Drug Interactions between DurAct and thalidomide

ADJUST DOSE: In-vivo studies have demonstrated that the absorption of bromfenac is greatly reduced if the drug is taken within three and one-half hours following a high fat meal. The concomitant administration of a high fat meal has led to a 75% reduction in peak plasma concentrations and a 60% reduction in total area under the curve. The mechanism has not been described.

MANAGEMENT: An increased dosage of bromfenac (from 25 to 50 mg) may be needed if a high fat meal is consumed. The clinician may want to warn the patient about subtherapeutic analgesic effects if high fat meals are regularly consumed.

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of CNS-active agents. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving CNS-active agents should be warned of this interaction and advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.