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Drug Interactions between Demulen 1/50 and Halcion

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

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Interactions between your drugs

Minor

ethinyl estradiol triazolam

Applies to: Demulen 1 / 50 (ethinyl estradiol / ethynodiol) and Halcion (triazolam)

Oral contraceptives may prolong the half-life of certain benzodiazepines that undergo hepatic oxidative metabolism (such as diazepam and chlordiazepoxide). Other benzodiazepines also may participate in this interaction. Close observation for signs and symptoms of altered benzodiazepine effect is recommended.

References

  1. Patwardhan RV, Mitchell MC, Johnson RF, Schenker S (1983) "Differential effects of oral contraceptive steroids on the metabolism of benzodiazepines." Hepatology, 3, p. 248-53
  2. Stoehr GP, Kroboth PD, Juhl RP, Wender DB, Phillips JP, Smith RB (1984) "Effect of oral contraceptives on triazolam, temazepam, alprazolam, and lorazepam kinetics." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 36, p. 683-90
  3. Abernethy DR, Greenblatt DJ, Divoll M, Arendt R, Ochs HR, Shader RI (1982) "Impairment of diazepam metabolism by low-dose estrogen-containing oral-contraceptive steroids." N Engl J Med, 306, p. 791-2
  4. Scavone JM, Greenblatt DJ, Locniskar A, Shader RI (1988) "Alprazolam pharmacokinetics in women on low-dose oral contraceptives." J Clin Pharmacol, 28, p. 454-7
View all 4 references

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Drug and food interactions

Moderate

triazolam food

Applies to: Halcion (triazolam)

GENERALLY AVOID: The pharmacologic activity of oral midazolam, triazolam, and alprazolam may be increased if taken after drinking grapefruit juice. The proposed mechanism is CYP450 3A4 enzyme inhibition. In addition, acute alcohol ingestion may potentiate CNS depression and other CNS effects of many benzodiazepines. Tolerance may develop with chronic ethanol use. The mechanism may be decreased clearance of the benzodiazepines because of CYP450 hepatic enzyme inhibition. Also, it has been suggested that the cognitive deficits induced by benzodiazepines may be increased in patients who chronically consume large amounts of alcohol.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends that grapefruit juice should not be taken with oral midazolam. Patients taking triazolam or alprazolam should be monitored for excessive sedation. Alternatively, the patient could consume orange juice which does not interact with these drugs. Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol during benzodiazepine therapy.

References

  1. (2002) "Product Information. Xanax (alprazolam)." Pharmacia and Upjohn
  2. (2002) "Product Information. Valium (diazepam)." Roche Laboratories
  3. (2001) "Product Information. Halcion (triazolam)." Pharmacia and Upjohn
  4. (1995) "Grapefruit juice interactions with drugs." Med Lett Drugs Ther, 37, p. 73-4
  5. Kupferschmidt HHT, Ha HR, Ziegler WH, Meier PJ, Krahenbuhl S (1995) "Interaction between grapefruit juice and midazolam in humans." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 58, p. 20-8
  6. Hukkinen SK, Varhe A, Olkkola KT, Neuvonen PJ (1995) "Plasma concentrations of triazolam are increased by concomitant ingestion of grapefruit juice." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 58, p. 127-31
  7. Bailey DG, Dresser GR, Kreeft JH, Munoz C, Freeman DJ, Bend JR (2000) "Grapefruit-felodipine interaction: Effect of unprocessed fruit and probable active ingredients." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 68, p. 468-77
View all 7 references

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Minor

ethinyl estradiol food

Applies to: Demulen 1 / 50 (ethinyl estradiol / ethynodiol)

Coadministration with grapefruit juice may increase the bioavailability of oral estrogens. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall induced by certain compounds present in grapefruits. In a small, randomized, crossover study, the administration of ethinyl estradiol with grapefruit juice (compared to herbal tea) increased peak plasma drug concentration (Cmax) by 37% and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) by 28%. Based on these findings, grapefruit juice is unlikely to affect the overall safety profile of ethinyl estradiol. However, as with other drug interactions involving grapefruit juice, the pharmacokinetic alterations are subject to a high degree of interpatient variability. Also, the effect on other estrogens has not been studied.

References

  1. Weber A, Jager R, Borner A, et al. (1996) "Can grapefruit juice influence ethinyl estradiol bioavailability?" Contraception, 53, p. 41-7
  2. Schubert W, Eriksson U, Edgar B, Cullberg G, Hedner T (1995) "Flavonoids in grapefruit juice inhibit the in vitro hepatic metabolism of 17B-estradiol." Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet, 20, p. 219-24

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Minor

ethinyl estradiol food

Applies to: Demulen 1 / 50 (ethinyl estradiol / ethynodiol)

The central nervous system effects and blood levels of ethanol may be increased in patients taking oral contraceptives, although data are lacking and reports are contradictory. The mechanism may be due to enzyme inhibition. Consider counseling women about this interaction which is unpredictable.

References

  1. Hobbes J, Boutagy J, Shenfield GM (1985) "Interactions between ethanol and oral contraceptive steroids." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 38, p. 371-80

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Minor

ethynodiol food

Applies to: Demulen 1 / 50 (ethinyl estradiol / ethynodiol)

The central nervous system effects and blood levels of ethanol may be increased in patients taking oral contraceptives, although data are lacking and reports are contradictory. The mechanism may be due to enzyme inhibition. Consider counseling women about this interaction which is unpredictable.

References

  1. Hobbes J, Boutagy J, Shenfield GM (1985) "Interactions between ethanol and oral contraceptive steroids." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 38, p. 371-80

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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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