Drug Interactions between betiatide and dexamethasone / ketorolac / moxifloxacin

MONITOR CLOSELY: Concomitant administration of corticosteroids may potentiate the risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture associated with fluoroquinolone treatment. The mechanism is unknown. Tendinitis and tendon rupture have most frequently involved the Achilles tendon, although cases involving the rotator cuff (the shoulder), the hand, the biceps, and the thumb have also been reported. Some have required surgical repair or resulted in prolonged disability. Tendon rupture can occur during or up to several months after completion of fluoroquinolone therapy.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is recommended if fluoroquinolones are prescribed in combination with corticosteroids, particularly in patients with other concomitant risk factors (e.g., age over 60 years; recipient of kidney, heart, and/or lung transplant). Patients should be advised to stop taking the fluoroquinolone, avoid exercise and use of the affected area, and promptly contact their physician if they experience pain, swelling, or inflammation of a tendon. In general, fluoroquinolones should only be used to treat conditions that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria and only if the benefits outweigh the risks.

MONITOR: The combined use of corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may increase the potential for serious gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity, including inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and perforation. In a large, case-control study of elderly patients, those who used corticosteroids and NSAIDs concurrently had an estimated relative risk (RR) for peptic ulcer disease and GI hemorrhage of 14.6 compared to those who used neither. Corticosteroid use was associated with a doubling of the risk (estimated RR = 2.0), but the risk was confined to those who also used NSAIDs. It is possible that both categories of agents are ulcerogenic and have additive effects on the GI mucosa during coadministration. Some investigators have also suggested that the primary effect of corticosteroids in this interaction is to delay healing of erosions caused by NSAIDs rather than cause de novo ulcerations.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if corticosteroids and NSAIDs are used together, especially in patients with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease or GI bleeding and in elderly and debilitated patients. During concomitant therapy, patients should be advised to take the medications with food and to immediately report signs and symptoms of GI ulceration and bleeding such as severe abdominal pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, and the appearance of black, tarry stools. The selective use of prophylactic anti-ulcer therapy (e.g., antacids, H2-antagonists) may be considered.

MONITOR: Coadministration with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may potentiate the risk of central nervous system toxicity sometimes associated with fluoroquinolone use. The interaction has been reported most often with enoxacin. It may occur with other fluoroquinolones as well, but is poorly documented. The exact mechanism of interaction is unknown. Some investigators suggest that the piperazine ring of fluoroquinolones may inhibit the binding of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to brain receptors and that NSAIDs may synergistically add to this effect. Patients with a history of seizures may be at greater risk.

MANAGEMENT: Clinical monitoring for signs of CNS stimulation such as tremors, involuntary muscle movements, hallucinations, or seizures is recommended if fluoroquinolone antibiotics are prescribed in combination with NSAIDs.

MONITOR: Coadministration of the radiopharmaceutical technetium (Tc99m) mertiatide with another drug that is also eliminated by active tubular secretion may result in increased plasma concentrations of one or both drugs. The exact mechanism has not been fully described but may involve competition in binding to organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1) in the proximal tubule of the kidney, which is involved in moving some drugs from the blood into the urine. The risk and significance of this interaction may vary. Some sources state that the risk is expected with diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide, but only theoretical with others (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Delayed excretion of Tc99m mertiatide may affect the efficacy of the diagnostic procedure. However, clinical data are limited. One crossover study conducted in 12 healthy male volunteers (22-25 years old), reviewed the differences in scans using Tc99m mertiatide injection alone to those obtained when subjects received either a selective OAT1 substrate (10% sodium p-aminohippurate (PAH) given via intravenous infusion at 120 mg/min 10 minutes prior to and during the scan) or a potent OAT1 inhibitor (probenecid 750 mg 1 hour prior to the scan). PAH appeared to have a greater impact than probenecid, increasing the late phase (30-60 minutes post radiopharmaceutical injection) plasma clearance half-life of Tc99m mertiatide from approximately 27.7 minutes to 54.9 minutes. However, in some circumstances, the administration of an NSAID or other medication that affects the secretion of Tc99m mertiatide may be clinically indicated. For example, there are some protocols that utilize aspirin to enhance Tc99m mertiatide renography for the investigation/diagnosis of renal artery stenosis.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is recommended with the concomitant administration of technetium (Tc99m) mertiatide with drugs that are secreted in the proximal tubule due to the potential to affect the efficacy of the diagnostic procedure. Likewise, since Tc99m mertiatide may also delay the excretion of other drugs eliminated via this route, monitoring for excessive pharmacologic effects of both drugs should be considered. Current clinical guidelines and/or manufacturer's labeling should be consulted for more specific information and guidance. Dehydration and acidosis can also impact kidney function and prolong renal drug elimination. Refer to the product labeling or local protocols for guidelines on patient hydration prior to testing with Tc99m mertiatide.