Drug Interactions between caffeine / pheniramine / phenylephrine / sodium citrate / sodium salicylate and tofacitinib

MONITOR: Coadministration of two or more sympathomimetic agents may increase the risk of adverse effects such as nervousness, irritability, and increased heart rate. Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, particularly amphetamines, can potentiate the adrenergic response to vasopressors and other sympathomimetic agents. Additive increases in blood pressure and heart rate may occur due to enhanced peripheral sympathetic activity.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if two or more sympathomimetic agents are coadministered. Pulse and blood pressure should be closely monitored.

MONITOR: Agents that cause urinary alkalinization can reduce serum salicylate concentrations in patients receiving anti-inflammatory dosages of aspirin or other salicylates. The mechanism involves reduction in salicylate renal tubular reabsorption due to increased urinary pH, resulting in increased renal salicylate clearance especially above urine pH of 7. This interaction is sometimes exploited in the treatment of salicylate toxicity.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated chronically with urinary alkalinizers and large doses of salicylates (i.e. 3 g/day or more) should be monitored for potentially diminished or inadequate analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, and the salicylate dosage adjusted if necessary.

MONITOR: Coadministration of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors with corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and/or opioids may increase the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) perforation. Patients with a prior history of peptic ulceration or diverticular disease may also have an increased risk. Adverse events of diverticulitis and GI perforation have been infrequently reported in clinical studies and postmarketing use of JAK inhibitors such as baricitinib, ruxolitinib, tofacitinib, and upadacitinib. However, the role of JAK inhibition in these events has not been determined. In studies with rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis patients, many were receiving background therapy with NSAIDs or corticosteroids.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is recommended when using JAK inhibitors in patients with a history of peptic ulceration or diverticular disease and in patients receiving concomitant treatment with drugs associated with an increased risk of GI perforation such as corticosteroids, NSAIDs, and opioids. Patients should be advised to contact their healthcare provider if they experience signs and symptoms of GI perforation such as severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting.