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Drug Interactions between efavirenz and sufentanil

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

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

SUFentanil efavirenz

Applies to: sufentanil and efavirenz

MONITOR: Administration of efavirenz can cause central nervous system (CNS) toxicity. Centrally-acting agents such as antiemetics, sedatives, narcotics, or antihistamines may add to the neurotoxic effects of efavirenz. There have been reports (approximately one to two per thousand efavirenz-treated patients) of delusions and inappropriate behavior, predominantly in patients with a history of mental illness or substance abuse. There have also been occasional post-marketing reports of death by suicide, delusions, psychosis-like behavior, and catatonia although a causal relationship to the use of efavirenz cannot be determined from these reports. In controlled studies, patients receiving efavirenz reported central nervous system and psychiatric symptoms. These symptoms included, but were not limited to, dizziness, impaired concentration, somnolence, insomnia, abnormal dreams, and hallucinations. These symptoms usually begin during the first or second day of therapy and generally resolve after the first 2-4 weeks. After 4 weeks of therapy, the prevalence of nervous system symptoms of at least moderate severity ranged from 5% to 9% in patients treated with regimens containing efavirenz and from 3% to 5% in patients treated with a control regimen. Late-onset neurotoxicity, including ataxia and encephalopathy (impaired consciousness, confusion, psychomotor slowing, psychosis, delirium), may occur months to years after beginning efavirenz therapy.

MANAGEMENT: Due to the potential for additive effects, centrally-acting agents should be used with caution in combination with efavirenz. Patients should be advised to avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in potentially hazardous activities requiring mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how the medications affect them.

References (3)
  1. (2023) "Product Information. Sustiva (efavirenz)." Bristol-Myers Squibb, SUPPL-59/47
  2. (2024) "Product Information. Stocrin (efavirenz)." Merck Sharp & Dohme (Australia) Pty Ltd
  3. (2024) "Product Information. Efavirenz (efavirenz)." Viatris UK Healthcare Ltd

Drug and food interactions

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.

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate the central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects of efavirenz. Concomitant use may result in additive CNS depression and impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills. In more severe cases, hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, or even death may occur.

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 (4)
  1. (2001) "Product Information. Sustiva (efavirenz)." DuPont Pharmaceuticals
  2. (2023) "Product Information. Sustiva (efavirenz)." Bristol-Myers Squibb, SUPPL-59/47
  3. (2024) "Product Information. Stocrin (efavirenz)." Merck Sharp & Dohme (Australia) Pty Ltd
  4. (2024) "Product Information. Efavirenz (efavirenz)." Viatris UK Healthcare Ltd
Moderate

SUFentanil food

Applies to: sufentanil

GENERALLY AVOID: Ethanol may potentiate the central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects of opioid analgesics. Concomitant use may result in additive CNS depression and impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills. In more severe cases, hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, or even death may occur.

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of opioid analgesics with ethanol should be avoided.

References (9)
  1. Linnoila M, Hakkinen S (1974) "Effects of diazepam and codeine, alone and in combination with alcohol, on simulated driving." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 15, p. 368-73
  2. Sturner WQ, Garriott JC (1973) "Deaths involving propoxyphene: a study of 41 cases over a two-year period." JAMA, 223, p. 1125-30
  3. Girre C, Hirschhorn M, Bertaux L, et al. (1991) "Enhancement of propoxyphene bioavailability by ethanol: relation to psychomotor and cognitive function in healthy volunteers." Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 41, p. 147-52
  4. Levine B, Saady J, Fierro M, Valentour J (1984) "A hydromorphone and ethanol fatality." J Forensic Sci, 29, p. 655-9
  5. Sellers EM, Hamilton CA, Kaplan HL, Degani NC, Foltz RL (1985) "Pharmacokinetic interaction of propoxyphene with ethanol." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 19, p. 398-401
  6. Carson DJ (1977) "Fatal dextropropoxyphene poisoning in Northern Ireland. Review of 30 cases." Lancet, 1, p. 894-7
  7. Rosser WW (1980) "The interaction of propoxyphene with other drugs." Can Med Assoc J, 122, p. 149-50
  8. Edwards C, Gard PR, Handley SL, Hunter M, Whittington RM (1982) "Distalgesic and ethanol-impaired function." Lancet, 2, p. 384
  9. Kiplinger GF, Sokol G, Rodda BE (1974) "Effect of combined alcohol and propoxyphene on human performance." Arch Int Pharmacodyn Ther, 212, p. 175-80

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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