Drug Interactions between eplerenone and HalfLytely and Bisacodyl

CONTRAINDICATED: The principal risk of eplerenone is hyperkalemia. Coadministration with potassium salts or potassium-sparing diuretics may increase this risk due to additive pharmacodynamic effects.

MANAGEMENT: Given the potential for serious, sometimes fatal cardiac arrhythmias associated with hyperkalemia, the use of eplerenone with potassium salts or potassium-sparing diuretics is considered contraindicated.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: By increasing gastric pH, antacids may reduce the resistance of the enteric coating of bisacodyl tablets, resulting in earlier release of bisacodyl and gastric irritation and dyspepsia.

MANAGEMENT: The administration of antacids and bisacodyl should be separated by at least one hour.

GENERALLY AVOID: Concomitant use of stimulant laxatives (e.g., bisacodyl, sodium picosulfate) may increase the risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse effects associated with certain osmotic laxatives (e.g., polyethylene glycol (PEG), oral sulfate solution), such as colonic mucosal ulcerations or ischemic colitis. There have been isolated case reports of ischemic colitis occurring with the use of PEG-based bowel cleansing products in combination with higher dosages of bisacodyl (usually greater than 10 mg). Bisacodyl can cause colonic ischemia due to transient reduction in splanchnic blood flow. When administered in conjunction with an osmotic laxative such as PEG, increased intramural pressure secondary to increased peristalsis may lead to ischemic colitis and perforation.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturers for some osmotic bowel cleansing products recommend avoiding the concurrent use of stimulant laxatives. However, stimulant laxatives, in particular bisacodyl and sodium picosulfate, are sometimes used with PEG in certain bowel cleansing regimens to help reduce dose volume and improve patient tolerability and acceptance. Please consult individual product labeling for specific recommendations and guidance. Patients using osmotic bowel cleansing products and stimulant laxatives who present with sudden abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or other symptoms of ischemic colitis should be evaluated promptly.