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Can you take Doxepin with Telithromycin?

1 drug interaction and 57 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

doxepin telithromycin

Applies to: doxepin and telithromycin

Using telithromycin together with doxepin can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect.

You may be more susceptible if you have:

  • a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome
  • other cardiac diseases
  • conduction abnormalities
  • electrolyte disturbances (for example, magnesium or potassium loss due to severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting)

Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with these medications, whether together or alone.

It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

doxepin Alcohol (Ethanol)

Applies to: doxepin

Ask your doctor before using doxepin together with ethanol (alcohol), this can alter the effects of doxepin and cause increased side effects.

Call the doctor if you experience:

  • uneven heartbeats
  • extreme drowsiness
  • confusion
  • agitation
  • vomiting
  • blurred vision
  • sweating
  • muscle stiffness
  • feeling light-headed
  • seizures

You should be warned not to exceed recommended dosages, to avoid alcohol, and to avoid activities requiring mental alertness.

If your doctor prescribes these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment to safely take this combination.

It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Disease interactions

56 potential interactions Applies to: 35 conditions, including Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Heart Attack, Arrhythmia, and Schizophrenia.

Abnormal Electrocardiogram

Major:

telithromycin

Telithromycin has a major potential interaction with Abnormal Electrocardiogram.

Telithromycin may prolong the QTc interval of the electrocardiogram in some patients. QTC prolongation has been associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and torsade de pointes. No cardiovascular morbidity or mortality attributable to QTc prolongation occurred with telithromycin treatment in nearly 5000 patients in clinical efficacy trials, including 204 patients who had a prolonged QTc interval at baseline. In addition, a pharmacokinetic study found no significant QT prolongation in 34 healthy volunteers at all heart rates tested following telithromycin administered as repeated doses of 800 mg or as single doses of up to 2400 mg. Nevertheless, therapy with telithromycin should be avoided in patients with preexisting arrhythmia or congenital prolongation of the QTc interval. It should also be avoided in the presence of proarrhythmic conditions such as uncorrected hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia; clinically significant bradycardia; or concomitant use of class IA or III antiarrhythmic drugs or other medications that are known to produce an increase in the QTc interval.

Alcoholism

Major:

doxepin

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Alcoholism.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), can lower the seizure threshold and trigger seizures. These drugs should be used with extreme caution in patients with a history of seizures, or other predisposing factors, such as head trauma, CNS abnormalities, and alcoholism. Daily dose restrictions might apply for specific antidepressants. Physicians are encouraged to get additional dosing recommendations on the manufacturer's prescribing information.

Major:

telithromycin

Telithromycin has a major potential interaction with Alcoholism.

Hepatic dysfunction, including elevated liver enzymes and hepatitis, with or without jaundice, has been reported with the use of telithromycin. Although these events are generally reversible, liver failure resulting in transplantation or death has been reported rarely during postmarketing use. Alcohol use may have been a contributing factor in some of the severe cases. Therapy with telithromycin should preferably be avoided in patients with alcoholism, liver disease, or a prior history of hepatitis/jaundice associated with use of the drug. Patients treated with telithromycin should be instructed to discontinue the drug and seek medical attention promptly if signs and symptoms of hepatic injury develop such as fever, pruritus, rash, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, right upper quadrant pain, dark urine, and jaundice.

The pharmacokinetics of telithromycin is not significantly altered in the presence of hepatic impairment due to a compensatory increase in renal elimination. No dosage adjustment is necessary unless renal function is also severely impaired (CrCl < 30 mL/min).

Moderate:

doxepin

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Alcoholism.

Tricyclic antidepressants can enhance the response to alcohol. In patients who may use alcohol excessively, it should be borne in mind that the potentiation may increase the danger inherent in any suicide attempt or overdosage.

Arrhythmia

Major:

doxepin

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.

Major:

telithromycin

Telithromycin has a major potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

Telithromycin may prolong the QTc interval of the electrocardiogram in some patients. QTC prolongation has been associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and torsade de pointes. No cardiovascular morbidity or mortality attributable to QTc prolongation occurred with telithromycin treatment in nearly 5000 patients in clinical efficacy trials, including 204 patients who had a prolonged QTc interval at baseline. In addition, a pharmacokinetic study found no significant QT prolongation in 34 healthy volunteers at all heart rates tested following telithromycin administered as repeated doses of 800 mg or as single doses of up to 2400 mg. Nevertheless, therapy with telithromycin should be avoided in patients with preexisting arrhythmia or congenital prolongation of the QTc interval. It should also be avoided in the presence of proarrhythmic conditions such as uncorrected hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia; clinically significant bradycardia; or concomitant use of class IA or III antiarrhythmic drugs or other medications that are known to produce an increase in the QTc interval.

Autoimmune Hepatitis

Major:

telithromycin

Telithromycin has a major potential interaction with Autoimmune Hepatitis.

The use of telithromycin is contraindicated in patients with previous history of hepatitis and/or jaundice associated with the use of any macrolide antibacterial agent.

Bipolar Disorder

Moderate:

doxepin

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Bipolar Disorder.

A major depressive episode can be the initial presentation of bipolar disorder. Patients with depressive symptoms should be adequately screened to determine if they are at risk for bipolar disorder prior to initiating treatment with doxepin. This screening should include a detailed psychiatric history, including a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression. It should be noted that doxepin is not approved for use in treating bipolar depression.

Moderate:

doxepin

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Bipolar Disorder.

A major depressive episode can be the initial presentation of bipolar disorder. Patients with depressive symptoms should be adequately screened to determine if they are at risk for bipolar disorder prior to initiating treatment with a tricyclic antidepressant. This screening should include a detailed psychiatric history, including a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression. It should be noted that tricyclic antidepressants are not approved for use in treating bipolar depression.

Moderate:

doxepin

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Bipolar Disorder.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may aggravate symptoms of psychosis in schizophrenic patients, particularly those with paranoid symptomatology. Depressed patients, usually those with bipolar disorder, may experience a switch from depression to mania or hypomania. These occurrences have also been reported rarely with the tetracyclic antidepressant, maprotiline. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or a history of mania.

Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts

Moderate:

doxepin

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.

The use of tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) has rarely been associated with bone marrow suppression. Leukopenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, anemia, eosinophilia, purpura, and pancytopenia have been reported with some TCAs. Patients with preexisting bone marrow suppression or blood dyscrasias receiving TCAs should be monitored closely during therapy for further decreases in blood counts.

Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders

Major:

doxepin

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.

Major:

doxepin

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.

Tricyclic antidepressants should be used with extreme caution in patients with evidence of cardiovascular disease because of the possibility of fluctuations in the blood pressure, arrhythmias, conduction defects, tachycardia, myocardial infarction and stroke. This also applies to patients who have family history of sudden death, cardiac dysrhythmias, or conduction disturbances. In some cases a gradual dose titration is recommended.

Central Nervous System Disorders

Major:

doxepin

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Central Nervous System Disorders.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), can lower the seizure threshold and trigger seizures. These drugs should be used with extreme caution in patients with a history of seizures, or other predisposing factors, such as head trauma, CNS abnormalities, and alcoholism. Daily dose restrictions might apply for specific antidepressants. Physicians are encouraged to get additional dosing recommendations on the manufacturer's prescribing information.

Cerebrovascular Insufficiency

Major:

doxepin

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Cerebrovascular Insufficiency.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.

Dehydration

Major:

doxepin

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Dehydration.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.

Depression

Major:

doxepin

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Depression.

A variety of abnormal thinking and behavior changes have been reported to occur in association with the use of most anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics. Some of these changes include decreased inhibition, aggressiveness, agitation, and hallucinations. These drugs can cause or exacerbate mental depression and cause suicidal behavior and ideation. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of depression or other psychiatric disorders. Patients should be monitored for any changes in mood or behavior. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients.

Diabetes Mellitus

Moderate:

doxepin

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

There have been reports of both elevation and lowering of blood sugar levels in patients receiving tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs should be used with caution in patients with hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia or diabetes. Monitoring sugar levels is recommended.

Moderate:

doxepin

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Both elevation and lowering of blood sugar levels have been reported with the use of some tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Rarely, these effects have also occurred with maprotiline, a tetracyclic antidepressant. Patients with diabetes should be monitored for worsening control of blood glucose when treated with these agents, particularly during dosage escalation or whenever dosage has been altered.

Electrolyte Abnormalities

Major:

telithromycin

Telithromycin has a major potential interaction with Electrolyte Abnormalities.

Telithromycin may prolong the QTc interval of the electrocardiogram in some patients. QTC prolongation has been associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and torsade de pointes. No cardiovascular morbidity or mortality attributable to QTc prolongation occurred with telithromycin treatment in nearly 5000 patients in clinical efficacy trials, including 204 patients who had a prolonged QTc interval at baseline. In addition, a pharmacokinetic study found no significant QT prolongation in 34 healthy volunteers at all heart rates tested following telithromycin administered as repeated doses of 800 mg or as single doses of up to 2400 mg. Nevertheless, therapy with telithromycin should be avoided in patients with preexisting arrhythmia or congenital prolongation of the QTc interval. It should also be avoided in the presence of proarrhythmic conditions such as uncorrected hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia; clinically significant bradycardia; or concomitant use of class IA or III antiarrhythmic drugs or other medications that are known to produce an increase in the QTc interval.

Gastrointestinal Obstruction

Major:

doxepin

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Tertiary amines such as amitriptyline and trimipramine tend to exhibit greater anticholinergic effects than other agents in the class. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. In patients with angle-closure glaucoma, even average doses can precipitate an attack. Glaucoma should be treated and under control prior to initiation of therapy with TCAs, and intraocular pressure monitored during therapy.

Glaucoma, Narrow Angle

Moderate:

doxepin

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma, Narrow Angle.

Tricyclic antidepressants as other type of antidepressants have an effect on pupil size causing dilation. This effect can potentially narrow the eye angle resulting in increased intraocular pressure and angle closure glaucoma, especially in predisposed patients. These drugs should be used with caution in patients with anatomically narrow angle or history of glaucoma. Doxepin hydrochloride capsules are contraindicated in patients with glaucoma.

Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension

Major:

doxepin

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.

The use of doxepin is contraindicated in patients with glaucoma, or a tendency to urinary retention. These disorders should be ruled out before starting treatment, especially in elderly patients.

Major:

doxepin

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Tertiary amines such as amitriptyline and trimipramine tend to exhibit greater anticholinergic effects than other agents in the class. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. In patients with angle-closure glaucoma, even average doses can precipitate an attack. Glaucoma should be treated and under control prior to initiation of therapy with TCAs, and intraocular pressure monitored during therapy.

Moderate:

doxepin

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.

Some hypnotic drugs can have an anticholinergic effect and should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, and trouble urinating due to retention or enlarged prostate.

Heart Attack

Major:

doxepin

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Heart Attack.

The use of most tricyclic antidepressants is contraindicated in patients that are going through the acute recovery period after a myocardial infarction.

Hemodialysis

Moderate:

telithromycin

Telithromycin has a moderate potential interaction with Hemodialysis.

The effect of hemodialysis on removing telithromycin from the body has not been studied. Doses should be given after the dialysis session on dialysis days.

History - Cerebrovascular Disease

Major:

doxepin

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with History - Cerebrovascular Disease.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.

History - Myocardial Infarction

Major:

doxepin

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with History - Myocardial Infarction.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.

Hyperthyroidism

Major:

doxepin

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.

Moderate:

doxepin

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

Most tricyclic antidepressants should be administered with caution in hyperthyroid patients or those receiving thyroid medication as they may develop arrhythmias when these drugs are given.

Hypoglycemia

Moderate:

doxepin

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Hypoglycemia.

There have been reports of both elevation and lowering of blood sugar levels in patients receiving tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs should be used with caution in patients with hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia or diabetes. Monitoring sugar levels is recommended.

Hypokalemia

Major:

telithromycin

Telithromycin has a major potential interaction with Hypokalemia.

Telithromycin may prolong the QTc interval of the electrocardiogram in some patients. QTC prolongation has been associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and torsade de pointes. No cardiovascular morbidity or mortality attributable to QTc prolongation occurred with telithromycin treatment in nearly 5000 patients in clinical efficacy trials, including 204 patients who had a prolonged QTc interval at baseline. In addition, a pharmacokinetic study found no significant QT prolongation in 34 healthy volunteers at all heart rates tested following telithromycin administered as repeated doses of 800 mg or as single doses of up to 2400 mg. Nevertheless, therapy with telithromycin should be avoided in patients with preexisting arrhythmia or congenital prolongation of the QTc interval. It should also be avoided in the presence of proarrhythmic conditions such as uncorrected hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia; clinically significant bradycardia; or concomitant use of class IA or III antiarrhythmic drugs or other medications that are known to produce an increase in the QTc interval.

Hypotension

Major:

doxepin

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Hypotension.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.

Liver Disease

Major:

telithromycin

Telithromycin has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Hepatic dysfunction, including elevated liver enzymes and hepatitis, with or without jaundice, has been reported with the use of telithromycin. Although these events are generally reversible, liver failure resulting in transplantation or death has been reported rarely during postmarketing use. Alcohol use may have been a contributing factor in some of the severe cases. Therapy with telithromycin should preferably be avoided in patients with alcoholism, liver disease, or a prior history of hepatitis/jaundice associated with use of the drug. Patients treated with telithromycin should be instructed to discontinue the drug and seek medical attention promptly if signs and symptoms of hepatic injury develop such as fever, pruritus, rash, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, right upper quadrant pain, dark urine, and jaundice.

The pharmacokinetics of telithromycin is not significantly altered in the presence of hepatic impairment due to a compensatory increase in renal elimination. No dosage adjustment is necessary unless renal function is also severely impaired (CrCl < 30 mL/min).

Moderate:

doxepin

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

In general, tricyclic antidepressants should be used with caution in patients with liver or renal disease, as these drugs are metabolized and excreted through the liver and kidneys. Dose selection, especially in the elderly patients that might have liver or renal dysfunction, should usually be limited to the smallest effective total daily dose. Some tricyclic antidepressants such as clomipramine and nortriptyline have occasionally been associated with elevations in SGOT (AST) and SGPT (ALT), and other hepatic adverse events such as jaundice. Although serious liver injury has only been reported rarely, therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting liver disease and periodic monitoring of liver enzyme levels is recommended.

Moderate:

doxepin

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

In general, anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics are extensively metabolized by the liver. Their plasma clearance may be decreased and their half-life prolonged in patients with impaired hepatic function. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with liver disease (some are not recommended in severe liver impairment), and the dosage should be adjusted accordingly. Laboratory testing is recommended prior and during treatment.

Moderate:

doxepin

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Some anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics are extensively metabolized by the liver, and excreted in the urine. Patients with impaired renal and/or hepatic function may be at greater risk for adverse effects, including central nervous system and respiratory depression, due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in such patients, with careful dose selection usually starting at the low end of the dosing range.

Moderate:

doxepin

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are known to undergo metabolism in the liver. Some of the metabolites, such as those of imipramine, clomipramine and desipramine, may be pharmacologically active. Many of the metabolites are also excreted by the kidney. There are very limited data concerning the use of TCAs in patients with renal and/or liver disease. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with significantly impaired renal or hepatic function. Dosage adjustments may be necessary.

Magnesium Imbalance

Major:

telithromycin

Telithromycin has a major potential interaction with Magnesium Imbalance.

Telithromycin may prolong the QTc interval of the electrocardiogram in some patients. QTC prolongation has been associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and torsade de pointes. No cardiovascular morbidity or mortality attributable to QTc prolongation occurred with telithromycin treatment in nearly 5000 patients in clinical efficacy trials, including 204 patients who had a prolonged QTc interval at baseline. In addition, a pharmacokinetic study found no significant QT prolongation in 34 healthy volunteers at all heart rates tested following telithromycin administered as repeated doses of 800 mg or as single doses of up to 2400 mg. Nevertheless, therapy with telithromycin should be avoided in patients with preexisting arrhythmia or congenital prolongation of the QTc interval. It should also be avoided in the presence of proarrhythmic conditions such as uncorrected hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia; clinically significant bradycardia; or concomitant use of class IA or III antiarrhythmic drugs or other medications that are known to produce an increase in the QTc interval.

Mania

Moderate:

doxepin

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Mania.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may aggravate symptoms of psychosis in schizophrenic patients, particularly those with paranoid symptomatology. Depressed patients, usually those with bipolar disorder, may experience a switch from depression to mania or hypomania. These occurrences have also been reported rarely with the tetracyclic antidepressant, maprotiline. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or a history of mania.

Myasthenia Gravis

Major:

telithromycin

Telithromycin has a major potential interaction with Myasthenia Gravis.

Telithromycin is contraindicated in patients with myasthenia gravis. There have been reports of fatal and life-threatening respiratory failure in patients with myasthenia gravis associated with the use of this drug.

Neutropenia

Moderate:

doxepin

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Neutropenia.

The use of some tricyclic antidepressants has been associated with neutropenia (ANC < 500/mm3) and agranulocytosis (ANC < 500/mm3). Leukocyte and differential blood counts should be performed in patients that develop fever and sore throat during treatment. Therapy should be discontinued if there is evidence of pathologic neutrophil depression.

Noninfectious Colitis

Major:

telithromycin

Telithromycin has a major potential interaction with Noninfectious Colitis.

Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), formerly pseudomembranous colitis, has been reported with almost all antibacterial drugs and may range from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. The most common culprits include clindamycin and lincomycin. Antibacterial therapy alters the normal flora of the colon, leading to overgrowth of C difficile, whose toxins A and B contribute to CDAD development. Morbidity and mortality are increased with hypertoxin-producing strains of C difficile; these infections can be resistant to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea after antibacterial use. Since CDAD has been reported to occur more than 2 months after antibacterial use, careful medical history is necessary. Therapy with broad-spectrum antibacterials and other agents with significant antibacterial activity should be administered cautiously in patients with history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis; pseudomembranous colitis (generally characterized by severe, persistent diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps, and sometimes associated with the passage of blood and mucus), if it occurs, may be more severe in these patients and may be associated with flares in underlying disease activity. Antibacterial drugs not directed against C difficile may need to be stopped if CDAD is suspected or confirmed. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibacterial treatment of C difficile, and surgical evaluation should be started as clinically indicated.

Pheochromocytoma

Major:

doxepin

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Pheochromocytoma.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may potentiate the effects of circulating catecholamines. Enhanced sympathetic activity can provoke hypertensive crises in patients with pheochromocytoma or other tumors of the adrenal medulla, such as some neuroblastomas. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with these tumors.

Renal Dysfunction

Moderate:

doxepin

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Some anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics are extensively metabolized by the liver, and excreted in the urine. Patients with impaired renal and/or hepatic function may be at greater risk for adverse effects, including central nervous system and respiratory depression, due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in such patients, with careful dose selection usually starting at the low end of the dosing range.

Moderate:

doxepin

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

In general, tricyclic antidepressants should be used with caution in patients with liver or renal disease, as these drugs are metabolized and excreted through the liver and kidneys. Dose selection, especially in the elderly patients that might have liver or renal dysfunction, should usually be limited to the smallest effective total daily dose. Some tricyclic antidepressants such as clomipramine and nortriptyline have occasionally been associated with elevations in SGOT (AST) and SGPT (ALT), and other hepatic adverse events such as jaundice. Although serious liver injury has only been reported rarely, therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting liver disease and periodic monitoring of liver enzyme levels is recommended.

Moderate:

doxepin

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are known to undergo metabolism in the liver. Some of the metabolites, such as those of imipramine, clomipramine and desipramine, may be pharmacologically active. Many of the metabolites are also excreted by the kidney. There are very limited data concerning the use of TCAs in patients with renal and/or liver disease. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with significantly impaired renal or hepatic function. Dosage adjustments may be necessary.

Moderate:

telithromycin

Telithromycin has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Telithromycin is eliminated by both renal and hepatic routes. In a multiple-dose study of subjects with varying degrees of renal impairment, patients classified as having severely impaired renal function (CrCl < 30 mL/min) had a 1.4-fold increase in steady-state peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and a 1.9-fold increase in systemic exposure (AUC) of telithromycin compared to healthy volunteers following administration of 800 mg once daily for 5 days. Renal excretion may serve as a compensatory elimination pathway for telithromycin in situations where metabolic clearance is impaired. In one study, coadministration of ketoconazole (which inhibits metabolism of telithromycin via CYP450 3A4) in 2 patients with severe renal impairment resulted in a 4- to 5-fold increase in telithromycin AUC compared to that in healthy subjects with normal renal function receiving telithromycin alone. Since patients with severe renal impairment are prone to conditions that may impair their metabolic clearance, telithromycin dosage should be reduced to 600 mg once daily in patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl < 30 mL/min), including those undergoing dialysis. The dosage should be further reduced to 400 mg once daily if there is coexisting hepatic impairment.

Schizophrenia

Moderate:

doxepin

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Schizophrenia.

Some tricyclic antidepressants have shown to cause activation or exacerbation of psychosis in schizophrenic patients. A dosage reduction might be required.

Moderate:

doxepin

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Schizophrenia.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may aggravate symptoms of psychosis in schizophrenic patients, particularly those with paranoid symptomatology. Depressed patients, usually those with bipolar disorder, may experience a switch from depression to mania or hypomania. These occurrences have also been reported rarely with the tetracyclic antidepressant, maprotiline. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or a history of mania.

Tardive Dyskinesia

Moderate:

doxepin

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Tardive Dyskinesia.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Tertiary amines such as amitriptyline and trimipramine tend to exhibit greater anticholinergic effects than other agents in the class. As with other drugs that possess anticholinergic activity, TCAs may aggravate tardive dyskinesia or induce previously suppressed symptoms. Patients with tardive dyskinesia requiring therapy with TCAs should be monitored for exacerbation of the condition.

Urinary Retention

Major:

doxepin

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Urinary Retention.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Tertiary amines such as amitriptyline and trimipramine tend to exhibit greater anticholinergic effects than other agents in the class. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. In patients with angle-closure glaucoma, even average doses can precipitate an attack. Glaucoma should be treated and under control prior to initiation of therapy with TCAs, and intraocular pressure monitored during therapy.

Major:

doxepin

Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Urinary Retention.

The use of doxepin is contraindicated in patients with glaucoma, or a tendency to urinary retention. These disorders should be ruled out before starting treatment, especially in elderly patients.

Moderate:

doxepin

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Retention.

Some hypnotic drugs can have an anticholinergic effect and should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, and trouble urinating due to retention or enlarged prostate.

Moderate:

doxepin

Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Retention.

Due to their anticholinergic properties, tricyclic antidepressants should be administered with caution in patients with history of urinary retention. Particularly doxepin hydrochloride capsules are contraindicated in patients with tendency to urinary retention.

More resources

doxepin

A total of 735 drugs are known to interact with doxepin.

telithromycin

A total of 709 drugs are known to interact with telithromycin.

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

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.