Drug Interactions between bisacodyl / polyethylene glycol 3350 / potassium chloride / sodium bicarbonate / sodium chloride and Phenytoin Sodium

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Concurrent administration of antacids may decrease the bioavailability of phenytoin. The mechanism of interaction is unknown. In eight healthy volunteers, coadministration of a single 600 mg dose of phenytoin and an antacid containing either aluminum-magnesium hydroxide or calcium carbonate (dose equal to 160 mEq of neutralizing capacity) given one and three hours after meals and at bedtime on the same day resulted in an approximately 25% reduction in the total area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of phenytoin compared to administration alone. An antacid containing aluminum hydroxide-magnesium trisilicate given in an equivalent dose also reduced the AUC of phenytoin, but the difference was not statistically significant. In another study, aluminum hydroxide-magnesium trisilicate caused a 12% reduction in steady-state serum phenytoin levels in six epileptic patients, but seizure frequency was not affected. There have also been isolated case reports of patients with low serum phenytoin levels or inadequate seizure control attributed to concurrent antacid administration. In a few of the patients, serum phenytoin levels rose two to threefold when antacid administration was delayed by 2 to 3 hours. However, some studies have failed to find a significant interaction with these antacids.

MANAGEMENT: Given the narrow therapeutic index and the large interindividual variability in the pharmacokinetics of phenytoin, patients requiring concomitant antacid therapy should consider separating the times of administration by at least two to three hours if possible. Serum phenytoin levels and seizure activity should be monitored.

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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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