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Drug Interactions between Cortenema and Fortabs

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

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

aspirin hydrocortisone

Applies to: Fortabs (aspirin / butalbital / caffeine) and Cortenema (hydrocortisone)

MONITOR: Coadministration with corticosteroids may decrease the serum concentrations and therapeutic effects of salicylates. Likewise, serum salicylate levels may increase following withdrawal of corticosteroid therapy, potentially resulting in salicylate toxicity. This interaction has been reported in patients receiving intra-articular as well as oral corticosteroids. One or more mechanisms may be involved, including an increase in the renal clearance and/or an induction of hepatic metabolism of salicylates caused by corticosteroids. Pharmacologically, the potential for increased gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity, including inflammation, bleeding, ulceration and perforation, should be considered due to additive ulcerogenic effects of these agents (especially aspirin) on the GI mucosa.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated concomitantly with a corticosteroid may require higher dosages of salicylates or salicylate-like drugs. Pharmacologic response to these agents should be monitored more closely whenever a corticosteroid is added to or withdrawn from therapy in patients stabilized on their existing salicylate regimen, and the salicylate dosage adjusted as necessary. During concomitant therapy, patients should be advised to take the medications with food and to immediately report signs and symptoms of GI ulceration and bleeding such as severe abdominal pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, and the appearance of black, tarry stools. The selective use of prophylactic anti-ulcer therapy (e.g., antacids, H2-antagonists) may be appropriate, particularly in patients with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease or GI bleeding and in elderly and debilitated patients.

References

  1. Baer PA, Shore A, Ikeman RL "Transient fall in serum salicylate levels following intraarticular injection of steroid in patients with rheumatoid arthritis." Arthritis Rheum 30 (1987): 345-7
  2. Koren G, Roifman C, Gelfand E, Lavi S, Suria D, Stein L "Corticosteroids-salicylate interaction in a case of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis." Ther Drug Monit 9 (1987): 177-9
  3. Edelman J, Potter JM, Hackett LP "The effect of intra-articular steroids on plasma salicylate concentrations." Br J Clin Pharmacol 21 (1986): 301-7
  4. Piper JM, Ray WA, Daugherty JR, Griffin MR "Corticosteroid use and peptic ulcer disease: role of nonsteroidal ani-inflammatory drugs." Ann Intern Med 114 (1991): 735-40
  5. Hansen RA, Tu W, Wang J, Ambuehl R, McDonald CJ, Murray MD "Risk of adverse gastrointestinal events from inhaled corticosteroids." Pharmacotherapy 28 (2008): 1325-34
View all 5 references

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Moderate

hydrocortisone butalbital

Applies to: Cortenema (hydrocortisone) and Fortabs (aspirin / butalbital / caffeine)

MONITOR: Barbiturates may decrease the plasma concentrations and systemic effects of both endogenous and exogenous corticosteroids. The mechanism is accelerated corticosteroid metabolism due to induction of the CYP450 3A4 enzymatic pathway by barbiturates.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated concomitantly with a barbiturate may require higher dosages of corticosteroids or adrenocorticotropic agents. Pharmacologic response to these agents should be monitored more closely whenever a barbiturate is added to or withdrawn from therapy in patients stabilized on their existing corticosteroid or adrenocorticotropic regimen, and the dosage(s) adjusted as necessary.

References

  1. Bartoszek M, Brenner AM, Szefler SJ "Prednisolone and methylprednisolone kinetics in children receiving anticonvulsant therapy." Clin Pharmacol Ther 42 (1987): 424-32
  2. Gambertoglio JG, Holford NH, Kapusnik JE, et al. "Disposition of total and unbound prednisolone in renal transplant patients receiving anticonvulsants." Kidney Int 25 (1984): 119-23
  3. Sehgal VN, Srivastava G "Corticosteroid-unresponsive pemphigus vulgaris following antiepileptic therapy." Int J Dermatol 27 (1988): 258
  4. Brooks PM, Buchanan WW, Grove M, Downie WW "Effects of enzyme induction on metabolism of prednisolone." Ann Rheum Dis 35 (1976): 339-43
  5. Hancock KW, Levell MJ "Primidone/dexamethasone interaction." Lancet 2 (1978): 97-8
  6. Young MC, Hughes IA "Loss of therapeutic control in congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to interaction between dexamethasone and primidone." Acta Paediatr Scand 80 (1991): 120-4
  7. Stjernholm MR, Katz FH "Effects of diphenylhydantoin, phenobarbital, and diazepam on the metabolism of methylprednisolone and its sodium succinate." J Clin Endocrinol Metab 41 (1975): 887-93
  8. "Product Information. Phenobarbital (phenobarbital)." Lilly, Eli and Company PROD (2001):
  9. Brooks SM, Werk EE, Ackerman SJ, Sullivan I, Thrasher K "Adverse effects of phenobarbital on corticosteroid metabolism in patients with bronchial asthma." N Engl J Med 286 (1972): 1125-8
  10. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
View all 10 references

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Minor

aspirin caffeine

Applies to: Fortabs (aspirin / butalbital / caffeine) and Fortabs (aspirin / butalbital / caffeine)

One study has reported that coadministration of caffeine and aspirin lead to a 25% increase in the rate of appearance and 17% increase in maximum concentration of salicylate in the plasma. A significantly higher area under the plasma concentration time curve of salicylate was also reported when both drugs were administered together. The exact mechanism of this interaction has not been specified. Physicians and patients should be aware that coadministration of aspirin and caffeine may lead to higher salicylate levels faster.

References

  1. Yoovathaworn KC, Sriwatanakul K, Thithapandha A "Influence of caffeine on aspirin pharmacokinetics." Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 11 (1986): 71-6

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Drug and food interactions

Major

butalbital food

Applies to: Fortabs (aspirin / butalbital / caffeine)

GENERALLY AVOID: Concurrent acute use of barbiturates and ethanol may result in additive CNS effects, including impaired coordination, sedation, and death. Tolerance of these agents may occur with chronic use. The mechanism is related to inhibition of microsomal enzymes acutely and induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes chronically.

MANAGEMENT: The combination of ethanol and barbiturates should be avoided.

References

  1. Gupta RC, Kofoed J "Toxological statistics for barbiturates, other sedatives, and tranquilizers in Ontario: a 10-year survey." Can Med Assoc J 94 (1966): 863-5
  2. Misra PS, Lefevre A, Ishii H, Rubin E, Lieber CS "Increase of ethanol, meprobamate and pentobarbital metabolism after chronic ethanol administration in man and in rats." Am J Med 51 (1971): 346-51
  3. Saario I, Linnoila M "Effect of subacute treatment with hypnotics, alone or in combination with alcohol, on psychomotor skills related to driving." Acta Pharmacol Toxicol (Copenh) 38 (1976): 382-92
  4. Stead AH, Moffat AC "Quantification of the interaction between barbiturates and alcohol and interpretation of fatal blood concentrations." Hum Toxicol 2 (1983): 5-14
  5. Seixas FA "Drug/alcohol interactions: avert potential dangers." Geriatrics 34 (1979): 89-102
View all 5 references

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Moderate

aspirin food

Applies to: Fortabs (aspirin / butalbital / caffeine)

GENERALLY AVOID: The concurrent use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and ethanol may lead to gastrointestinal (GI) blood loss. The mechanism may be due to a combined local effect as well as inhibition of prostaglandins leading to decreased integrity of the GI lining.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be counseled on this potential interaction and advised to refrain from alcohol consumption while taking aspirin or NSAIDs.

References

  1. "Product Information. Motrin (ibuprofen)." Pharmacia and Upjohn PROD (2002):

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Minor

caffeine food

Applies to: Fortabs (aspirin / butalbital / caffeine)

The effect of grapefruit juice on the pharmacologic activity of caffeine is controversial. One report suggests that grapefruit juice increases the effect of caffeine. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of cytochrome P-450 metabolism of caffeine. However, a well-conducted pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study did not demonstrate this effect. The clinical significance of this potential interaction is unknown.

References

  1. "Grapefruit juice interactions with drugs." Med Lett Drugs Ther 37 (1995): 73-4
  2. Maish WA, Hampton EM, Whitsett TL, Shepard JD, Lovallo WR "Influence of grapefruit juice on caffeine pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics." Pharmacotherapy 16 (1996): 1046-52

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Minor

aspirin food

Applies to: Fortabs (aspirin / butalbital / caffeine)

One study has reported that coadministration of caffeine and aspirin lead to a 25% increase in the rate of appearance and 17% increase in maximum concentration of salicylate in the plasma. A significantly higher area under the plasma concentration time curve of salicylate was also reported when both drugs were administered together. The exact mechanism of this interaction has not been specified. Physicians and patients should be aware that coadministration of aspirin and caffeine may lead to higher salicylate levels faster.

References

  1. Yoovathaworn KC, Sriwatanakul K, Thithapandha A "Influence of caffeine on aspirin pharmacokinetics." Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 11 (1986): 71-6

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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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