Skip to main content

Interactions between Enalaprilat and Levodopa

1 drug interaction and 33 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

Add/remove drugs

Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

enalapril levodopa

Applies to: enalaprilat and levodopa
Monitor

The hypotensive and central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects of levodopa or foslevodopa may be additive with antihypertensive agents or agents with hypotensive properties and/or CNS depressant effects. Postural hypotension may occur and/or the risk of sedation and impairment of attention, judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills may increase.

Management

Hemodynamic responses should be monitored during coadministration, especially during the first few weeks of therapy. Dose adjustments of the concomitant agent may be required. Patients should be advised to notify their doctor if they experience dizziness or syncope and/or sudden, excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities. Patients should also be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them.

References (6)
  1. (2003) "Product Information. Stalevo 150 (carbidopa/entacapone/levodopa)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals
  2. (2023) "Product Information. Vyalev (foscarbidopa-foslevodopa)." AbbVie Corporation
  3. (2024) "Product Information. DUODOPA (foscarbidopa-foslevodopa)." ABBVIE SPAIN, S.L.U
  4. (2024) "Product Information. Produodopa (foscarbidopa-foslevodopa)." AbbVie Ltd
  5. (2024) "Product Information. Vyalev (foscarbidopa-foslevodopa)." AbbVie US LLC
  6. (2024) "Product Information. Vyalev 2400/120 (foscarbidopa-foslevodopa)." AbbVie Pty Ltd, Version 1

Food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

enalapril Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: enalaprilat
Generally avoid

Moderate-to-high dietary intake of potassium can cause hyperkalemia in some patients who are using angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. In some cases, affected patients were using a potassium-rich salt substitute. ACE inhibitors can promote hyperkalemia through inhibition of the renin-aldosterone-angiotensin (RAA) system.

Management

It is recommended that patients who are taking ACE inhibitors be advised to avoid moderately high or high potassium dietary intake. Particular attention should be paid to the potassium content of salt substitutes.

References (3)
  1. (2002) "Product Information. Vasotec (enalapril)." Merck & Co., Inc
  2. Good CB, McDermott L (1995) "Diet and serum potassium in patients on ACE inhibitors." JAMA, 274, p. 538
  3. Ray K, Dorman S, Watson R (1999) "Severe hyperkalaemia due to the concomitant use of salt substitutes and ACE inhibitors in hypertension: a potentially life threatening interaction." J Hum Hypertens, 13, p. 717-20
Moderate:

levodopa Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: levodopa
Generally avoid

Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of levodopa. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

Monitor

Limited clinical data suggest that high protein content in the diet may reduce or cause fluctuations in the clinical response to oral and enteral formulations of levodopa in patients with Parkinson's disease. Proposed mechanisms include delayed gastric emptying, decreased levodopa absorption when taken with a protein rich diet, and competition with certain amino acids for transport across the gut wall and/or the blood brain barrier. Data have been conflicting. Clinical studies have variously reported no effect, reduced levodopa absorption with low-protein meals, reduced effects of oral and enteral formulations of levodopa with high daily protein intake, and no differences compared to fasting with high-protein meals. Neuroleptic malignant-like symptoms were reported in a patient with Parkinson's disease who was receiving pramipexole, entacapone, and immediate-release levodopa/carbidopa, after the protein content of his enteral feedings via nasogastric tube was increased from 0.88 g/kg/day to 1.8 g/kg/day; symptoms improved after the protein was reduced to 1 g/kg/day and bromocriptine was administered. Another patient receiving immediate-release carbidopa/levodopa, pramipexole, and entacapone experienced severe rigidity after initiation of continuous enteral nutrition via oral gastric tube containing 1.4 g/kg/day of protein; his Parkinsonian symptoms improved after the protein content was reduced to 0.9 g/kg/day, the feeding was changed to bolus feedings, and the levodopa was administered between boluses.

Management

In general, alcohol consumption should be avoided or limited during treatment with CNS-depressant agents. Until more data are available, it is advisable to avoid large fluctuations in daily protein intake and to monitor patients for altered effects of oral and enteral levodopa formulations if the protein content of the diet is increased.

References (7)
  1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  2. Wohlt PD, Zheng L, Gunderson S, Balzar SA, Johnson BD, Fish JT (2009) "Recommendations for the use of medications with continuous enteral nutrition." Am J Health Syst Pharm, 66, p. 1438-67
  3. (2022) "Product Information. Duopa (carbidopa-levodopa)." AbbVie US LLC
  4. (2021) "Product Information. Duodopa (carbidopa-levodopa)." AbbVie Pty Ltd, 18
  5. (2023) "Product Information. Vyalev (foscarbidopa-foslevodopa)." AbbVie Corporation
  6. (2022) "Product Information. Dhivy (carbidopa-levodopa)." Avion Pharmaceuticals
  7. (2024) "Product Information. Vyalev (foscarbidopa-foslevodopa)." AbbVie US LLC
Moderate:

enalapril Alcohol (Ethanol)

Applies to: enalaprilat
Monitor

Certain psychotherapeutic and other CNS-active agents may have blood pressure-lowering effects and may cause dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, or syncope. These effects may be more likely during treatment initiation, dose escalation, or treatment restart. Coadministration with antihypertensives or other agents with blood pressure-lowering properties, particularly vasodilators and alpha-adrenergic blockers, may result in additive hypotensive or orthostatic effects.

Management

Monitor blood pressure and clinical response during concomitant use, especially when starting or increasing the dose of either agent. Patients should be advised to rise slowly from a sitting or lying position and to report dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, orthostasis, palpitations, or troublesome changes in pulse or heart rate. Patients should be cautioned that alcohol may enhance blood pressure-lowering effects during concomitant use with antihypertensives or other agents with hypotensive properties. Patients should avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how the medications affect them.

References (13)
  1. Sternbach H (1991) "Fluoxetine-associated potentiation of calcium-channel blockers." J Clin Psychopharmacol, 11, p. 390-1
  2. Shook TL, Kirshenbaum JM, Hundley RF, Shorey JM, Lamas GA (1984) "Ethanol intoxication complicating intravenous nitroglycerin therapy." Ann Intern Med, 101, p. 498-9
  3. Feder R (1991) "Bradycardia and syncope induced by fluoxetine." J Clin Psychiatry, 52, p. 139
  4. Ellison JM, Milofsky JE, Ely E (1990) "Fluoxetine-induced bradycardia and syncope in two patients." J Clin Psychiatry, 51, p. 385-6
  5. Rodriguez de la Torre B, Dreher J, Malevany I, et al. (2001) "Serum levels and cardiovascular effects of tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in depressed patients." Ther Drug Monit, 23, p. 435-40
  6. Pacher P, Kecskemeti V (2004) "Cardiovascular side effects of new antidepressants and antipsychotics: new drugs, old concerns?" Curr Pharm Des, 10, p. 2463-75
  7. Andrews C, Pinner G (1998) "Postural hypotension induced by paroxetine." BMJ, 316, p. 595
  8. (2023) "Product Information. Buprenorphine (buprenorphine)." G.L. Pharma UK Ltd
  9. (2023) "Product Information. Temgesic (buprenorphine)." Reckitt Benckiser Pty Ltd
  10. (2026) "Product Information. Urapidil (Carinopharm) (urapidil)." Imported (EU)
  11. (2020) "Product Information. URAPIDIL ACCORD (urapidil)." ACCORD HEALTHCARE LIMITED
  12. (2020) "Product Information. Ebrantil (urapidil)." CHEPLAPHARM ARZNEIMITTEL GMBH
  13. (2026) "Product Information. Urapidil (urapidil)." Imported (Switzerland)
Moderate:

levodopa multivitamins with minerals

Applies to: levodopa
Adjust dosing interval

The oral bioavailability and pharmacologic effects of levodopa and carbidopa may be decreased during concurrent administration with iron-containing products. The proposed mechanism is chelation of levodopa and carbidopa by the iron cation, forming an insoluble complex that is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. In nine patients with Parkinson's disease, administration of levodopa-carbidopa 100 mg-25 mg with ferrous sulfate 325 mg decreased levodopa peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 47% and 30%, respectively, and carbidopa Cmax and AUC by 77% and 82%, respectively, compared to administration with placebo. There was also evidence of reduced efficacy of levodopa in some patients. In another study consisting of eight healthy subjects, coadministration of levodopa 250 mg with ferrous sulfate 325 mg resulted in greater than 50% reductions in the Cmax and AUC of levodopa compared to administration of levodopa alone. The magnitude of the interaction was the greatest in patients whose plasma levels of levodopa were the highest following administration of levodopa alone.

Management

Until more information is available, patients receiving levodopa and/or carbidopa in combination with iron-containing products should be advised to separate the times of administration by as much as possible. Patients should be monitored for reduced efficacy of levodopa, and the dosage adjusted as necessary.

References (4)
  1. Campbell NR, Hasinoff B (1989) "Ferrous sulfate reduces levodopa bioavailability: chelation as a possible mechanism." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 45, p. 220-5
  2. Campbell NR, Hasinoff BB (1991) "Iron supplements: a common cause of drug interactions." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 31, p. 251-5
  3. Campbell NR, Rankine D, Goodridge AE, Hasinoff BB, Kara M (1990) "Sinemet-ferrous sulphate interaction in patients with Parkinson's disease." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 30, p. 599-605
  4. Greene RJ, Hall AD, Hider RC (1990) "The interaction of orally administered iron with levodopa and methyldopa therapy." J Pharm Pharmacol, 42, p. 502-4

Disease interactions

29 potential interactions Applies to: 23 conditions, including Asthma, COPD, Diarrhea, Hypotension, and Psychosis.

Angioedema

Major:

enalaprilat

The enalapril in enalaprilat has a major potential interaction with Angioedema.

The use of these agents is contraindicated in patients with hereditary angioedema or a history of idiopathic angioedema. Patients with a history of angioedema unrelated to ACE inhibitors may be at increased risk of angioedema while receiving an ACE inhibitor. Patients should be advised to immediately report any signs or symptoms suggestive of angioedema (swelling of face, extremities, eyes, lips, or tongue, or difficulty swallowing or breathing) and to stop taking the medication until otherwise directed by their physician. Emergency therapy and/or measures to prevent airway obstruction are required for angioedema involving the tongue, glottis, or larynx. Treatment with ACE inhibitors should be discontinued permanently if angioedema develops in association with therapy.

Asthma

Major:

levodopa

Levodopa has a major potential interaction with Asthma.

Because of the risk of bronchospasm, use of levodopa in patients with asthma, COPD, or other chronic underlying lung disease is not recommended.

Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts

Major:

enalaprilat

The enalapril in enalaprilat has a major potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.

ACE inhibitors may cause bone marrow suppression, rarely in uncomplicated individuals but more frequently in patients with renal impairment, especially if they also have a collagen-vascular disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma. Neutropenia, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, eosinophilia and thrombocytopenia have been reported, mostly with captopril. Therapy with ACE inhibitors should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting blood dyscrasias or complications that may increase the risk of bone marrow depression during ACE inhibitor therapy. Monitoring of blood counts, particularly white blood cells, should be considered.

Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders

Major:

levodopa

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

Cardiac irregularities occur infrequently in patients on dopamine agonists. The initial administration and titration is recommended to occur under close cardiac monitoring in a facility equipped for intensive cardiac care. Adverse cardiac affects may include palpitation, sinus tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, extrasystole, atrial flutter or fibrillation, or block of AV conduction.

Cerebrovascular Insufficiency

Major:

enalaprilat

The enalapril in enalaprilat has a major potential interaction with Cerebrovascular Insufficiency.

ACE inhibitors can cause symptomatic hypotension, most often during the initiation of therapy and in patients who are volume- and/or sodium-depleted or treated for congestive heart failure (CHF). Therapy with ACE inhibitors should be administered cautiously in such patients and in those predisposed to hypovolemic or hyponatremic states (e.g., patients on diuretic therapy, especially if it was recently instituted; those on dietary salt restriction; those with severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting; and renal dialysis patients). Volume and/or sodium depletion should be corrected prior to initiating therapy with ACE inhibitors, and the patient should be hemodynamically stable. If concomitant diuretics and/or dietary sodium restriction are employed, reducing or temporarily withholding the dosing of diuretics and/or liberalizing dietary sodium intake for 2 to 3 days in advance can help minimize the risk of severe hypotension in patients who are able to tolerate such adjustments. ACE inhibitors should also be used cautiously in patients in whom excessive hypotension may have serious consequences, such as patients with coronary or cerebrovascular insufficiency. Patients at risk for excessive hypotension should initiate ACE inhibitor therapy under very close medical supervision, and followed closely for the first 2 weeks of treatment and whenever the dosage of ACE inhibitor or diuretic is increased.

Collagen Vascular Disease

Major:

enalaprilat

The enalapril in enalaprilat has a major potential interaction with Collagen Vascular Disease.

ACE inhibitors may cause bone marrow suppression, rarely in uncomplicated individuals but more frequently in patients with renal impairment, especially if they also have a collagen-vascular disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma. Neutropenia, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, eosinophilia and thrombocytopenia have been reported, mostly with captopril. Therapy with ACE inhibitors should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting blood dyscrasias or complications that may increase the risk of bone marrow depression during ACE inhibitor therapy. Monitoring of blood counts, particularly white blood cells, should be considered.

COPD

Major:

levodopa

Levodopa has a major potential interaction with COPD.

Because of the risk of bronchospasm, use of levodopa in patients with asthma, COPD, or other chronic underlying lung disease is not recommended.

Dehydration

Major:

enalaprilat

The enalapril in enalaprilat has a major potential interaction with Dehydration.

ACE inhibitors can cause symptomatic hypotension, most often during the initiation of therapy and in patients who are volume- and/or sodium-depleted or treated for congestive heart failure (CHF). Therapy with ACE inhibitors should be administered cautiously in such patients and in those predisposed to hypovolemic or hyponatremic states (e.g., patients on diuretic therapy, especially if it was recently instituted; those on dietary salt restriction; those with severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting; and renal dialysis patients). Volume and/or sodium depletion should be corrected prior to initiating therapy with ACE inhibitors, and the patient should be hemodynamically stable. If concomitant diuretics and/or dietary sodium restriction are employed, reducing or temporarily withholding the dosing of diuretics and/or liberalizing dietary sodium intake for 2 to 3 days in advance can help minimize the risk of severe hypotension in patients who are able to tolerate such adjustments. ACE inhibitors should also be used cautiously in patients in whom excessive hypotension may have serious consequences, such as patients with coronary or cerebrovascular insufficiency. Patients at risk for excessive hypotension should initiate ACE inhibitor therapy under very close medical supervision, and followed closely for the first 2 weeks of treatment and whenever the dosage of ACE inhibitor or diuretic is increased.

Diabetes Mellitus

Major:

enalaprilat

The enalapril in enalaprilat has a major potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

In patients with hyperkalemia, especially those associated with impaired renal function or congestive heart failure, ACE inhibitors may further raise serum potassium levels. Therapy with ACE inhibitors should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to hyperkalemia, and serum potassium levels should be carefully monitored. Risk factors for the development of hyperkalemia during ACE inhibitor therapy include renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, and the concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, and/or potassium-containing salt substitutes.

Diarrhea

Major:

enalaprilat

The enalapril in enalaprilat has a major potential interaction with Diarrhea.

ACE inhibitors can cause symptomatic hypotension, most often during the initiation of therapy and in patients who are volume- and/or sodium-depleted or treated for congestive heart failure (CHF). Therapy with ACE inhibitors should be administered cautiously in such patients and in those predisposed to hypovolemic or hyponatremic states (e.g., patients on diuretic therapy, especially if it was recently instituted; those on dietary salt restriction; those with severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting; and renal dialysis patients). Volume and/or sodium depletion should be corrected prior to initiating therapy with ACE inhibitors, and the patient should be hemodynamically stable. If concomitant diuretics and/or dietary sodium restriction are employed, reducing or temporarily withholding the dosing of diuretics and/or liberalizing dietary sodium intake for 2 to 3 days in advance can help minimize the risk of severe hypotension in patients who are able to tolerate such adjustments. ACE inhibitors should also be used cautiously in patients in whom excessive hypotension may have serious consequences, such as patients with coronary or cerebrovascular insufficiency. Patients at risk for excessive hypotension should initiate ACE inhibitor therapy under very close medical supervision, and followed closely for the first 2 weeks of treatment and whenever the dosage of ACE inhibitor or diuretic is increased.

Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage

Moderate:

levodopa

Levodopa has a moderate potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage.

The use of levodopa, especially in combinations with carbidopa, has been associated with an increase in the frequency of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Therapy with levodopa should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension

Major:

levodopa

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

The use of levodopa is contraindicated in patients with acute closed-angle glaucoma. Levodopa (with or without carbidopa) may be used in patients with open-angle glaucoma who are receiving appropriate therapy.

Hemodialysis

Major:

enalaprilat

The enalapril in enalaprilat has a major potential interaction with Hemodialysis.

Anaphylactoid reactions have been reported in patients undergoing hemodialysis with high-flux polyacrylonitrile membranes and treated concomitantly with an ACE inhibitor. The frequency and mechanism of this interaction have not been established, and it is not known whether the interaction occurs with other membrane types. Therapy with ACE inhibitors should be administered cautiously in patients requiring hemodialysis.

Major:

enalaprilat

The enalapril in enalaprilat has a major potential interaction with Hemodialysis.

ACE inhibitors can cause symptomatic hypotension, most often during the initiation of therapy and in patients who are volume- and/or sodium-depleted or treated for congestive heart failure (CHF). Therapy with ACE inhibitors should be administered cautiously in such patients and in those predisposed to hypovolemic or hyponatremic states (e.g., patients on diuretic therapy, especially if it was recently instituted; those on dietary salt restriction; those with severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting; and renal dialysis patients). Volume and/or sodium depletion should be corrected prior to initiating therapy with ACE inhibitors, and the patient should be hemodynamically stable. If concomitant diuretics and/or dietary sodium restriction are employed, reducing or temporarily withholding the dosing of diuretics and/or liberalizing dietary sodium intake for 2 to 3 days in advance can help minimize the risk of severe hypotension in patients who are able to tolerate such adjustments. ACE inhibitors should also be used cautiously in patients in whom excessive hypotension may have serious consequences, such as patients with coronary or cerebrovascular insufficiency. Patients at risk for excessive hypotension should initiate ACE inhibitor therapy under very close medical supervision, and followed closely for the first 2 weeks of treatment and whenever the dosage of ACE inhibitor or diuretic is increased.

Hyperkalemia

Major:

enalaprilat

The enalapril in enalaprilat has a major potential interaction with Hyperkalemia.

In patients with hyperkalemia, especially those associated with impaired renal function or congestive heart failure, ACE inhibitors may further raise serum potassium levels. Therapy with ACE inhibitors should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to hyperkalemia, and serum potassium levels should be carefully monitored. Risk factors for the development of hyperkalemia during ACE inhibitor therapy include renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, and the concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, and/or potassium-containing salt substitutes.

Hyponatremia

Major:

enalaprilat

The enalapril in enalaprilat has a major potential interaction with Hyponatremia.

ACE inhibitors can cause symptomatic hypotension, most often during the initiation of therapy and in patients who are volume- and/or sodium-depleted or treated for congestive heart failure (CHF). Therapy with ACE inhibitors should be administered cautiously in such patients and in those predisposed to hypovolemic or hyponatremic states (e.g., patients on diuretic therapy, especially if it was recently instituted; those on dietary salt restriction; those with severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting; and renal dialysis patients). Volume and/or sodium depletion should be corrected prior to initiating therapy with ACE inhibitors, and the patient should be hemodynamically stable. If concomitant diuretics and/or dietary sodium restriction are employed, reducing or temporarily withholding the dosing of diuretics and/or liberalizing dietary sodium intake for 2 to 3 days in advance can help minimize the risk of severe hypotension in patients who are able to tolerate such adjustments. ACE inhibitors should also be used cautiously in patients in whom excessive hypotension may have serious consequences, such as patients with coronary or cerebrovascular insufficiency. Patients at risk for excessive hypotension should initiate ACE inhibitor therapy under very close medical supervision, and followed closely for the first 2 weeks of treatment and whenever the dosage of ACE inhibitor or diuretic is increased.

Hypotension

Moderate:

levodopa

Levodopa has a moderate potential interaction with Hypotension.

Dopamine agonists may impair the systemic regulation of blood pressure, with resultant orthostatic hypotension at any time, but especially during dose escalation. Additionally, patients with Parkinson's disease may have an impaired capacity to respond to an orthostatic challenge. For these reasons, patients with Parkinson's disease (or restless legs syndrome) who are being treated with dopaminergic agonists typically require careful monitoring for signs/symptoms of orthostatic hypotension, especially during dose escalation, and should be advised of this risk.

Ischemic Heart Disease

Major:

enalaprilat

The enalapril in enalaprilat has a major potential interaction with Ischemic Heart Disease.

ACE inhibitors can cause symptomatic hypotension, most often during the initiation of therapy and in patients who are volume- and/or sodium-depleted or treated for congestive heart failure (CHF). Therapy with ACE inhibitors should be administered cautiously in such patients and in those predisposed to hypovolemic or hyponatremic states (e.g., patients on diuretic therapy, especially if it was recently instituted; those on dietary salt restriction; those with severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting; and renal dialysis patients). Volume and/or sodium depletion should be corrected prior to initiating therapy with ACE inhibitors, and the patient should be hemodynamically stable. If concomitant diuretics and/or dietary sodium restriction are employed, reducing or temporarily withholding the dosing of diuretics and/or liberalizing dietary sodium intake for 2 to 3 days in advance can help minimize the risk of severe hypotension in patients who are able to tolerate such adjustments. ACE inhibitors should also be used cautiously in patients in whom excessive hypotension may have serious consequences, such as patients with coronary or cerebrovascular insufficiency. Patients at risk for excessive hypotension should initiate ACE inhibitor therapy under very close medical supervision, and followed closely for the first 2 weeks of treatment and whenever the dosage of ACE inhibitor or diuretic is increased.

Liver Disease

Major:

levodopa

Levodopa has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

The pharmacokinetics of levodopa have not been studied in patients with hepatic or renal impairment. Therapy with levodopa should be administered cautiously in patients with liver or disease. Periodic monitoring of hepatic and renal function is recommended during extended therapy.

Moderate:

enalaprilat

The enalapril in enalaprilat has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Rarely, elevations of liver enzymes and/or serum bilirubin have occurred with the use of ACE inhibitors. Patients receiving ACE inhibitors who develop jaundice or marked elevations of hepatic enzymes should discontinue the ACE inhibitor and receive appropriate medical follow-up.

Psychosis

Major:

levodopa

Levodopa has a major potential interaction with Psychosis.

The use of dopamine agonists has been associated with psychiatric effects such as hallucinations, psychosis, confusion, anxiety, mania, hypomania, depression, rapid mood cycling, nightmares, and hypersexuality. Therapy with dopamine agonists should be administered cautiously in psychotic patients and all patients should be carefully observed for development of depression and suicidal tendencies.

Moderate:

levodopa

Levodopa has a moderate potential interaction with Psychosis.

Ordinarily, patients with major psychotic disorder should not be treated with dopaminergic antiparkinsonian agents, because of the risk of exacerbating psychosis. Hallucinations and psychotic-like behavior have been reported with dopaminergic medications. In addition, certain medications used to treat psychosis may exacerbate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and may decrease the effectiveness of these drugs. The use of bromocriptine in patients with severe psychotic disorders is not recommended.

Renal Dysfunction

Major:

enalaprilat

The enalapril in enalaprilat has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

ACE inhibitors may cause bone marrow suppression, rarely in uncomplicated individuals but more frequently in patients with renal impairment, especially if they also have a collagen-vascular disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma. Neutropenia, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, eosinophilia and thrombocytopenia have been reported, mostly with captopril. Therapy with ACE inhibitors should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting blood dyscrasias or complications that may increase the risk of bone marrow depression during ACE inhibitor therapy. Monitoring of blood counts, particularly white blood cells, should be considered.

Major:

enalaprilat

The enalapril in enalaprilat has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

In patients with hyperkalemia, especially those associated with impaired renal function or congestive heart failure, ACE inhibitors may further raise serum potassium levels. Therapy with ACE inhibitors should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to hyperkalemia, and serum potassium levels should be carefully monitored. Risk factors for the development of hyperkalemia during ACE inhibitor therapy include renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, and the concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, and/or potassium-containing salt substitutes.

Major:

levodopa

Levodopa has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

The pharmacokinetics of levodopa have not been studied in patients with hepatic or renal impairment. Therapy with levodopa should be administered cautiously in patients with liver or disease. Periodic monitoring of hepatic and renal function is recommended during extended therapy.

Moderate:

enalaprilat

The enalapril in enalaprilat has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

With the exception of fosinopril, ACE inhibitors (and/or their active metabolites in some cases) are primarily eliminated by the kidney and may accumulate in patients with renal impairment. ACE inhibitors can also worsen renal function in some patients by blocking the effect of angiotensin II-mediated efferent arteriolar vasoconstriction, thereby decreasing glomerular filtration. Therapy with ACE inhibitors should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting renal dysfunction, particularly those with renovascular disease. Patients with moderate to severe renal impairment usually require lower or less frequent doses and smaller increments in dose. In addition, a dosage reduction or discontinuation of any concomitantly administered diuretics may be helpful. Fosinopril probably does not require dosage adjustments unless hepatic function is also significantly impaired.

In patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis or renal artery stenosis in a solitary kidney, ACE inhibitors may reduce renal perfusion to a critically low level. Renal function should be monitored closely for the first few weeks of therapy.

Skin Cancer

Major:

levodopa

Levodopa has a major potential interaction with Skin Cancer.

The use of levodopa is considered by manufacturers to be contraindicated in patients with a history of melanoma or in patients with suspicious, undiagnosed skin lesions. Levodopa reportedly may activate malignant melanoma, although some investigators have found a causal relationship to be tenuous.

Sleep Disorders

Moderate:

levodopa

Levodopa has a moderate potential interaction with Sleep Disorders.

Patients treated with products containing carbidopa and levodopa report excessive somnolence and falling asleep while engaged in daily activities, sometimes with no warning sign of drowsiness. Advise patients about the risks, especially those suffering from sleep disorders or using concomitant sedating medications.

Vomiting

Major:

enalaprilat

The enalapril in enalaprilat has a major potential interaction with Vomiting.

ACE inhibitors can cause symptomatic hypotension, most often during the initiation of therapy and in patients who are volume- and/or sodium-depleted or treated for congestive heart failure (CHF). Therapy with ACE inhibitors should be administered cautiously in such patients and in those predisposed to hypovolemic or hyponatremic states (e.g., patients on diuretic therapy, especially if it was recently instituted; those on dietary salt restriction; those with severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting; and renal dialysis patients). Volume and/or sodium depletion should be corrected prior to initiating therapy with ACE inhibitors, and the patient should be hemodynamically stable. If concomitant diuretics and/or dietary sodium restriction are employed, reducing or temporarily withholding the dosing of diuretics and/or liberalizing dietary sodium intake for 2 to 3 days in advance can help minimize the risk of severe hypotension in patients who are able to tolerate such adjustments. ACE inhibitors should also be used cautiously in patients in whom excessive hypotension may have serious consequences, such as patients with coronary or cerebrovascular insufficiency. Patients at risk for excessive hypotension should initiate ACE inhibitor therapy under very close medical supervision, and followed closely for the first 2 weeks of treatment and whenever the dosage of ACE inhibitor or diuretic is increased.

More resources

enalaprilat

A total of 435 drugs are known to interact with enalaprilat.

levodopa

A total of 532 drugs are known to interact with levodopa.

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.