Drug Interactions between dexamethasone / ketorolac / moxifloxacin and hydroxyprogesterone

MONITOR CLOSELY: Concomitant administration of corticosteroids may potentiate the risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture associated with fluoroquinolone treatment. The mechanism is unknown. Tendinitis and tendon rupture have most frequently involved the Achilles tendon, although cases involving the rotator cuff (the shoulder), the hand, the biceps, and the thumb have also been reported. Some have required surgical repair or resulted in prolonged disability. Tendon rupture can occur during or up to several months after completion of fluoroquinolone therapy.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is recommended if fluoroquinolones are prescribed in combination with corticosteroids, particularly in patients with other concomitant risk factors (e.g., age over 60 years; recipient of kidney, heart, and/or lung transplant). Patients should be advised to stop taking the fluoroquinolone, avoid exercise and use of the affected area, and promptly contact their physician if they experience pain, swelling, or inflammation of a tendon. In general, fluoroquinolones should only be used to treat conditions that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria and only if the benefits outweigh the risks.

MONITOR: The combined use of corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may increase the potential for serious gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity, including inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and perforation. In a large, case-control study of elderly patients, those who used corticosteroids and NSAIDs concurrently had an estimated relative risk (RR) for peptic ulcer disease and GI hemorrhage of 14.6 compared to those who used neither. Corticosteroid use was associated with a doubling of the risk (estimated RR = 2.0), but the risk was confined to those who also used NSAIDs. It is possible that both categories of agents are ulcerogenic and have additive effects on the GI mucosa during coadministration. Some investigators have also suggested that the primary effect of corticosteroids in this interaction is to delay healing of erosions caused by NSAIDs rather than cause de novo ulcerations.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if corticosteroids and NSAIDs are used together, especially in patients with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease or GI bleeding and in elderly and debilitated patients. 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 considered.

ADDITIONAL CONTRACEPTION RECOMMENDED: Coadministration with inducers of CYP450 3A4 may decrease the plasma concentrations of estrogens and progestins. Estrogens have been shown in in vitro and in vivo studies to be partially metabolized by CYP450 3A4, and other steroids including progestins are also believed to undergo metabolism by this isoenzyme. The interaction has been reported primarily with oral contraceptives. There have been case reports of menstrual breakthrough bleeding or unwanted pregnancy in women receiving low-dose oral contraceptives following the addition of known CYP450 3A4 inducers such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, and St. John's wort. Inadequate response to estrogen replacement therapy has also been reported in a patient treated with phenytoin. Aminoglutethimide, a CYP450 3A4 inducer, has been shown to decrease medroxyprogesterone and megestrol serum levels by 74% in six patients stabilized on their progestin regimen.

MANAGEMENT: Pharmacologic response to estrogens and progestins should be monitored more closely whenever a CYP450 3A4 inducer is added to or withdrawn from therapy, and the hormone dosage adjusted as necessary. For patients receiving hormonal contraceptives, additional or alternative non-hormonal birth control may be advisable during concomitant therapy with CYP450 3A4 inducers. Additional or alternative non-hormonal birth control may be recommended beyond discontinuation of the CYP450 3A4 inducer(s). Individual product labeling should be consulted for specific time frames. Intrauterine systems are unlikely to be significantly affected because of their local action. Input from a gynecologist or similar expert on adequate contraception, including emergency contraception, should be sought as needed. Patients using replacement therapy should be advised to notify their physician if they experience inadequate control of symptoms associated with estrogen deficiency (e.g., nocturnal sweating, vasomotor disturbances, atrophic vaginitis) or changes in the uterine bleeding profile.

MONITOR: Coadministration with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may potentiate the risk of central nervous system toxicity sometimes associated with fluoroquinolone use. The interaction has been reported most often with enoxacin. It may occur with other fluoroquinolones as well, but is poorly documented. The exact mechanism of interaction is unknown. Some investigators suggest that the piperazine ring of fluoroquinolones may inhibit the binding of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to brain receptors and that NSAIDs may synergistically add to this effect. Patients with a history of seizures may be at greater risk.

MANAGEMENT: Clinical monitoring for signs of CNS stimulation such as tremors, involuntary muscle movements, hallucinations, or seizures is recommended if fluoroquinolone antibiotics are prescribed in combination with NSAIDs.