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Can you take Bitolterol with Lapatinib?

1 drug interaction and 24 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

bitolterol lapatinib

Applies to: bitolterol and lapatinib

Using bitolterol together with lapatinib 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:

lapatinib Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: lapatinib

Take lapatinib on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 1 hour after a meal unless otherwise directed by your doctor. This will make it easier for your body to absorb the medication.

The lapatinib dose is administered once daily and should not be divided. The usual dose of lapatinib is equal to 5 tablets. You may swallow each tablet one at a time, but take the entire lapatinib dose at the same time each day.

If you are receiving therapy with lapatinib you should be advised to avoid grapefruits and grapefruit juice. Grapefruit can raise the levels of lapatinib in your body and lead to dangerous side effects.

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

22 potential interactions Applies to: 18 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, Heart Failure, Heart Attack, Seizures, and Arrhythmia.

Arrhythmia

Major:

lapatinib

Lapatinib has a major potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

QT prolongation was observed in patients treated with certain EGFR inhibitors. These agents should be administered with caution in patients with congenital long QTc syndrome, congestive heart failure, electrolyte abnormalities, or those who are taking medications known to prolong the QTc interval. Serum electrolytes should be corrected prior to initiating therapy with these agents. Periodic monitoring of ECGs and electrolytes is recommended in these patients. Permanently discontinue the use of these agents in patients who develop QTc interval prolongation with signs/symptoms of life-threatening arrhythmia.

Moderate:

lapatinib

Lapatinib has a moderate potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

Decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) have been reported with agents that block HER2 activity. Patients who have received prior anthracyclines, those who received anthracycline after stopping therapy with agents that block HER2 activity, or patients who received prior radiotherapy to the chest area may be at higher risk of decreased LVEF. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with a previous history of heart conditions. Evaluate cardiac function before, during, and upon completion of treatment. Withhold or discontinue therapy with agents that block HER2 activity as appropriate, and for a confirmed clinically significant decrease in left ventricular function, or if the LVEF has not improved or has declined further. It is recommended to monitor overall cardiac function and LVEF by echocardiogram or MUGA scan as appropriate.

Dermatitis, Drug-Induced

Major:

lapatinib

Lapatinib has a major potential interaction with Dermatitis, Drug-Induced.

Cutaneous reactions, in some cases severe, have been reported with the use of EGFR inhibitors. Monitor patients who develop dermatologic or soft tissue toxicities while receiving these agents for the development of inflammatory or infectious sequelae. It is recommended to withhold treatment, and appropriate measures should be instituted as appropriate or discontinue the use of these agents for dermatologic or soft tissue toxicity associated with severe or life-threatening inflammatory or infectious complications. Advise patients to wear sunscreen and hats and limit sun exposure while receiving therapy with these agents as exposure to sunlight can exacerbate dermatologic toxicities.

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.

Fever

Major:

lapatinib

Lapatinib has a major potential interaction with Fever.

The use of certain EGFR inhibitors has been associated with pulmonary toxicity. Serious cases of interstitial lung disease (ILD), including fatal cases and interstitial pneumonitis or pulmonary fibrosis have been reported. Caution is recommended when using these agents in patients with a history of interstitial pneumonitis or pulmonary fibrosis or those patients presenting with acute onset of new or progressive unexplained pulmonary symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and fever pending diagnostic evaluation. If ILD is confirmed, permanently discontinue these agents and institute appropriate measures.

Heart Attack

Moderate:

lapatinib

Lapatinib has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Attack.

Decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) have been reported with agents that block HER2 activity. Patients who have received prior anthracyclines, those who received anthracycline after stopping therapy with agents that block HER2 activity, or patients who received prior radiotherapy to the chest area may be at higher risk of decreased LVEF. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with a previous history of heart conditions. Evaluate cardiac function before, during, and upon completion of treatment. Withhold or discontinue therapy with agents that block HER2 activity as appropriate, and for a confirmed clinically significant decrease in left ventricular function, or if the LVEF has not improved or has declined further. It is recommended to monitor overall cardiac function and LVEF by echocardiogram or MUGA scan as appropriate.

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:

lapatinib

Lapatinib has a major potential interaction with Heart Failure.

QT prolongation was observed in patients treated with certain EGFR inhibitors. These agents should be administered with caution in patients with congenital long QTc syndrome, congestive heart failure, electrolyte abnormalities, or those who are taking medications known to prolong the QTc interval. Serum electrolytes should be corrected prior to initiating therapy with these agents. Periodic monitoring of ECGs and electrolytes is recommended in these patients. Permanently discontinue the use of these agents in patients who develop QTc interval prolongation with signs/symptoms of life-threatening arrhythmia.

Moderate:

lapatinib

Lapatinib has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Failure.

Decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) have been reported with agents that block HER2 activity. Patients who have received prior anthracyclines, those who received anthracycline after stopping therapy with agents that block HER2 activity, or patients who received prior radiotherapy to the chest area may be at higher risk of decreased LVEF. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with a previous history of heart conditions. Evaluate cardiac function before, during, and upon completion of treatment. Withhold or discontinue therapy with agents that block HER2 activity as appropriate, and for a confirmed clinically significant decrease in left ventricular function, or if the LVEF has not improved or has declined further. It is recommended to monitor overall cardiac function and LVEF by echocardiogram or MUGA scan as appropriate.

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.

Moderate:

lapatinib

Lapatinib has a moderate potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.

Decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) have been reported with agents that block HER2 activity. Patients who have received prior anthracyclines, those who received anthracycline after stopping therapy with agents that block HER2 activity, or patients who received prior radiotherapy to the chest area may be at higher risk of decreased LVEF. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with a previous history of heart conditions. Evaluate cardiac function before, during, and upon completion of treatment. Withhold or discontinue therapy with agents that block HER2 activity as appropriate, and for a confirmed clinically significant decrease in left ventricular function, or if the LVEF has not improved or has declined further. It is recommended to monitor overall cardiac function and LVEF by echocardiogram or MUGA scan as appropriate.

History - Myocardial Infarction

Moderate:

lapatinib

Lapatinib has a moderate potential interaction with History - Myocardial Infarction.

Decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) have been reported with agents that block HER2 activity. Patients who have received prior anthracyclines, those who received anthracycline after stopping therapy with agents that block HER2 activity, or patients who received prior radiotherapy to the chest area may be at higher risk of decreased LVEF. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with a previous history of heart conditions. Evaluate cardiac function before, during, and upon completion of treatment. Withhold or discontinue therapy with agents that block HER2 activity as appropriate, and for a confirmed clinically significant decrease in left ventricular function, or if the LVEF has not improved or has declined further. It is recommended to monitor overall cardiac function and LVEF by echocardiogram or MUGA scan as appropriate.

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

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.

Liver Disease

Major:

lapatinib

Lapatinib has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Lapatinib undergoes extensive metabolism in the liver. Hepatotoxicity has been associated with the use of lapatinib and it may be severe and fatal. The hepatotoxicity may occur days to several months after initiation of treatment. Therapy with lapatinib should be administered cautiously in patients with severe hepatic impairment and a dose reduction should be considered for patients with severe pre-existing hepatic impairment. Clinical monitoring of hepatic function (transaminases, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase) is recommended before initiation of treatment, every 4 to 6 weeks during treatment, and as clinically indicated. In patients who develop severe hepatotoxicity while on therapy, lapatinib should be discontinued and patients should not be retreated.

Post MI Syndrome

Moderate:

lapatinib

Lapatinib has a moderate potential interaction with Post MI Syndrome.

Decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) have been reported with agents that block HER2 activity. Patients who have received prior anthracyclines, those who received anthracycline after stopping therapy with agents that block HER2 activity, or patients who received prior radiotherapy to the chest area may be at higher risk of decreased LVEF. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with a previous history of heart conditions. Evaluate cardiac function before, during, and upon completion of treatment. Withhold or discontinue therapy with agents that block HER2 activity as appropriate, and for a confirmed clinically significant decrease in left ventricular function, or if the LVEF has not improved or has declined further. It is recommended to monitor overall cardiac function and LVEF by echocardiogram or MUGA scan as appropriate.

Pulmonary Impairment

Major:

lapatinib

Lapatinib has a major potential interaction with Pulmonary Impairment.

Pulmonary toxicity, sometimes fatal has been reported with agents that block HER2 activity. Pulmonary toxicity includes dyspnea, interstitial pneumonitis, pulmonary infiltrates, pleural effusions, non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, pulmonary insufficiency and hypoxia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and pulmonary fibrosis. Patients with symptomatic intrinsic lung disease or with extensive tumor involvement of the lungs, resulting in dyspnea at rest may be at increased risk of pulmonary toxicity and appear to have more severe toxicity. Patients should be monitored for pulmonary symptoms. Permanently discontinue treatment with these agents in patients diagnosed with interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis and institute appropriate care.

Major:

lapatinib

Lapatinib has a major potential interaction with Pulmonary Impairment.

The use of certain EGFR inhibitors has been associated with pulmonary toxicity. Serious cases of interstitial lung disease (ILD), including fatal cases and interstitial pneumonitis or pulmonary fibrosis have been reported. Caution is recommended when using these agents in patients with a history of interstitial pneumonitis or pulmonary fibrosis or those patients presenting with acute onset of new or progressive unexplained pulmonary symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and fever pending diagnostic evaluation. If ILD is confirmed, permanently discontinue these agents and institute appropriate measures.

Renal Dysfunction

Moderate:

lapatinib

Lapatinib has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Lapatinib pharmacokinetics have not been specifically studied in patients with renal impairment or in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Close monitoring is recommended.

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.

Thrombocytopenia

Moderate:

lapatinib

Lapatinib has a moderate potential interaction with Thrombocytopenia.

Thrombocytopenia has been reported with the use of agents that block HER2 activity. Monitor platelet counts prior to initiation of therapy and prior to each dose. If appropriate modify the dose according to clinical guidelines. Patients with decreased platelet count and patients on anti-coagulant treatment should be closely monitored during treatment with these agents.

Ventricular Arrhythmia

Major:

lapatinib

Lapatinib has a major potential interaction with Ventricular Arrhythmia.

Cardiomyopathy was observed in clinical trials of certain EGFR inhibitors. Assess Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) by echocardiogram or multigated acquisition (MUGA) scan before initiation of these agents and then at 3 month intervals while on treatment. Caution is recommended when prescribing these agents to patients with conditions that could impair left ventricular function and it is recommended to withhold treatment with these agents if ejection fraction drops below the established lower limit of normal. For symptomatic congestive heart failure or persistent, asymptomatic LV dysfunction that does not resolve within 4 weeks, permanently discontinue these agents.

More resources

bitolterol

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

lapatinib

A total of 667 drugs are known to interact with lapatinib.

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.