Drug Interactions between Di-Phen and Etrafon

MONITOR: Tricyclic antidepressants may increase serum phenytoin levels. In vitro studies suggest the mechanism may involve inhibition of CYP450 2C19-catalyzed phenytoin p-hydroxylation by tricyclic antidepressants, especially imipramine and amitriptyline. Phenytoin may induce the hepatic metabolism of desipramine resulting in decreased plasma concentrations. In addition, tricyclic antidepressants may lower the seizure threshold.

MANAGEMENT: Clinical monitoring of patient response, tolerance, and serum phenytoin concentrations is recommended. Patients should be advised to notify their doctor if they experience loss of seizure control or symptoms of phenytoin toxicity (drowsiness, visual disturbances, change in mental status, nausea, or ataxia). Phenytoin dosage may need to be adjusted.

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MONITOR: Concurrent use of phenothiazines and phenytoin may increase the effect of phenytoin and decrease the effect of the phenothiazine. The mechanism is unknown and clinical data have been inconsistent.

MANAGEMENT: Close monitoring for clinical and laboratory evidence of phenytoin toxicity is indicated. Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they experience symptoms of possible hydantoin toxicity, including drowsiness, visual disturbances, change in mental status, seizures, nausea, or ataxia.

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MONITOR: Coadministration of a phenothiazine with a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) may result in elevated plasma concentrations of one or both drugs as well as additive adverse effects. Most phenothiazines and TCAs have been found to undergo metabolism by CYP450 2D6, thus competitive inhibition of the enzyme may occur when more than one of these agents are administered. Although these drugs have been used together clinically, the possibility of increased risk of serious adverse effects such as central nervous system depression, tardive dyskinesia, hypotension, and prolongation of the QT interval should be considered, as many of these agents alone can and have produced these effects. In addition, excessive anticholinergic effects may occur in combination use, which can result in paralytic ileus, hyperthermia, heat stroke, and the anticholinergic intoxication syndrome. Peripheral symptoms of anticholinergic intoxication commonly include mydriasis, blurred vision, flushed face, fever, dry skin and mucous membranes, tachycardia, urinary retention, and constipation. Central symptoms may include memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, hallucinations, psychosis, delirium, hyperactivity, twitching or jerking movements, stereotypy, and seizures.

MANAGEMENT: Concurrent use of phenothiazines and TCAs should be approached with caution, particularly in the elderly and those with underlying organic brain disease, who tend to be more sensitive to the central anticholinergic effects of these drugs and in whom toxicity symptoms may be easily overlooked. Patients should be advised to notify their physician promptly if they experience potential symptoms of anticholinergic intoxication (e.g., abdominal pain, fever, heat intolerance, blurred vision, confusion, hallucinations) or cardiovascular toxicity (e.g., dizziness, palpitations, arrhythmias, syncope). Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid activities requiring mental alertness until they know how these agents affect them. A dosage reduction in one or both drugs may be necessary if excessive adverse effects develop.

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