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Drug Interactions between buprenorphine / naloxone and chloroquine

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Major

chloroquine buprenorphine

Applies to: chloroquine and buprenorphine / naloxone

GENERALLY AVOID: Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine can cause dose-related prolongation of the QT interval. Theoretically, coadministration with other agents that can prolong the QT interval may result in additive effects and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes and sudden death. In general, the risk of an individual agent or a combination of agents causing ventricular arrhythmia in association with QT prolongation is largely unpredictable but may be increased by certain underlying risk factors such advanced age, congenital long QT syndrome, cardiac disease, and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia). In addition, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drug(s). Currently available data seem to suggest a significantly higher risk of QTc prolongation (>= 60 msec increase from baseline or absolute QTc >=500 msec ) in COVID-19 patients treated with hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine, with or without azithromycin, than has been previously reported in other settings. Because COVID-19 may disproportionately affect the elderly and individuals with preexisting heart disease, and cardiac complications such as myocarditis and cardiomyopathy as well as organ failure may occur in patients with severe COVID-19, it appears likely that hospitalized patients with COVID-19 may represent a particularly susceptible and high-risk population, and other, less critically ill patients may not have the same arrhythmic risk.

MANAGEMENT: Coadministration of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine with other drugs that can prolong the QT interval should generally be avoided, particularly in patients with baseline QT prolongation (e.g., QTc >=500 msec) or congenital long QT syndrome. Close monitoring of QTc interval, electrolyte levels, and renal and hepatic function is recommended if concomitant use is required and benefits are anticipated to outweigh the risks. Electrolyte abnormalities should be corrected prior to initiating treatment with chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine. Patients should be advised to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitation, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, or syncope. Because chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are eliminated slowly from the body, the potential for drug interactions should be observed for a prolonged period following their discontinuation.

References

  1. "Product Information. Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine)." Apothecon Inc (2022):
  2. "Product Information. Chloroquine Phosphate (chloroquine)." West Ward Pharmaceutical Corporation (2005):
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  4. "Product Information. Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate (hydroxychloroquine)." Prasco Laboratories (2017):
  5. US Food and Drug Administration "Hydroxychloroquine or Chloroquine for COVID-19: Drug Safety Communication - FDA Cautions Against Use Outside of the Hospital Setting or a Clinical Trial Due to Risk of Heart Rhythm Problems. https://www.fda.gov/safety/medical-product-safety-information/h" (2020):
  6. US Food and Drug Administration "FACT SHEET FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION (EUA) OF HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE SULFATE SUPPLIED FROM THE STRATEGIC NATIONAL STOCKPILE FOR TREATMENT OF COVID-19 IN CERTAIN HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS. https://www.fda.gov/media/136537/download" (2020):
  7. US Food and Drug Administration "FACT SHEET FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION (EUA) OF CHLOROQUINE PHOSPHATE SUPPLIED FROM THE STRATEGIC NATIONAL STOCKPILE FOR TREATMENT OF COVID-19 IN CERTAIN HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS. https://www.fda.gov/media/136535/download" (2020):
  8. National Institutes of Health (NIH) "Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Treatment Guidelines. https://covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/" (2020):
  9. Mercuro NJ, Yen CF, Shim DJ, et al. "Risk of QT interval prolongation associated with the use of hydroxychloroquine with or without concomitant azithromycin among hospitalized patients testing positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)" JAMA Cardiol May 1:e201834 (2020): epub ahead of print
  10. Bonow RO, Hernandez AF, Turakhia M "Hydroxychloroquine, coronavirus disease 2019, and QT prolongation." JAMA Cardiol May 1 (2020): epub ahead of print
  11. Bessiere F, Roccia H, Deliniere A, et al. "Assessment of QT intervals in a case series of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection treated with hydroxychloroquine alone or in combination with azithromycin in an intensive care unit." JAMA Cardiol May 1 (2020): epub ahead of print
  12. Saleh M, Gabriels J, ChangD, et al. "The effect of chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin on the corrected QT interval in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection." Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol Apr 29 (2020): epub ahead of print
  13. Javelot H, El-Hage W, Meyer G, Becker G, Michel B, Hingray C "COVID-19 and (hydroxy)chloroquine-azithromycin combination: should we take the risk for our patients?" Br J Clin Pharmacol Apr 29 (2020): epub ahead of print
  14. Sacher F, Fauchier L, Boveda S, et al. "Use of drugs with potential cardiac effect in the setting of SARS-CoV-2 infection." Arch Cardiovasc Dis Apr 24 (2020): epub ahead of print
  15. Smit C, Peeters MYM, van den Anker JN, Knibbe CAJ "Chloroquine for SARS-CoV-2: Implications of its unique pharmacokinetic and safety properties." Clin Pharmacokinet Ar 18 (2020): epub ahead of print
  16. Roden DM, Harrington RA, Poppas A, Russo AM "Considerations for drug interactions on QTc in exploratory COVID-19 (Coroanvirus disease 2019) treatment." Heart Rhythm Apr 14 (2020): epub ahead of print
  17. Sapp JL, Alqarawi W, MacIntyre CJ, et al. "Guidance on minimizing risk of drug-induced ventricular arrhythmia during treatment of COVID-19: A statement from the Canadian Heart Rhythm Society." Can J Cardiol Apr 8 (2020): epub ahead of print
  18. Kapoor A, Pandurangi U, Arora V, et al. "Cardiovascular risks of hydroxychloroquine in treatment and prophylaxis of COVID-19 patients: A scientific statement from the Indian Heart Rhythm Society." Indian Pacing Electorphysiol J Apr 8 (2020): epub ahead of print
  19. Giudicessi JR, Noseworthy PA, Friedman PA, Ackerman MJ "Urgent guidance for navigating and circumventing the QTc-prolonging and torsadogenic potential of possible pharmacotherapies for coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19)" Mayo Clin Proc Apr 7 (2020): epub ahead of print
  20. Borba MGS, Val FFA, Sampaio VS, et al. "Effect of high vs low doses of chloroquine diphosphate as adjunctive therapy for patients hospitalized with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 (SARS-CoV-2) infection: A randomized clinical trial." JAMA Netw Open Apr 1 (2020): epub ahead of print
  21. mitra RL, Greenstein SA, Epstein lm "An algorithm for managing QT prolongation in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients treated with either chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine in conjunction with azithromycin; Possible benefits of intravenous lidocaine." HeartRythm Case Rep Apr 1 (2020): epub ahead of print
View all 21 references

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Drug and food interactions

Major

buprenorphine food

Applies to: buprenorphine / naloxone

GENERALLY AVOID: Concomitant use of buprenorphine with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants (e.g., nonbenzodiazepine sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, other opioids, alcohol) may increase the risk of buprenorphine overdose, severe respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reported cases have primarily occurred in the setting of buprenorphine maintenance treatment for opiate addiction, and many, but not all, involved abuse or misuse of buprenorphine including intravenous self-injection. The mechanism of interaction probably involves some degree of additive pharmacologic effects. Preclinical studies also suggest that benzodiazepines can alter the usual ceiling effect on buprenorphine-induced respiratory depression and render the respiratory effects of buprenorphine appear similar to those of full opioid agonists. Coadministration of buprenorphine with some CNS depressants such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, and phenothiazines may also increase the risk of hypotension.

MANAGEMENT: The use of opioids in conjunction with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants should generally be avoided unless alternative treatment options are inadequate. If coadministration is necessary, the dosage and duration of each drug should be limited to the minimum required to achieve desired clinical effect. Patients should be monitored closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation, and advised to avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how these medications affect them. Extreme caution is advised when prescribing buprenorphine to patients who are addicted to opioids and also abusing benzodiazepines or alcohol. Due to potential risk of overdose and death, dependence on sedative-hypnotics such as benzodiazepines or alcohol is considered a relative contraindication for office-based buprenorphine treatment of opioid addiction. For patients who have been receiving extended therapy with both an opioid and a benzodiazepine and require discontinuation of either medication, a gradual tapering of dose is advised, since abrupt withdrawal may lead to withdrawal symptoms. Severe cases of benzodiazepine withdrawal, primarily in patients who have received excessive doses over a prolonged period, may result in numbness and tingling of extremities, hypersensitivity to light and noise, hallucinations, and epileptic seizures.

References

  1. "Product Information. Suboxone (buprenorphine-naloxone)." Reckitt and Colman Pharmaceuticals Inc (2002):
  2. Kilicarslan T, Sellers EM "Lack of interaction of buprenorphine with flunitrazepam metabolism." Am J Psychiatry 157 (2000): 1164-6
  3. Reynaud M, Petit G, Potard D, Courty P "Six deaths linked to concomitant use of buprenorphine and benzodiazepines." Addiction 93 (1998): 1385-92
  4. Tracqui A, Kintz P, Ludes B "Buprenorphine-related deaths among drug addicts in France: a report on 20 fatalities." J Anal Toxicol 22 (1998): 430-4
  5. Reynaud M, Tracqui A, Petit G, Potard D, Courty P "Six deaths linked to misuse of buprenorphine-benzodiazepine combinations." Am J Psychiatry 155 (1998): 448-9
  6. Kintz P "A new series of 13 buprenorphine-related deaths." Clin Biochem 35 (2002): 513-6
  7. Martin HA "The possible consequences of combining lorazepam and buprenorphine/naloxone: a case review." J Emerg Nurs 37 (2011): 200-2
  8. Hakkinen M, Launiainen T, Vuori E, Ojanpera I "Benzodiazepines and alcohol are associated with cases of fatal buprenorphine poisoning." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 68 (2012): 301-9
  9. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US) "Clinical Guidelines for the Use of Buprenorphine in the Treatment of Opioid Addiction. Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 40 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64245/" (2013):
  10. Schuman-Olivier Z, Hoeppner BB, Weiss RD, Borodovsky J, Shaffer HJ, Albanese MJ "Benzodiazepine use during buprenorphine treatment for opioid dependence: clinical and safety outcomes." Drug Alcohol Depend 132 (2013): 580-6
  11. Ferrant O, Papin F, Clin B, et al. "Fatal poisoning due to snorting buprenorphine and alcohol consumption." Forensic Sci Int 204 (2011): e8-11
  12. Pirnay S, Borron SW, Giudicelli CP, Tourneau J, Baud FJ, Ricordel I "A critical review of the causes of death among post-morten toxicological investigations: analysis of 34 buprenorphine-associated and 35 methadone-associated deaths." Addiction 99 (2004): 978-88
  13. Kintz P "Deaths involving buprenorphine: a compendium of French cases." Forensic Sci Int 121 (2001): 65-9
  14. Sekar M, Mimpriss TJ "Buprenorphine, benzodiazepines and prolonged respiratory depression." Anaesthesia 42 (1987): 567-8
  15. Gueye PN, Borron SW, Risede P, et al. "Buprenorphine and midazolalm act in combination to depress respiration in rats." Toxicol Sci 65 (2002): 107-14
  16. US Food and Drug Administration "FDA warns about serious risks and death when combining opioid pain or cough medicines with benzodiazepines; requires its strongest warning. http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/UCM518672.pdf" (2016):
View all 16 references

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Moderate

chloroquine food

Applies to: chloroquine

GENERALLY AVOID: Theoretically, grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine and the risk of toxicities such as QT interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall induced by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Following coadministration with cimetidine, a weak to moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, a 2-fold increase in chloroquine exposure occurred. Since chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine have similar structures and metabolic elimination pathways, a similar interaction may be observed with hydroxychloroquine. In general, the effect of grapefruit juice is concentration-, dose- and preparation-dependent, and can vary widely among brands. Certain preparations of grapefruit juice (e.g., high dose, double strength) have sometimes demonstrated potent inhibition of CYP450 3A4, while other preparations (e.g., low dose, single strength) have typically demonstrated moderate inhibition. Pharmacokinetic interactions involving grapefruit juice are also subject to a high degree of interpatient variability, thus the extent to which a given patient may be affected is difficult to predict.

MANAGEMENT: Although clinical data are lacking, it may be advisable to avoid the consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and any supplement containing grapefruit extract during hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine therapy.

References

  1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.

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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

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