Drug Interactions between dexamethasone / ketorolac / moxifloxacin and Normiflo

GENERALLY AVOID: In patients receiving neuraxial anesthesia or spinal puncture, the risk of developing an epidural or spinal hematoma during low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or heparinoid therapy may be increased by the concomitant use of other drugs that affect coagulation, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The development of epidural and spinal hematoma can lead to long-term or permanent paralysis.

GENERALLY AVOID: Theoretically, NSAIDs may potentiate the risk of bleeding complications associated with LMWH or heparinoid therapy. NSAIDs interfere with platelet adhesion and aggregation and may prolong bleeding time in healthy individuals. While these effects are generally slight and of relatively short duration with most NSAIDs (except aspirin) at recommended dosages, they may be of pronounced clinical significance when combined with the inhibitory effects of LMWHs or heparinoids on the clotting cascade. However, little clinical data exist regarding an actual interaction. In a controlled, randomized prospective study, 60 patients undergoing total hip replacement received enoxaparin (40 mg subcutaneously 12 hours pre- and every 24 hours postoperatively for 10 days) and analgesia with either ketorolac (30 mg IM on induction of anesthesia and every 24 hours postoperatively for 4 days) or an opioid plus acetaminophen. The authors reported no significant differences between the two groups for intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, transfusion requirements, bruising, wound oozing, and leg swelling. However, there have been anecdotal reports of hemorrhagic complications in surgical patients treated with NSAIDs alone and in combination with a LMWH. In addition, NSAIDs are known to cause dose-related gastrointestinal bleeding, which may be complicated by anticoagulant therapy.

MANAGEMENT: Products containing NSAIDs, especially if given chronically and in high dosages, should preferably be avoided in patients receiving LMWHs or heparinoids. Close clinical and laboratory observation for bleeding complications is recommended if concurrent therapy is necessary. In patients undergoing neuraxial intervention, coadministration of these agents should be approached with caution and only after thorough assessment of risks and benefits. Besides bleeding complications, patients should also be monitored frequently for signs and symptoms of neurologic impairment such as midline back pain, sensory and motor deficits (numbness or weakness in lower limbs), and bowel or bladder dysfunction.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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