Drug Interactions between clobazam and fluconazole

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of cloBAZam such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with cloBAZam. Do not use more than the recommended dose of cloBAZam, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

The use of benzodiazepines with alcohol is not recommended. Patients with acute alcohol intoxication exhibit depressed vital signs. The central nervous system depressant effects of benzodiazepines may be additive with those of alcohol, and severe respiratory depression and death may occur. Therapy with benzodiazepines should be administered cautiously in patients who might be prone to acute alcohol intake.

Benzodiazepines have the potential to cause dependence and abuse. Tolerance as well as physical and psychological dependence can develop, particularly after prolonged use and/or excessive dosages. However, abrupt cessation following continual use of as few as 6 weeks at therapeutic levels has occasionally precipitated withdrawal symptoms. Addiction- prone individuals, such as those with a history of alcohol or substance abuse, should be under careful surveillance when treated with benzodiazepines. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients. After prolonged use or if dependency is suspected, withdrawal of benzodiazepine therapy should be undertaken gradually using a dosage- tapering schedule. If withdrawal symptoms occur, temporary reinstitution of benzodiazepines may be necessary.

The use of fluconazole has been rarely associated with hepatotoxicity. Reversible idiosyncratic hepatitis, cholestasis and fatal fulminant hepatic failure have been reported, the latter occurring primarily in patients with serious underlying medical conditions and taking multiple concomitant medications. Liver function tests should be performed periodically in patients with preexisting hepatic abnormalities, particularly during prolonged therapy. Treatment should be withdrawn if persistent elevations or worsening of liver enzyme levels occur.

Some azole antifungals have been associated with prolongation of the QT interval on the ECG. Rare cases of QT prolongation and torsade de pointes have been reported during postmarketing experience; such reports usually involved seriously ill patients with multiple confounding risk factors, such as structural heart disease, electrolyte abnormalities, and concomitant medications. These drugs should be administered with caution to patients with potentially proarrhythmic conditions, such as congenital/acquired QT prolongation, cardiomyopathy (especially when heart failure is present), sinus bradycardia, and existing symptomatic arrhythmias. Concomitant use with other medications that have potential to increase the risk of cardiotoxicity should be avoided.

Benzodiazepines depress the central nervous system and may cause or exacerbate mental depression and cause suicidal behavior and ideation. Episodes of mania and hypomania have also been reported in depressed patients treated with some of these agents. Therapy with benzodiazepines should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of depression or other psychiatric disorders. Patients should be monitored for any changes in mood or behavior. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients.

Fluconazole is substantially removed by hemodialysis. Plasma levels of fluconazole has been shown to reduce by 50% following 3 hours of dialysis. Fluconazole should be administered after hemodialysis.

Benzodiazepines depress the central nervous system and may cause or exacerbate mental depression and cause suicidal behavior and ideation. Episodes of mania and hypomania have also been reported in depressed patients treated with some of these agents. Therapy with benzodiazepines should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of depression or other psychiatric disorders. Patients should be monitored for any changes in mood or behavior. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients.

Fluconazole is primarily eliminated by the kidney. Patients with renal impairment may be at greater risk for adverse effects from fluconazole due to decreased drug clearance. Dosage adjustments are recommended for patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (CrCl <= 50 mL/min) receiving multiple doses of the drug.