Drug Interactions between Ecotrin Adult Low Strength and ethionamide

GENERALLY AVOID: The concomitant use of protionamide with alcohol may enhance the central nervous system exciting effect of protionamide. The mechanism is not known. Excessive use of alcohol with another thiocarbamide derivative ethionamide, has been reported to precipitate a psychotic reaction. In addition, alcohol tolerance is reported to be reduced during protionamide treatment.

MANAGEMENT: Consumption of alcohol during protionamide treatment should be avoided. The manufacturer of ethionamide also advises that excess alcohol consumption should be avoided during ethionamide therapy (US).

GENERALLY AVOID: The concurrent use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and ethanol may lead to gastrointestinal (GI) blood loss. The mechanism may be due to a combined local effect as well as inhibition of prostaglandins leading to decreased integrity of the GI lining.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be counseled on this potential interaction and advised to refrain from alcohol consumption while taking aspirin or NSAIDs.

One study has reported that coadministration of caffeine and aspirin lead to a 25% increase in the rate of appearance and 17% increase in maximum concentration of salicylate in the plasma. A significantly higher area under the plasma concentration time curve of salicylate was also reported when both drugs were administered together. The exact mechanism of this interaction has not been specified. Physicians and patients should be aware that coadministration of aspirin and caffeine may lead to higher salicylate levels faster.