Drug Interactions between bisacodyl / polyethylene glycol 3350 / potassium chloride / sodium bicarbonate / sodium chloride and diclofenac / misoprostol

MONITOR: Concomitant use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with potassium salts may increase the risk of hyperkalemia. NSAIDs may produce potassium retention by reducing renal synthesis of prostaglandin E and impairing the renin-angiotensin system.

MANAGEMENT: Closely monitor potassium levels in patients receiving both potassium salts and NSAID therapy, especially those with renal impairment, diabetes, older age, severe or worsening heart failure, dehydration, or concomitant therapy with other agents that increase serum potassium (e.g., beta-blockers, cyclosporine, heparin, tacrolimus, and trimethoprim). Patients should be advised to seek medical attention if they experience signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, listlessness, tingling of the extremities, paralysis, confusion, weak pulse, and a slow or irregular heartbeat.

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ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: By increasing gastric pH, antacids may reduce the resistance of the enteric coating of bisacodyl tablets, resulting in earlier release of bisacodyl and gastric irritation and dyspepsia.

MANAGEMENT: The administration of antacids and bisacodyl should be separated by at least one hour.

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GENERALLY AVOID: Concomitant use of stimulant laxatives (e.g., bisacodyl, sodium picosulfate) may increase the risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse effects associated with certain osmotic laxatives (e.g., polyethylene glycol (PEG), oral sulfate solution), such as colonic mucosal ulcerations or ischemic colitis. There have been isolated case reports of ischemic colitis occurring with the use of PEG-based bowel cleansing products in combination with higher dosages of bisacodyl (usually greater than 10 mg). Bisacodyl can cause colonic ischemia due to transient reduction in splanchnic blood flow. When administered in conjunction with an osmotic laxative such as PEG, increased intramural pressure secondary to increased peristalsis may lead to ischemic colitis and perforation.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturers for some osmotic bowel cleansing products recommend avoiding the concurrent use of stimulant laxatives. However, stimulant laxatives, in particular bisacodyl and sodium picosulfate, are sometimes used with PEG in certain bowel cleansing regimens to help reduce dose volume and improve patient tolerability and acceptance. Please consult individual product labeling for specific recommendations and guidance. Patients using osmotic bowel cleansing products and stimulant laxatives who present with sudden abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or other symptoms of ischemic colitis should be evaluated promptly.

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Concomitant administration of antacids can reduce the bioavailability of misoprostol acid, the active metabolite of misoprostol. The mechanism of interaction is unknown. In twelve study subjects, coadministration of misoprostol with antacid reduced the bioavailability of misoprostol acid by 16% relative to fasting. Clinical trials of misoprostol conducted with concomitant antacid use suggest that this effect is not clinically important.

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