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Drug Interactions between efavirenz and Lufyllin-EPG

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Moderate

PHENobarbital efavirenz

Applies to: Lufyllin-EPG (dyphylline / ephedrine / guaifenesin / phenobarbital) and efavirenz

MONITOR: Coadministration of phenobarbital and efavirenz may affect the plasma concentrations of both drugs. Theoretically, efavirenz levels may decrease due to induction of the CYP450 3A4 and 2B6 enzymatic pathways by phenobarbital, whereas phenobarbital levels may increase or decrease according to the product labeling for efavirenz. Pharmacokinetic data are not currently available. Phenobarbital is a substrate of CYP450 2C19 and 2C9, both of which are inhibited by efavirenz. However, the extent to which inhibition of these pathways may affect the overall clearance of phenobarbital is unknown. On the other hand, convulsions have been observed during efavirenz therapy, generally in patients with a known medical history of seizures. This would suggest a possible induction by efavirenz, a known inducer of CYP450 3A4 and possibly other hepatic microsomal enzymes, of the clearance of certain anticonvulsants that are primarily metabolized by the liver such as phenobarbital.

MANAGEMENT: Given the risk of reduced viral susceptibility and resistance development associated with subtherapeutic antiretroviral drug levels, caution is advised if efavirenz is prescribed in combination with phenobarbital or primidone, the latter of which is partially metabolized in vivo to phenobarbital. Close clinical and laboratory monitoring of antiretroviral response is recommended, and the efavirenz dosage adjusted as necessary. Alternative treatment that do not affect efavirenz metabolism should be considered whenever possible. Pharmacologic effects and serum phenobarbital levels should also be monitored more closely following the addition, discontinuation or change of dosage of efavirenz. Patients should be advised to contact their physician if they experience loss of seizure control or increased side effects of phenobarbital such as drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, restlessness, depression, ataxia, lethargy, nystagmus, and respiratory depression.

References

  1. "Product Information. Sustiva (efavirenz)." DuPont Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  2. Marzolini C, Telenti A, Decosterd LA, Greub G, Biollaz J, Buclin T "Efavirenz plasma levels can predict treatment failure and central nervous system side effects in HIV-1-infected patients." Aids 15 (2001): 71-5
  3. Anderson GD "Pharmacogenetics and enzyme induction/inhibition properties of antiepileptic drugs." Neurology 63(10 Suppl 4) (2004): S3-8
  4. Goto S, Seo T, Murata T, et al. "Population Estimation of the Effects of Cytochrome P450 2C9 and 2C19 Polymorphisms on Phenobarbital Clearance in Japanese." Ther Drug Monit 29 (2007): 118-121
  5. Klotz U "The role of pharmacogenetics in the metabolism of antiepileptic drugs: pharmacokinetic and therapeutic implications." Clin Pharmacokinet 46 (2007): 271-9
View all 5 references

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Minor

ePHEDrine dyphylline

Applies to: Lufyllin-EPG (dyphylline / ephedrine / guaifenesin / phenobarbital) and Lufyllin-EPG (dyphylline / ephedrine / guaifenesin / phenobarbital)

Ephedrine-methylxanthine combinations are used for the treatment of asthma but the efficacy of the combination has been questioned. This combination may lead to increased xanthine side effects. The mechanism is unknown, but may be related to synergistic pharmacologic effects. Patients using this combination should be closely monitored for side effects such as nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, nervousness, or insomnia. If side effects are noted, the dosage of the xanthine may need to be decreased.

References

  1. Weinberger M, Bronsky E, Bensch GW, Bock GN, Yecies JJ "Interaction of ephedrine and theophylline." Clin Pharmacol Ther 17 (1975): 585-92
  2. Sims JA, doPico GA, Reed CE "Bronchodilating effect of oral theophylline-ephedrine combination." J Allergy Clin Immunol 62 (1978): 15-21
  3. Tinkelman DG, Avner SE "Ephedrine therapy in asthmatic children. Clinical tolerance and absence of side effects." JAMA 237 (1977): 553-7
  4. Weinberger MM, Brousky EA "Evaluation of oral bronchodilator therapy in asthmatic children: bronchodilators in asthmatic children." J Pediatr 84 (1974): 421-7
  5. Badiei B, Faciane J, Sly M "Effect of throphylline, ephedrine and theri combination upon exercise-induced airway obstruction." Ann Allergy 35 (1975): 32-6
View all 5 references

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Drug and food interactions

Major

PHENobarbital food

Applies to: Lufyllin-EPG (dyphylline / ephedrine / guaifenesin / phenobarbital)

GENERALLY AVOID: Concurrent acute use of barbiturates and ethanol may result in additive CNS effects, including impaired coordination, sedation, and death. Tolerance of these agents may occur with chronic use. The mechanism is related to inhibition of microsomal enzymes acutely and induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes chronically.

MANAGEMENT: The combination of ethanol and barbiturates should be avoided.

References

  1. Gupta RC, Kofoed J "Toxological statistics for barbiturates, other sedatives, and tranquilizers in Ontario: a 10-year survey." Can Med Assoc J 94 (1966): 863-5
  2. Misra PS, Lefevre A, Ishii H, Rubin E, Lieber CS "Increase of ethanol, meprobamate and pentobarbital metabolism after chronic ethanol administration in man and in rats." Am J Med 51 (1971): 346-51
  3. Saario I, Linnoila M "Effect of subacute treatment with hypnotics, alone or in combination with alcohol, on psychomotor skills related to driving." Acta Pharmacol Toxicol (Copenh) 38 (1976): 382-92
  4. Stead AH, Moffat AC "Quantification of the interaction between barbiturates and alcohol and interpretation of fatal blood concentrations." Hum Toxicol 2 (1983): 5-14
  5. Seixas FA "Drug/alcohol interactions: avert potential dangers." Geriatrics 34 (1979): 89-102
View all 5 references

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Moderate

efavirenz food

Applies to: efavirenz

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Administration with food increases the plasma concentrations of efavirenz and may increase the frequency of adverse reactions. According to the product labeling, administration of efavirenz capsules (600 mg single dose) with a high-fat/high-caloric meal (894 kcal, 54 g fat, 54% calories from fat) or a reduced-fat/normal-caloric meal (440 kcal, 2 g fat, 4% calories from fat) was associated with mean increases of 39% and 51% in efavirenz peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and 22% and 17% in systemic exposure (AUC), respectively, compared to administration under fasted conditions. For efavirenz tablets, administration of a single 600 mg dose with a high-fat/high-caloric meal (approximately 1000 kcal, 500-600 kcal from fat) resulted in a 79% increase in mean Cmax and a 28% increase in mean AUC of efavirenz relative to administration under fasted conditions.

MANAGEMENT: Efavirenz should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime. Dosing at bedtime may improve the tolerability of nervous system symptoms such as dizziness, insomnia, impaired concentration, somnolence, abnormal dreams and hallucinations, although they often resolve on their own after the first 2 to 4 weeks of therapy . Patients should be advised of the potential for additive central nervous system effects when efavirenz is used concomitantly with alcohol or psychoactive drugs, and to avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how the medication affects them.

References

  1. "Product Information. Sustiva (efavirenz)." DuPont Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):

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Moderate

ePHEDrine food

Applies to: Lufyllin-EPG (dyphylline / ephedrine / guaifenesin / phenobarbital)

MONITOR: Coadministration of two or more sympathomimetic agents may increase the risk of adverse effects such as nervousness, irritability, and increased heart rate. Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, particularly amphetamines, can potentiate the adrenergic response to vasopressors and other sympathomimetic agents. Additive increases in blood pressure and heart rate may occur due to enhanced peripheral sympathetic activity.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if two or more sympathomimetic agents are coadministered. Pulse and blood pressure should be closely monitored.

References

  1. Rosenblatt JE, Lake CR, van Kammen DP, Ziegler MG, Bunney WE Jr "Interactions of amphetamine, pimozide, and lithium on plasma norepineophrine and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase in schizophrenic patients." Psychiatry Res 1 (1979): 45-52
  2. Cavanaugh JH, Griffith JD, Oates JA "Effect of amphetamine on the pressor response to tyramine: formation of p-hydroxynorephedrine from amphetamine in man." Clin Pharmacol Ther 11 (1970): 656
  3. "Product Information. Adderall (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine)." Shire Richwood Pharmaceutical Company Inc PROD (2001):
  4. "Product Information. Tenuate (diethylpropion)." Aventis Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  5. "Product Information. Sanorex (mazindol)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  6. "Product Information. Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)." Mikart Inc (2001):
  7. "Product Information. Strattera (atomoxetine)." Lilly, Eli and Company (2002):
View all 7 references

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.

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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

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