Drug Interactions between Decotuss-HD and safinamide

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate the central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects of opioid analgesics including hydrocodone. Concomitant use may result in additive CNS depression and impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills. In more severe cases, hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, or even death may occur.

GENERALLY AVOID: Consumption of alcohol while taking some sustained-release formulations of hydrocodone may cause rapid release of the drug, resulting in high systemic levels of hydrocodone that may be potentially lethal. Alcohol apparently can disrupt the release mechanism of some sustained-release formulations. In study subjects, the rate of absorption of hydrocodone from an extended-release formulation was found to be affected by coadministration with 40% alcohol in the fasted state, as demonstrated by an average 2.4-fold (up to 3.9-fold in one subject) increase in hydrocodone peak plasma concentration and a decrease in the time to peak concentration. Alcohol also increased the extent of absorption by an average of 1.2-fold (up to 1.7-fold in one subject).

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of hydrocodone. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated metabolism of hydrocodone by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Increased hydrocodone concentrations could conceivably increase or prolong adverse drug effects and may cause potentially fatal respiratory depression.

MANAGEMENT: Patients taking sustained-release formulations of hydrocodone should not consume alcohol or use medications that contain alcohol. In general, potent narcotics such as hydrocodone should not be combined with alcohol. Patients should also avoid consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with hydrocodone.

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GENERALLY AVOID: Foods that contain large amounts of tyramine may precipitate a hypertensive crisis in patients treated with safinamide. The proposed mechanism involves potentiation of the tyramine pressor effect due to inhibition of monoamine oxidase (MAO) by safinamide. Monoamine oxidase in the gastrointestinal tract and liver, primarily type A (MAO-A), is the enzyme responsible for metabolizing exogenous amines such as tyramine and preventing them from being absorbed intact. Once absorbed, tyramine is metabolized to octopamine, a substance that is believed to displace norepinephrine from storage granules causing a rise in blood pressure. In vitro, safinamide inhibits MAO-B with greater than 1000-fold selectivity over MAO-A, and neither safinamide nor its major metabolites inhibit MAO-A at clinically relevant concentrations. Results from an oral tyramine challenge study also suggest that safinamide is a selective inhibitor of MAO-B at the recommended dosages of 50 or 100 mg/day. However, this selectivity is not absolute and may diminish in a dose-related manner above the maximum recommended daily dosage. In clinical trials, the incidence of hypertension was 7% and 5% for safinamide 50 mg and 100 mg, respectively, versus 4% for placebo. There were no reported cases of hypertensive crisis.

Administration of safinamide following intake of a high-fat, high-caloric breakfast resulted in a slight delay in the absorption of safinamide, but had no effects on safinamide peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) compared to administration under fasted conditions.

MANAGEMENT: Dietary restriction is not ordinarily required during safinamide treatment with respect to most foods and beverages that contain tyramine, which usually include aged, fermented, cured, smoked, or pickled foods (e.g., air-dried and fermented meats or fish, aged cheeses, most soybean products, yeast extracts, red wine, beer, sauerkraut). However, certain foods like some of the aged cheeses (e.g., Boursault, Liederkrantz, Mycella, Stilton) and pickled herring may contain very high amounts of tyramine and could potentially cause a hypertensive reaction in patients taking safinamide, even at recommended dosages, due to increased sensitivity to tyramine. Patients should be advised to avoid the intake of very high levels of tyramine (e.g., greater than 150 mg) and to promptly seek medical attention if they experience potential signs and symptoms of a hypertensive crisis such as severe headache, visual disturbances, confusion, stupor, seizures, chest pain, unexplained nausea or vomiting, and stroke-like symptoms. Blood pressure should be regularly monitored and managed accordingly. Medication adjustment may be necessary if blood pressure elevations are sustained or not adequately controlled. Safinamide should not be used at dosages exceeding 100 mg/day, or 50 mg/day in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B, 7-9), as it may increase the risk of hypertensive crisis and other adverse reactions associated with nonselective inhibition of MAO. Safinamide can be administered with or without food.

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MONITOR: Coadministration of two or more sympathomimetic agents may increase the risk of adverse effects such as nervousness, irritability, and increased heart rate. Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, particularly amphetamines, can potentiate the adrenergic response to vasopressors and other sympathomimetic agents. Additive increases in blood pressure and heart rate may occur due to enhanced peripheral sympathetic activity.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if two or more sympathomimetic agents are coadministered. Pulse and blood pressure should be closely monitored.

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