Drug Interactions between chlorzoxazone and Geriaton

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of CNS-active agents such as chlorzoxazone. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills. In addition, in one small study, watercress was reported to increase chlorzoxazone peak concentrations, AUC, and half-life. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 2E1 metabolism. The clinical significance is unknown.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving chlorzoxazone should be advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how chlorzoxazone affects them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities. Watercress should be avoided if an interaction is suspected; e.g., excess sedation, nausea, or headache occurs.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Concomitant use of some oral medications may reduce the bioavailability of orally administered iron, and vice versa.

Food taken in conjunction with oral iron supplements may reduce the bioavailability of the iron. However, in many patients intolerable gastrointestinal side effects occur necessitating administration with food.

MANAGEMENT: Ideally, iron products should be taken on an empty stomach (i.e., at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals), but if this is not possible, administer with meals and monitor the patient more closely for a subtherapeutic effect. Some studies suggest administration of iron with ascorbic acid may enhance bioavailability. In addition, administration of oral iron products and some oral medications should be separated whenever the bioavailability of either agent may be decreased. Consult the product labeling for specific separation times and monitor clinical responses as appropriate.