Interactions between Combivent and Lithium

Lithium has a major potential interaction with Alcoholism.

Antipsychotics can lower the seizure threshold and trigger seizures in a dose-dependent manner. Seizures have been reported in patients receiving antipsychotic therapy and may occur in epileptic patients even with maintenance of routine anticonvulsant treatment. Therapy with antipsychotics should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of seizures or other predisposing factors, such as head trauma, CNS abnormalities, and alcoholism. High dosages should be avoided if possible.

The ipratropium in Combivent has a moderate potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

Cases of supraventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation have been reported with the use of inhaled anticholinergic agents in patients with COPD/Asthma. Care and monitoring of cardiac function is recommended when prescribing these agents to patients at risk.

Lithium has a moderate potential interaction with Breast Cancer.

Antipsychotic drugs can elevate serum prolactin concentrations, and this elevation persists during chronic administration. This should be considered if therapy will be prescribed in patients with previously detected breast cancer as one-third of human breast cancers are prolactin-dependent in vitro. Associated disturbances such as galactorrhea, amenorrhea, gynecomastia, and impotence have been reported. Appropriate laboratory testing and follow-up is advised.

Lithium has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.

Lithium should generally not be given to patients with significant cardiovascular disease since the risk of lithium toxicity is high in these patients. Additionally, there have been postmarketing reports of a possible association between lithium therapy and the unmasking of Brugada Syndrome, a disorder characterized by abnormal EKG findings and a risk of sudden death. Lithium should be avoided in patients with this diagnosis or suspicion of it, or that have risk factors, which include unexplained syncope, family history of this syndrome, or family history of unexplained sudden death before the age of 45 years.
Therapy with lithium should be administered with extreme caution in patients with preexisting cardiac disease. Consultation with a cardiologist is highly recommended and cardiac monitoring should be completed before and during treatment.

Lithium has a major potential interaction with Central Nervous System Disorders.

Antipsychotics can lower the seizure threshold and trigger seizures in a dose-dependent manner. Seizures have been reported in patients receiving antipsychotic therapy and may occur in epileptic patients even with maintenance of routine anticonvulsant treatment. Therapy with antipsychotics should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of seizures or other predisposing factors, such as head trauma, CNS abnormalities, and alcoholism. High dosages should be avoided if possible.

Lithium has a major potential interaction with Dehydration.

Lithium reduces the ability of the kidney to concentrate urine and produces a mild diabetes insipidus and polyuria. Therefore, patients with preexisting dehydration are more prone to lithium retention and toxicity. Therapy with lithium should be administered cautiously in dehydrated patients and may need to be discontinued until improvement in hydration status. Careful monitoring of lithium levels are recommended. Patients with sweating, diarrhea or concomitant infection with fever may need a temporary reduction or cessation of medication.

Lithium has a major potential interaction with Dementia.

Antipsychotic drugs are not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis. Older patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death; although the causes were varied, most of the deaths appeared to be either cardiovascular (e.g., heart failure, sudden death) or infectious (e.g., pneumonia) in nature. A causal relationship with antipsychotic use has not been established. In controlled trials in older patients with dementia-related psychosis, patients randomized to risperidone, aripiprazole, and olanzapine had higher incidence of cerebrovascular adverse events (e.g., stroke, transient ischemic attack), including fatalities, compared to patients treated with placebo.

The albuterol in Combivent has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Adrenergic bronchodilators may cause increases in blood glucose concentrations. These effects are usually transient and slight, but may be significant with dosages higher than those normally recommended. Large doses of IV albuterol (not commercially available in the U.S.) and terbutaline sulfate have been reported to cause exacerbation of preexisting diabetes mellitus and ketoacidosis. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus. Closer monitoring of blood glucose concentrations may be appropriate. Systemic adverse effects are minimized, but not abolished, by administration of these agents via oral inhalation.

Lithium has a major potential interaction with Diarrhea.

Lithium reduces the ability of the kidney to concentrate urine and produces a mild diabetes insipidus and polyuria. Therefore, patients with preexisting dehydration are more prone to lithium retention and toxicity. Therapy with lithium should be administered cautiously in dehydrated patients and may need to be discontinued until improvement in hydration status. Careful monitoring of lithium levels are recommended. Patients with sweating, diarrhea or concomitant infection with fever may need a temporary reduction or cessation of medication.

Lithium has a major potential interaction with Diarrhea.

The risk for lithium toxicity may be increased in patients with diarrhea and excessive sweating. Dehydration and sodium depletion may occur in these patients leading to lithium retention and toxicity. The use of lithium may need to be reduced or suspended until the condition resolves. Supplemental fluid and salt may need to be administered. Monitoring serum lithium levels is recommended.

Lithium has a major potential interaction with Fever.

Lithium reduces the ability of the kidney to concentrate urine and produces a mild diabetes insipidus and polyuria. Therefore, patients with preexisting dehydration are more prone to lithium retention and toxicity. Therapy with lithium should be administered cautiously in dehydrated patients and may need to be discontinued until improvement in hydration status. Careful monitoring of lithium levels are recommended. Patients with sweating, diarrhea or concomitant infection with fever may need a temporary reduction or cessation of medication.

Lithium has a moderate potential interaction with Fever.

Patients with fever may have a lower tolerance to lithium due to increased fluid and sodium loss. Lithium dosage may need to be reduced or suspended in such patients. Monitoring lithium serum levels is recommended.

The ipratropium in Combivent has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma, Narrow Angle.

Aclidinium, ipratropium, umeclidinium, and tiotropium are anticholinergic agents. Although systemic effects are uncommon due to the poor absorption of quaternary ammonium compounds from gastrointestinal and nasal mucosa, worsening of urinary retention or angle-closure glaucoma has been reported. Increased intraocular pressure and precipitation or exacerbation of angle-closure glaucoma may also occur due to inadvertent contact of the eye with aerosolized or nebulized drug. Accordingly, therapy with quaternary ammonium compounds should be administered cautiously in patients with urinary retention/obstruction or angle-closure glaucoma. Measures should be taken whenever possible to minimize ocular exposure to these drugs, such as keeping eyes closed during oral inhalation or use of a mouthpiece rather than face mask during nebulization. Patients should be advised to contact their physician if they experience urinary difficulty (especially in patients with prostatic hyperplasia or bladder neck obstruction); or signs and symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma (e.g., eye pain or discomfort; blurred vision; visual halos; colored images in association with red eyes from conjunctival congestion or corneal edema).

The albuterol in Combivent has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Disease.

Adrenergic bronchodilators can stimulate cardiovascular beta- 1 and beta- 2 receptors, resulting in adverse effects such as tachycardia, palpitation, peripheral vasodilation, blood pressure changes, and ECG changes (e.g., flattening of the T wave; prolongation of the QT interval; ST segment depression). Direct stimulation of cardiac tissues is mediated by beta- 1 receptors and thus less likely to occur with beta-2-selective agents such as albuterol. However, beta-2-selectivity is not absolute and can be lost with larger doses. High dosages of these agents have been associated with precipitation or aggravation of angina, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac arrhythmias. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, and/or underlying cardiovascular disorders such as coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, or hypertension. The recommended dosages should not be exceeded.

The albuterol in Combivent has a moderate potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.

Adrenergic bronchodilators can stimulate cardiovascular beta- 1 and beta- 2 receptors, resulting in adverse effects such as tachycardia, palpitation, peripheral vasodilation, blood pressure changes, and ECG changes (e.g., flattening of the T wave; prolongation of the QT interval; ST segment depression). Direct stimulation of cardiac tissues is mediated by beta- 1 receptors and thus less likely to occur with beta-2-selective agents such as albuterol. However, beta-2-selectivity is not absolute and can be lost with larger doses. High dosages of these agents have been associated with precipitation or aggravation of angina, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac arrhythmias. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, and/or underlying cardiovascular disorders such as coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, or hypertension. The recommended dosages should not be exceeded.

Lithium has a major potential interaction with Hyperhidrosis.

Lithium reduces the ability of the kidney to concentrate urine and produces a mild diabetes insipidus and polyuria. Therefore, patients with preexisting dehydration are more prone to lithium retention and toxicity. Therapy with lithium should be administered cautiously in dehydrated patients and may need to be discontinued until improvement in hydration status. Careful monitoring of lithium levels are recommended. Patients with sweating, diarrhea or concomitant infection with fever may need a temporary reduction or cessation of medication.

Lithium has a major potential interaction with Hyperhidrosis.

The risk for lithium toxicity may be increased in patients with diarrhea and excessive sweating. Dehydration and sodium depletion may occur in these patients leading to lithium retention and toxicity. The use of lithium may need to be reduced or suspended until the condition resolves. Supplemental fluid and salt may need to be administered. Monitoring serum lithium levels is recommended.

Lithium has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperprolactinemia.

Antipsychotic drugs can elevate serum prolactin concentrations, and this elevation persists during chronic administration. This should be considered if therapy will be prescribed in patients with previously detected breast cancer as one-third of human breast cancers are prolactin-dependent in vitro. Associated disturbances such as galactorrhea, amenorrhea, gynecomastia, and impotence have been reported. Appropriate laboratory testing and follow-up is advised.

The albuterol in Combivent has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

Adrenergic bronchodilators can stimulate cardiovascular beta- 1 and beta- 2 receptors, resulting in adverse effects such as tachycardia, palpitation, peripheral vasodilation, blood pressure changes, and ECG changes (e.g., flattening of the T wave; prolongation of the QT interval; ST segment depression). Direct stimulation of cardiac tissues is mediated by beta- 1 receptors and thus less likely to occur with beta-2-selective agents such as albuterol. However, beta-2-selectivity is not absolute and can be lost with larger doses. High dosages of these agents have been associated with precipitation or aggravation of angina, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac arrhythmias. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, and/or underlying cardiovascular disorders such as coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, or hypertension. The recommended dosages should not be exceeded.

The albuterol in Combivent has a moderate potential interaction with Hypokalemia.

Adrenergic bronchodilators may cause decreases in serum potassium concentrations, primarily when given by nebulization or intravenous administration. Although this effect is usually transient and does not require supplementation, clinically significant hypokalemia may occur in some patients, with the potential to induce cardiovascular adverse effects. The relevance of these observations to oral or oral aerosol/powder for inhalation therapy is unknown. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to hypokalemia.

Lithium has a major potential interaction with Hyponatremia.

Lithium decreases sodium reabsorption by the renal tubules which could lead to sodium depletion. Therapy with lithium should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting sodium depletion as the risk of lithium toxicity is increased. Lower dosages may be required. Patients should maintain a normal diet, including salt, and an adequate fluid intake. Monitoring lithium serum concentrations is recommended.

The ipratropium in Combivent has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Ipratropium has not been studied in patients with hepatic or renal insufficiency. Therapy with this agent should be used with caution in these patients.

Lithium has a major potential interaction with Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), a potentially fatal symptom complex, has been reported in association with the use of antipsychotic drugs. The diagnostic evaluation is complicated and the management requires immediate discontinuation of the antipsychotic therapy and intensive symptomatic treatment and medical monitoring. If a patient that has recovered from NMS requires antipsychotic drug treatment again, the reintroduction of therapy should be carefully considered as NMS recurrences have been reported.

Lithium has a moderate potential interaction with Neutropenia.

The use of antipsychotics has been associated with events of leukopenia, neutropenia and agranulocytosis. Possible risk factors include preexisting low white blood cell count, and history of drug induced leukopenia/neutropenia. Patients with these risk factors should have complete blood count monitored frequently during the first few months of therapy. Patients should also be monitored for any signs or symptoms of infection. Treatment should be discontinued in any patient who develops a sore throat, fever, stomatitis, or other signs of infection along with a low WBC count or severe neutropenia (ANC < 1000/mm3).

Lithium has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Lithium is primarily eliminated by the kidneys and should generally not be administered to patients with significant renal dysfunction. Additionally, morphological changes with glomerular and interstitial fibrosis and nephron atrophy have been reported in patients on chronic lithium therapy, although the association has not been clearly established. Kidney function should be assessed in patients prior to starting therapy, during and thereafter and routine urinalysis and renal function tests are recommended. Progressive or sudden changes in renal function indicate the need for reevaluation of treatment. Monitoring lithium serum levels is also recommended.

The ipratropium in Combivent has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Ipratropium has not been studied in patients with hepatic or renal insufficiency. Therapy with this agent should be used with caution in these patients.

The albuterol in Combivent has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Levalbuterol is substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Care should be taken in dose selection in patients with renal impairment and it may be useful to monitor renal function.

The albuterol in Combivent has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.

Adrenergic bronchodilators may cause CNS stimulation. Therapy with adrenergic bronchodilators should be administered cautiously in patients with seizure disorders. Systemic adverse effects are minimized, but not abolished, by administration of these agents via oral inhalation.

Lithium has a major potential interaction with Syncope.

Lithium should generally not be given to patients with significant cardiovascular disease since the risk of lithium toxicity is high in these patients. Additionally, there have been postmarketing reports of a possible association between lithium therapy and the unmasking of Brugada Syndrome, a disorder characterized by abnormal EKG findings and a risk of sudden death. Lithium should be avoided in patients with this diagnosis or suspicion of it, or that have risk factors, which include unexplained syncope, family history of this syndrome, or family history of unexplained sudden death before the age of 45 years.
Therapy with lithium should be administered with extreme caution in patients with preexisting cardiac disease. Consultation with a cardiologist is highly recommended and cardiac monitoring should be completed before and during treatment.

Lithium has a major potential interaction with Tachyarrhythmia.

Lithium should generally not be given to patients with significant cardiovascular disease since the risk of lithium toxicity is high in these patients. Additionally, there have been postmarketing reports of a possible association between lithium therapy and the unmasking of Brugada Syndrome, a disorder characterized by abnormal EKG findings and a risk of sudden death. Lithium should be avoided in patients with this diagnosis or suspicion of it, or that have risk factors, which include unexplained syncope, family history of this syndrome, or family history of unexplained sudden death before the age of 45 years.
Therapy with lithium should be administered with extreme caution in patients with preexisting cardiac disease. Consultation with a cardiologist is highly recommended and cardiac monitoring should be completed before and during treatment.

Lithium has a major potential interaction with Underactive Thyroid.

The use of lithium has been associated with hypothyroidism in 5% to 15% of patient as it blocks the release of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) mediated by thyrotropin. Therapy with lithium should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting hypothyroidism. Careful monitoring of the thyroid function is recommended and supplemental thyroid treatment may be required.

The ipratropium in Combivent has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Retention.

Aclidinium, ipratropium, umeclidinium, and tiotropium are anticholinergic agents. Although systemic effects are uncommon due to the poor absorption of quaternary ammonium compounds from gastrointestinal and nasal mucosa, worsening of urinary retention or angle-closure glaucoma has been reported. Increased intraocular pressure and precipitation or exacerbation of angle-closure glaucoma may also occur due to inadvertent contact of the eye with aerosolized or nebulized drug. Accordingly, therapy with quaternary ammonium compounds should be administered cautiously in patients with urinary retention/obstruction or angle-closure glaucoma. Measures should be taken whenever possible to minimize ocular exposure to these drugs, such as keeping eyes closed during oral inhalation or use of a mouthpiece rather than face mask during nebulization. Patients should be advised to contact their physician if they experience urinary difficulty (especially in patients with prostatic hyperplasia or bladder neck obstruction); or signs and symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma (e.g., eye pain or discomfort; blurred vision; visual halos; colored images in association with red eyes from conjunctival congestion or corneal edema).