Drug Interactions between dextromethorphan / quinidine and Para-Time S. R.

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with potent CYP450 2D6 inhibitors (e.g., quinidine, terbinafine) may significantly increase the plasma concentrations of dextromethorphan in patients who are extensive metabolizers of this isoenzyme (approximately 93% of Caucasians and more than 98% of Asians and individuals of African descent). The proposed mechanism is inhibition of the CYP450 2D6-mediated O-demethylation of dextromethorphan. Studies in humans have shown an increase in systemic exposure of dextromethorphan of up to 43-fold when given concurrently with quinidine. Increased plasma concentrations increase the risk of dextromethorphan-related adverse effects (e.g., agitation, confusion, tremor, insomnia, diarrhea, and respiratory depression) and serotonin syndrome. However, this interaction has also been used clinically, with dextromethorphan in combination with quinidine indicated by some authorities for the treatment of pseudobulbar affect. Data evaluating the impact of this interaction in patients who are poor metabolizers of CYP450 2D6 are limited; most studies include extensive metabolizers of this isoenzyme. It is expected that poor metabolizers would have elevated dextromethorphan levels without concurrent quinidine

MANAGEMENT: The combination of dextromethorphan with potent CYP450 2D6 inhibitors should be generally avoided. Some manufacturers consider the concomitant use of dextromethorphan and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors contraindicated. If use is considered necessary, the patient should be monitored for signs of dextromethorphan adverse effects (e.g., agitation, confusion, tremor, insomnia, diarrhea, and respiratory depression) and serotonin syndrome, and advised to notify their health care professional if these adverse effects develop or worsen. Dose reduction of dextromethorphan may also be required.

Switch to consumer interaction data

MONITOR CLOSELY: Intracoronary administration of papaverine has been associated with QT interval prolongation and torsade de pointes (TdP) arrhythmia. The risk may theoretically increase in patients receiving concomitant medications that can also prolong the QT interval or cause bradycardia. QT interval prolongation has not been reported following systemic or intracavernosal administration of papaverine. The precise mechanism of papaverine-induced ventricular tachyarrhythmias has not been delineated, but may involve inhibition of potassium currents and prolongation of the action potential duration. In a study involving 182 consecutive patients undergoing fractional flow reserve measurements, premature ventricular beats occurred in 15.9% of patients following administration of intracoronary papaverine. TdP occurred in 2.8% of patients, and of those, 1.7% developed ventricular fibrillation. The incidence of intracoronary papaverine-induced ventricular tachyarrhythmias has not been determined, but has ranged between <0.67% and 8.8% following intracoronary administration of 6 mg to 20 mg. Based on numerous reports, female gender, hypokalemia, alkalosis, bradycardia, administration of papaverine into the left coronary artery, and a prior history of drug-induced QT prolongation may be risk factors for papaverine-induced fatal ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Apart from isolated case reports, there are no published data regarding the potential interaction between intracoronary papaverine and its use with other QT-prolonging drugs. In general, the risk of an individual agent or a combination of agents causing ventricular arrhythmia in association with QT prolongation is largely unpredictable but may be increased by certain underlying risk factors such as congenital long QT syndrome, cardiac disease, and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia). In addition, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drugs involved and dosages of the drugs.

MANAGEMENT: Caution and close monitoring are advised during intracoronary administration of papaverine, particularly in patients receiving concomitant drugs that can prolong the QT interval or cause bradycardia and in patients with other risk factors described above. Some QT prolonging medications have specific monitoring, dosing, and/or other recommendations present in their labeling to help mitigate or monitor this side effect; therefore, it may be advisable to consult the package labeling of the concomitant medication if coadministration with intracoronary papaverine is being considered or deemed necessary.

Switch to consumer interaction data