Can you take Bepridil with Doxepin?

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.

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Alcoholism.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), can lower the seizure threshold and trigger seizures. These drugs should be used with extreme caution in patients with a history of seizures, or other predisposing factors, such as head trauma, CNS abnormalities, and alcoholism. Daily dose restrictions might apply for specific antidepressants. Physicians are encouraged to get additional dosing recommendations on the manufacturer's prescribing information.

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Alcoholism.

Tricyclic antidepressants can enhance the response to alcohol. In patients who may use alcohol excessively, it should be borne in mind that the potentiation may increase the danger inherent in any suicide attempt or overdosage.

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Bipolar Disorder.

A major depressive episode can be the initial presentation of bipolar disorder. Patients with depressive symptoms should be adequately screened to determine if they are at risk for bipolar disorder prior to initiating treatment with doxepin. This screening should include a detailed psychiatric history, including a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression. It should be noted that doxepin is not approved for use in treating bipolar depression.

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Bipolar Disorder.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may aggravate symptoms of psychosis in schizophrenic patients, particularly those with paranoid symptomatology. Depressed patients, usually those with bipolar disorder, may experience a switch from depression to mania or hypomania. These occurrences have also been reported rarely with the tetracyclic antidepressant, maprotiline. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or a history of mania.

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Bipolar Disorder.

A major depressive episode can be the initial presentation of bipolar disorder. Patients with depressive symptoms should be adequately screened to determine if they are at risk for bipolar disorder prior to initiating treatment with a tricyclic antidepressant. This screening should include a detailed psychiatric history, including a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression. It should be noted that tricyclic antidepressants are not approved for use in treating bipolar depression.

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.

The use of tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) has rarely been associated with bone marrow suppression. Leukopenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, anemia, eosinophilia, purpura, and pancytopenia have been reported with some TCAs. Patients with preexisting bone marrow suppression or blood dyscrasias receiving TCAs should be monitored closely during therapy for further decreases in blood counts.

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.

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.

Tricyclic antidepressants should be used with extreme caution in patients with evidence of cardiovascular disease because of the possibility of fluctuations in the blood pressure, arrhythmias, conduction defects, tachycardia, myocardial infarction and stroke. This also applies to patients who have family history of sudden death, cardiac dysrhythmias, or conduction disturbances. In some cases a gradual dose titration is recommended.

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Central Nervous System Disorders.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), can lower the seizure threshold and trigger seizures. These drugs should be used with extreme caution in patients with a history of seizures, or other predisposing factors, such as head trauma, CNS abnormalities, and alcoholism. Daily dose restrictions might apply for specific antidepressants. Physicians are encouraged to get additional dosing recommendations on the manufacturer's prescribing information.

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Cerebrovascular Insufficiency.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Dehydration.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Depression.

A variety of abnormal thinking and behavior changes have been reported to occur in association with the use of most anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics. Some of these changes include decreased inhibition, aggressiveness, agitation, and hallucinations. These drugs can cause or exacerbate mental depression and cause suicidal behavior and ideation. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of depression or other psychiatric disorders. Patients should be monitored for any changes in mood or behavior. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients.

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Both elevation and lowering of blood sugar levels have been reported with the use of some tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Rarely, these effects have also occurred with maprotiline, a tetracyclic antidepressant. Patients with diabetes should be monitored for worsening control of blood glucose when treated with these agents, particularly during dosage escalation or whenever dosage has been altered.

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

There have been reports of both elevation and lowering of blood sugar levels in patients receiving tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs should be used with caution in patients with hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia or diabetes. Monitoring sugar levels is recommended.

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.

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.

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Tertiary amines such as amitriptyline and trimipramine tend to exhibit greater anticholinergic effects than other agents in the class. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously 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. In patients with angle-closure glaucoma, even average doses can precipitate an attack. Glaucoma should be treated and under control prior to initiation of therapy with TCAs, and intraocular pressure monitored during therapy.

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma, Narrow Angle.

Tricyclic antidepressants as other type of antidepressants have an effect on pupil size causing dilation. This effect can potentially narrow the eye angle resulting in increased intraocular pressure and angle closure glaucoma, especially in predisposed patients. These drugs should be used with caution in patients with anatomically narrow angle or history of glaucoma. Doxepin hydrochloride capsules are contraindicated in patients with glaucoma.

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Tertiary amines such as amitriptyline and trimipramine tend to exhibit greater anticholinergic effects than other agents in the class. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously 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. In patients with angle-closure glaucoma, even average doses can precipitate an attack. Glaucoma should be treated and under control prior to initiation of therapy with TCAs, and intraocular pressure monitored during therapy.

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.

The use of doxepin is contraindicated in patients with glaucoma, or a tendency to urinary retention. These disorders should be ruled out before starting treatment, especially in elderly patients.

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.

Some hypnotic drugs can have an anticholinergic effect and should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, and trouble urinating due to retention or enlarged prostate.

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.

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.

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Heart Attack.

The use of most tricyclic antidepressants is contraindicated in patients that are going through the acute recovery period after a myocardial infarction.

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.

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.

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with History - Cerebrovascular Disease.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.

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.

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

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

Most tricyclic antidepressants should be administered with caution in hyperthyroid patients or those receiving thyroid medication as they may develop arrhythmias when these drugs are given.

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Hypoglycemia.

There have been reports of both elevation and lowering of blood sugar levels in patients receiving tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs should be used with caution in patients with hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia or diabetes. Monitoring sugar levels is recommended.

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.

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.

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Hypotension.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.

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.

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

In general, anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics are extensively metabolized by the liver. Their plasma clearance may be decreased and their half-life prolonged in patients with impaired hepatic function. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with liver disease (some are not recommended in severe liver impairment), and the dosage should be adjusted accordingly. Laboratory testing is recommended prior and during treatment.

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Some anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics are extensively metabolized by the liver, and excreted in the urine. Patients with impaired renal and/or hepatic function may be at greater risk for adverse effects, including central nervous system and respiratory depression, due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in such patients, with careful dose selection usually starting at the low end of the dosing range.

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

In general, tricyclic antidepressants should be used with caution in patients with liver or renal disease, as these drugs are metabolized and excreted through the liver and kidneys. Dose selection, especially in the elderly patients that might have liver or renal dysfunction, should usually be limited to the smallest effective total daily dose. Some tricyclic antidepressants such as clomipramine and nortriptyline have occasionally been associated with elevations in SGOT (AST) and SGPT (ALT), and other hepatic adverse events such as jaundice. Although serious liver injury has only been reported rarely, therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting liver disease and periodic monitoring of liver enzyme levels is recommended.

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are known to undergo metabolism in the liver. Some of the metabolites, such as those of imipramine, clomipramine and desipramine, may be pharmacologically active. Many of the metabolites are also excreted by the kidney. There are very limited data concerning the use of TCAs in patients with renal and/or liver disease. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with significantly impaired renal or hepatic function. Dosage adjustments may be necessary.

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.

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Mania.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may aggravate symptoms of psychosis in schizophrenic patients, particularly those with paranoid symptomatology. Depressed patients, usually those with bipolar disorder, may experience a switch from depression to mania or hypomania. These occurrences have also been reported rarely with the tetracyclic antidepressant, maprotiline. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or a history of mania.

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.

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Neutropenia.

The use of some tricyclic antidepressants has been associated with neutropenia (ANC < 500/mm3) and agranulocytosis (ANC < 500/mm3). Leukocyte and differential blood counts should be performed in patients that develop fever and sore throat during treatment. Therapy should be discontinued if there is evidence of pathologic neutrophil depression.

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Pheochromocytoma.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may potentiate the effects of circulating catecholamines. Enhanced sympathetic activity can provoke hypertensive crises in patients with pheochromocytoma or other tumors of the adrenal medulla, such as some neuroblastomas. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with these tumors.

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.

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Some anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics are extensively metabolized by the liver, and excreted in the urine. Patients with impaired renal and/or hepatic function may be at greater risk for adverse effects, including central nervous system and respiratory depression, due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in such patients, with careful dose selection usually starting at the low end of the dosing range.

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

In general, tricyclic antidepressants should be used with caution in patients with liver or renal disease, as these drugs are metabolized and excreted through the liver and kidneys. Dose selection, especially in the elderly patients that might have liver or renal dysfunction, should usually be limited to the smallest effective total daily dose. Some tricyclic antidepressants such as clomipramine and nortriptyline have occasionally been associated with elevations in SGOT (AST) and SGPT (ALT), and other hepatic adverse events such as jaundice. Although serious liver injury has only been reported rarely, therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting liver disease and periodic monitoring of liver enzyme levels is recommended.

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are known to undergo metabolism in the liver. Some of the metabolites, such as those of imipramine, clomipramine and desipramine, may be pharmacologically active. Many of the metabolites are also excreted by the kidney. There are very limited data concerning the use of TCAs in patients with renal and/or liver disease. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with significantly impaired renal or hepatic function. Dosage adjustments may be necessary.

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Schizophrenia.

Some tricyclic antidepressants have shown to cause activation or exacerbation of psychosis in schizophrenic patients. A dosage reduction might be required.

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Schizophrenia.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may aggravate symptoms of psychosis in schizophrenic patients, particularly those with paranoid symptomatology. Depressed patients, usually those with bipolar disorder, may experience a switch from depression to mania or hypomania. These occurrences have also been reported rarely with the tetracyclic antidepressant, maprotiline. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or a history of mania.

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.

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.

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Tardive Dyskinesia.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Tertiary amines such as amitriptyline and trimipramine tend to exhibit greater anticholinergic effects than other agents in the class. As with other drugs that possess anticholinergic activity, TCAs may aggravate tardive dyskinesia or induce previously suppressed symptoms. Patients with tardive dyskinesia requiring therapy with TCAs should be monitored for exacerbation of the condition.

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Urinary Retention.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Tertiary amines such as amitriptyline and trimipramine tend to exhibit greater anticholinergic effects than other agents in the class. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously 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. In patients with angle-closure glaucoma, even average doses can precipitate an attack. Glaucoma should be treated and under control prior to initiation of therapy with TCAs, and intraocular pressure monitored during therapy.

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Urinary Retention.

The use of doxepin is contraindicated in patients with glaucoma, or a tendency to urinary retention. These disorders should be ruled out before starting treatment, especially in elderly patients.

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Retention.

Some hypnotic drugs can have an anticholinergic effect and should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, and trouble urinating due to retention or enlarged prostate.

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Retention.

Due to their anticholinergic properties, tricyclic antidepressants should be administered with caution in patients with history of urinary retention. Particularly doxepin hydrochloride capsules are contraindicated in patients with tendency to urinary retention.