT interval and should be corrected prior to institution of bepridil therapy. In addition, patients who experience frequent, severe, and/or prolonged diarrhea may be subject to electrolyte losses and should be followed closely and managed accordingly during therapy with bepridil.

Neutropenia

Major:

bepridil

Bepridil has a major potential interaction with Neutropenia.

According to the manufacturer, there have been two cases of marked leukopenia and neutropenia reported in U.S. clinical trials of over 800 patients treated with bepridil for up to five years. Both involved diabetic and elderly patients, with one case resulting in death and the other recovering after discontinuation of the drug. In a postmarketing report, a 72-year-old man with severe angina pectoris developed fever and chills associated with an absolute neutrophil count of 35/mm3 six weeks after switching from diltiazem and nitrates to bepridil and nitrates. A bone marrow biopsy revealed profound myeloid hypoplasia. The patient recovered after discontinuation of bepridil and institution of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Therapy with bepridil should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting neutropenia or agranulocytosis. The drug should be withdrawn promptly if these conditions develop during therapy.

Post MI Syndrome

Major:

bepridil

Bepridil has a major potential interaction with Post MI Syndrome.

Bepridil has class I antiarrhythmic properties and can induce new arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. In the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial involving patients with asymptomatic, non-life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias who have had myocardial infarctions for less than two years previously, an excess rate of mortality/nonfatal cardiac arrest was seen in patients treated with the class I antiarrhythmic agents, encainide and flecainide, compared with that seen in patients assigned to matched placebo-treated groups. Although the applicability of these results to other antiarrhythmic agents is uncertain, the manufacturer recommends generally avoiding the use of bepridil in the post-infarction period. There is also limited experience in the use of bepridil within three months following a myocardial infarction, since it was one of the exclusion criteria in U.S. clinical trials.

Seizures

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.

Sinus Node Dysfunction

Major:

bepridil

Bepridil has a major potential interaction with Sinus Node Dysfunction.

The use of some calcium channel blockers (CCBs) is contraindicated in patients with severe bradyarrhythmia, sick sinus syndrome (unless a functioning pacemaker is present), or heart block greater than the first degree (unless a functioning pacemaker is present). CCBs like bepridil, diltiazem and verapamil have a negative effect on AV conduction and the SA node and may exacerbate these conditions.

Tachyarrhythmia

Major:

bepridil

Bepridil has a major potential interaction with Tachyarrhythmia.

The use of bepridil is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious ventricular arrhythmias; patients with congenital or acquired QT interval prolongation syndromes; and patients treated concomitantly with class IA or III antiarrhythmic drugs or other medications that are known to produce increases in the QT interval or cause torsade de pointes. Bepridil has class I antiarrhythmic properties and can induce new arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Patients with other severe arrhythmias may have increased susceptibility to the proarrhythmic effects of bepridil, but use in such patients has been limited. Bepridil can also cause torsade de pointes type ventricular tachycardia secondary to its ability to prolong the QT interval. In U.S. clinical trials, the mean prolongations of QTc and QT were 8% and 10%, respectively, but increases of 25% or more occurred in 5% of the studied population for QTc and 8.7% for QT. Although the absolute safe upper limit of QT is not known, the manufacturer recommends that the dosage be reduced in patients whose QT interval exceeds 0.52 seconds during treatment. If prolongation remains excessive, the drug should be discontinued.

More resources

bepridil

A total of 637 drugs are known to interact with bepridil.

bitolterol

A total of 396 drugs are known to interact with bitolterol.

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.