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Drug Interactions between Colax and Darvocet-N 100

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

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

propoxyphene bisacodyl

Applies to: Darvocet-N 100 (acetaminophen / propoxyphene) and Colax (bisacodyl)

MONITOR: Bowel cleansing as well as overuse of certain laxatives may cause electrolyte loss and increase the risk of torsade de pointes ventricular arrhythmia in patients treated with drugs that prolong the QT interval. Electrolyte disturbances including hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia have been reported with laxative abuse and are known risk factors for torsade de pointes associated with QT interval prolongation.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated with drugs that prolong the QT interval should exercise caution when self-medicating with laxatives. The recommended dosage and duration of use should not be exceeded. Patients treated with lactulose for more than six months should be monitored periodically for electrolyte imbalance. 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.

References

  1. Chin RL "Laxative-induced hypokalemia." Ann Emerg Med 32 (1998): 517-8
  2. Muller-Lissner SA "Adverse effects of laxatives: fact and fiction." Pharmacology 47 (1993): 138-45
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  4. Canadian Pharmacists Association "e-CPS. http://www.pharmacists.ca/function/Subscriptions/ecps.cfm?link=eCPS_quikLink" (2006):
  5. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  6. Schaefer DC, Cheskin LJ "Constipation in the elderly." Am Fam Physician 58 (1998): 907-14
View all 6 references

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Drug and food interactions

Major

propoxyphene food

Applies to: Darvocet-N 100 (acetaminophen / propoxyphene)

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may have additive CNS- and/or respiratory-depressant effects with propoxyphene. Misuse of propoxyphene, either alone or in combination with other CNS depressants, has been a major cause of drug-related deaths, particularly in patients with a history of emotional disturbances, suicidal ideation, or alcohol and drug abuse.

MANAGEMENT: The use of alcohol during propoxyphene therapy should be avoided. Patients should be warned not to exceed the recommended dosage of propoxyphene and to avoid activities requiring mental alertness until they know how these agents affect them.

References

  1. "Product Information. Darvon (propoxyphene)." Lilly, Eli and Company PROD (2001):

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Major

acetaminophen food

Applies to: Darvocet-N 100 (acetaminophen / propoxyphene)

GENERALLY AVOID: Chronic, excessive consumption of alcohol may increase the risk of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity, which has included rare cases of fatal hepatitis and frank hepatic failure requiring liver transplantation. The proposed mechanism is induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes during chronic alcohol use, which may result in accelerated metabolism of acetaminophen and increased production of potentially hepatotoxic metabolites.

MANAGEMENT: In general, chronic alcoholics should avoid regular or excessive use of acetaminophen. Alternative analgesic/antipyretic therapy may be appropriate in patients who consume three or more alcoholic drinks per day. However, if acetaminophen is used, these patients should be cautioned not to exceed the recommended dosage (maximum 4 g/day in adults and children 12 years of age or older).

References

  1. Kaysen GA, Pond SM, Roper MH, Menke DJ, Marrama MA "Combined hepatic and renal injury in alcoholics during therapeutic use of acetaminophen." Arch Intern Med 145 (1985): 2019-23
  2. O'Dell JR, Zetterman RK, Burnett DA "Centrilobular hepatic fibrosis following acetaminophen-induced hepatic necrosis in an alcoholic." JAMA 255 (1986): 2636-7
  3. Seeff LB, Cuccherini BA, Zimmerman HJ, Adler E, Benjamin SB "Acetaminophen hepatotoxicity in alcoholics." Ann Intern Med 104 (1986): 399-404
  4. Thummel KE, Slattery JT, Nelson SD "Mechanism by which ethanol diminishes the hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen." J Pharmacol Exp Ther 245 (1988): 129-36
  5. McClain CJ, Kromhout JP, Peterson FJ, Holtzman JL "Potentiation of acetaminophen hepatotoxicity by alcohol." JAMA 244 (1980): 251-3
  6. Kartsonis A, Reddy KR, Schiff ER "Alcohol, acetaminophen, and hepatic necrosis." Ann Intern Med 105 (1986): 138-9
  7. Prescott LF, Critchley JA "Drug interactions affecting analgesic toxicity." Am J Med 75 (1983): 113-6
  8. "Product Information. Tylenol (acetaminophen)." McNeil Pharmaceutical PROD (2002):
  9. Whitcomb DC, Block GD "Association of acetaminopphen hepatotoxicity with fasting and ethanol use." JAMA 272 (1994): 1845-50
  10. Bonkovsky HL "Acetaminophen hepatotoxicity, fasting, and ethanol." JAMA 274 (1995): 301
  11. Nelson EB, Temple AR "Acetaminophen hepatotoxicity, fasting, and ethanol." JAMA 274 (1995): 301
  12. Zimmerman HJ, Maddrey WC "Acetaminophen (paracetamol) hepatotoxicity with regular intake of alcohol: analysis of instances of therapeutic misadventure." Hepatology 22 (1995): 767-73
View all 12 references

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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.

See also

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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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