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Interactions between Ermeza and Esmolol

1 drug interaction and 29 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Minor drug interactions

Minor:

esmolol levothyroxine

Applies to: esmolol and Ermeza (levothyroxine)

Thyroid hormone therapy may reverse the decreased hepatic blood flow that is associated with hypothyroidism. Increased hepatic metabolism and decreased serum levels of some beta-adrenergic antagonists may result. In addition, beta-adrenergic antagonists may decrease the peripheral conversion of thyroxine to its active form triiodothyronine. When hypothyroidism is converted to a euthyroid state, a decrease in beta-antagonist effectiveness is possible. No special precautions are necessary.

References (5)
  1. Wells PG, Feely J, Wilkinson GR, Wood AJ (1983) "Effect of thyrotoxicosis on liver blood flow and propranolol disposition after long-term dosing." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 33, p. 603-8
  2. Aro A, Antila M, Korhonen T, Sundquist H (1982) "Pharmacokinetics of propranolol and sotalol in hyperthyroidism." Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 21, p. 373-7
  3. (2024) "Product Information. Levothyroxine Sodium (levothyroxine)." Lannett Company Inc
  4. (2023) "Product Information. Levothyroxine Sodium (levothyroxine)." Zentiva Pharma UK Ltd
  5. (2023) "Product Information. Levothyroxine (Sandoz) (levothyroxine sodium)." Sandoz Pty Ltd

Food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

levothyroxine Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: Ermeza (levothyroxine)
Adjust dosing interval

Consumption of certain foods as well as the timing of meals relative to dosing may affect the oral absorption of T4 thyroid hormone (i.e., levothyroxine). T4 oral absorption is increased by fasting and decreased by foods such as soybean flour (e.g., infant formula), cotton seed meal, walnuts, dietary fiber, calcium, and calcium fortified juices. Grapefruit or grapefruit products may delay the absorption of T4 thyroid hormone and reduce its bioavailability. The mechanism of this interaction is not fully understood.

Management

Some manufacturers recommend administering oral T4 as a single daily dose, on an empty stomach, one-half to one hour before breakfast. In general, oral preparations containing T4 thyroid hormone should be administered on a consistent schedule with regard to time of day and relation to meals to avoid large fluctuations in serum levels. Foods that may affect T4 absorption should be avoided within several hours of dosing if possible. Consult local guidelines for the administration of T4 in patients receiving enteral feeding.

References (3)
  1. (2002) "Product Information. Synthroid (levothyroxine)." Abbott Pharmaceutical
  2. (2022) "Product Information. Armour Thyroid (thyroid desiccated)." Forest Pharmaceuticals
  3. 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
Moderate:

esmolol Alcohol (Ethanol)

Applies to: esmolol
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:

levothyroxine multivitamins with minerals

Applies to: Ermeza (levothyroxine)
Adjust dosing interval

Concurrent administration of calcium-containing products may decrease the oral bioavailability of levothyroxine by one-third in some patients. Pharmacologic effects of levothyroxine may be reduced. The exact mechanism of interaction is unknown but may involve nonspecific adsorption of levothyroxine to calcium at acidic pH levels, resulting in an insoluble complex that is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. In one study, 20 patients with hypothyroidism who were taking a stable long-term regimen of levothyroxine demonstrated modest but significant decreases in mean free and total thyroxine (T4) levels as well as a corresponding increase in mean thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH) level following the addition of calcium carbonate (1200 mg/day of elemental calcium) for 3 months. Four patients had serum TSH levels that were higher than the normal range. Both T4 and TSH levels returned to near-baseline 2 months after discontinuation of calcium, which further supported the likelihood of an interaction. In addition, there have been case reports suggesting decreased efficacy of levothyroxine during calcium coadministration. It is not known whether this interaction occurs with other thyroid hormone preparations.

Management

Some experts recommend separating the times of administration of levothyroxine and calcium-containing preparations by at least 4 hours. Monitoring of serum TSH levels is recommended. Patients with gastrointestinal or malabsorption disorders may be at a greater risk of developing clinical or subclinical hypothyroidism due to this interaction.

References (4)
  1. Schneyer CR (1998) "Calcium carbonate and reduction of levothyroxine efficacy." JAMA, 279, p. 750
  2. Singh N, Singh PN, Hershman JM (2000) "Effect of calcium carbonate on the absorption of levothyroxine." JAMA, 283, p. 2822-5
  3. Csako G, McGriff NJ, Rotman-Pikielny P, Sarlis NJ, Pucino F (2001) "Exaggerated levothyroxine malabsorption due to calcium carbonate supplementation in gastrointestinal disorders." Ann Pharmacother, 35, p. 1578-83
  4. Neafsey PJ (2004) "Levothyroxine and calcium interaction: timing is everything." Home Healthc Nurse, 22, p. 338-9

Disease interactions

26 potential interactions Applies to: 24 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, Allergies, Heart Failure, Asthma, and COPD.

Adrenal Insufficiency

Major:

Ermeza

The levothyroxine in Ermeza has a major potential interaction with Adrenal Insufficiency.

The use of thyroid hormones is contraindicated in patients with uncorrected adrenal insufficiency. Thyroid hormones increase tissue demand for adrenocortical hormones and may precipitate acute adrenal crisis. In patients with controlled adrenal insufficiency or other endocrine disorders, therapy for these concomitant disorders may need to be adjusted following thyroid replacement, since hypothyroidism often obscure or diminish the signs and symptoms of these conditions. Clinical monitoring of thyroid and adrenal function as well as any other appropriate endocrine function is recommended during thyroid hormone therapy.

Allergies

Major:

esmolol

Esmolol has a major potential interaction with Allergies.

The use of beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) in patients with a history of allergic reactions or anaphylaxis may be associated with heightened reactivity to culprit allergens. The frequency and/or severity of attacks may be increased during beta-blocker therapy. In addition, these patients may be refractory to the usual doses of epinephrine used to treat acute hypersensitivity reactions and may require a beta-agonist such as isoproterenol.

Asthma

Moderate:

esmolol

Esmolol has a moderate potential interaction with Asthma.

Patients with bronchospastic disease, should, in general, not receive beta blockers, including cardioselective beta-blockers. Because of the relative beta-1 selectivity, cardioselective beta-blockers may be used in patients with bronchospastic disease who do not respond to, or cannot tolerate, other antihypertensive treatment. Because beta-1 selectivity is not absolute, the lowest possible dose of these agents should be used. Consider administering in smaller doses to avoid the higher plasma levels associated with the longer dosing intervals. If dosage must be increased, dividing the dose should be considered to achieve lower peak blood levels. It is recommended to have bronchodilators, including beta-2 agonists, readily available or administered concomitantly if necessary.

Cardiogenic Shock

Major:

esmolol

Esmolol has a major potential interaction with Cardiogenic Shock.

The use of beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) is contraindicated in patients with hypotension or cardiogenic shock. Due to their negative inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart, the use of beta-blockers is likely to further depress cardiac output and blood pressure, which can be detrimental in these patients.

Cerebrovascular Insufficiency

Moderate:

esmolol

Esmolol has a moderate potential interaction with Cerebrovascular Insufficiency.

Beta-adrenergic blocking agents (beta-blockers), should be used with caution in patients with cerebrovascular insufficiency because of their potential effects relative to blood pressure and pulse. If signs or symptoms suggesting reduced cerebral blood flow are observed, consideration should be given to discontinuing these agents.

COPD

Moderate:

esmolol

Esmolol has a moderate potential interaction with COPD.

Patients with bronchospastic disease, should, in general, not receive beta blockers, including cardioselective beta-blockers. Because of the relative beta-1 selectivity, cardioselective beta-blockers may be used in patients with bronchospastic disease who do not respond to, or cannot tolerate, other antihypertensive treatment. Because beta-1 selectivity is not absolute, the lowest possible dose of these agents should be used. Consider administering in smaller doses to avoid the higher plasma levels associated with the longer dosing intervals. If dosage must be increased, dividing the dose should be considered to achieve lower peak blood levels. It is recommended to have bronchodilators, including beta-2 agonists, readily available or administered concomitantly if necessary.

Diabetes Insipidus

Moderate:

Ermeza

The levothyroxine in Ermeza has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Insipidus.

Since hypothyroidism often obscure or diminish the signs and symptoms of endocrine disorders such as diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus, thyroid replacement therapy may aggravate the intensity of symptoms associated with these conditions. Patients with endocrine disorders should be monitored more closely during thyroid hormone therapy, and their medication regimen adjusted accordingly. If thyroid medication is later discontinued, a downward readjustment of insulin or oral hypoglycemic agent may be necessary in patients with diabetes mellitus to avoid hypoglycemia.

Diabetes Mellitus

Major:

esmolol

Esmolol has a major potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) may mask symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremors, tachycardia and blood pressure changes. In addition, the nonselective beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, pindolol, timolol) may inhibit catecholamine-mediated glycogenolysis, thereby potentiating insulin-induced hypoglycemia and delaying the recovery of normal blood glucose levels. Since cardioselectivity is not absolute, larger doses of beta-1 selective agents may demonstrate these effects as well. Therapy with beta-blockers should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes or predisposed to spontaneous hypoglycemia.

Moderate:

Ermeza

The levothyroxine in Ermeza has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Since hypothyroidism often obscure or diminish the signs and symptoms of endocrine disorders such as diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus, thyroid replacement therapy may aggravate the intensity of symptoms associated with these conditions. Patients with endocrine disorders should be monitored more closely during thyroid hormone therapy, and their medication regimen adjusted accordingly. If thyroid medication is later discontinued, a downward readjustment of insulin or oral hypoglycemic agent may be necessary in patients with diabetes mellitus to avoid hypoglycemia.

Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension

Moderate:

esmolol

Esmolol has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.

Systemic beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) may lower intraocular pressure. Therefore, patients with glaucoma or intraocular hypertension may require adjustments in their ophthalmic regimen following a dosing change or discontinuation of beta-blocker therapy.

Heart Block

Major:

esmolol

Esmolol has a major potential interaction with Heart Block.

The use of beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) is contraindicated in patients with sinus bradyarrhythmia or heart block greater than the first degree (unless a functioning pacemaker is present). Due to their negative inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart, the use of beta-blockers is likely to exacerbate these conditions.

Heart Disease

Major:

Ermeza

The levothyroxine in Ermeza has a major potential interaction with Heart Disease.

Thyroid hormones cause increases in myocardial contractility and heart rate as a result of increased metabolic demands and oxygen consumption. Therapy with thyroid hormones should be administered cautiously and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with cardiovascular disorders such as angina, coronary artery disease, and hypertension. Clinical monitoring of cardiovascular function is recommended. If chest pain or exacerbation of cardiovascular disease occurs, the dosage of thyroid hormone should be reduced, even at the expense of achieving euthyroid state. Thyroid hormones should not be administered to patients with an acute myocardial infarction that is not complicated by hypothyroidism.

Heart Failure

Major:

esmolol

Esmolol has a major potential interaction with Heart Failure.

Beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) in general should not be used in patients with overt congestive heart failure (CHF). Sympathetic stimulation may be important in maintaining the hemodynamic function in these patients, thus beta-blockade can worsen the heart failure. However, therapy with beta-blockers may be beneficial and can be administered cautiously in some CHF patients provided they are well compensated and receiving digitalis, diuretics, an ACE inhibitor, and/or nitrates. Carvedilol, specifically, is indicated for use with these agents in the treatment of mild to severe heart failure of ischemic or cardiomyopathic origin. There is also increasing evidence that the addition of a beta-blocker to standard therapy can improve morbidity and mortality in patients with advanced heart failure, although it is uncertain whether effectiveness varies significantly with the different agents. Data from one meta-analysis study suggest a greater reduction of mortality risk for nonselective beta-blockers than for beta-1 selective agents.

High Blood Pressure

Major:

Ermeza

The levothyroxine in Ermeza has a major potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.

Thyroid hormones cause increases in myocardial contractility and heart rate as a result of increased metabolic demands and oxygen consumption. Therapy with thyroid hormones should be administered cautiously and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with cardiovascular disorders such as angina, coronary artery disease, and hypertension. Clinical monitoring of cardiovascular function is recommended. If chest pain or exacerbation of cardiovascular disease occurs, the dosage of thyroid hormone should be reduced, even at the expense of achieving euthyroid state. Thyroid hormones should not be administered to patients with an acute myocardial infarction that is not complicated by hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism

Major:

Ermeza

The levothyroxine in Ermeza has a major potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

The use of thyroid hormones is contraindicated in patients with untreated thyrotoxicosis of any etiology, since thyroid hormones may exacerbate the condition.

Moderate:

esmolol

Esmolol has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

When beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) are used to alleviate symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as tachycardia, anxiety, tremor and heat intolerance, abrupt withdrawal can exacerbate thyrotoxicosis or precipitate a thyroid storm. To minimize this risk, cessation of beta-blocker therapy, when necessary, should occur gradually with incrementally reduced dosages over a period of 1 to 2 weeks. Patients should be advised not to discontinue treatment without first consulting with the physician. Close monitoring is recommended during and after therapy withdrawal.

Hypotension

Major:

esmolol

Esmolol has a major potential interaction with Hypotension.

The use of beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) is contraindicated in patients with hypotension or cardiogenic shock. Due to their negative inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart, the use of beta-blockers is likely to further depress cardiac output and blood pressure, which can be detrimental in these patients.

Ischemic Heart Disease

Major:

esmolol

Esmolol has a major potential interaction with Ischemic Heart Disease.

Heightened sensitivity to catecholamines may occur after prolonged use of beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers). Exacerbation of angina, myocardial infarction and ventricular arrhythmias have been reported in patients with coronary artery disease following abrupt withdrawal of therapy. Cessation of beta-blocker therapy, whenever necessary, should occur gradually with incrementally reduced dosages over a period of 1 to 2 weeks in patients with coronary insufficiency. Patients should be advised not to discontinue treatment without first consulting with the physician. In patients who experience an exacerbation of angina following discontinuation of beta-blocker therapy, the medication should generally be reinstituted, at least temporarily, along with other clinically appropriate measures.

Myasthenia Gravis

Moderate:

esmolol

Esmolol has a moderate potential interaction with Myasthenia Gravis.

Beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) may potentiate muscle weakness consistent with certain myasthenic symptoms such as diplopia, ptosis, and generalized weakness. Several beta-blockers have been associated rarely with aggravation of muscle weakness in patients with preexisting myasthenia gravis or myasthenic symptoms. Use cautiously in patients with myasthenia gravis.

Peripheral Arterial Disease

Major:

esmolol

Esmolol has a major potential interaction with Peripheral Arterial Disease.

Due to their negative inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart, beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) reduce cardiac output and may precipitate or aggravate symptoms of arterial insufficiency in patients with peripheral vascular disease. In addition, the nonselective beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, pindolol, timolol) may attenuate catecholamine-mediated vasodilation during exercise by blocking beta-2 receptors in peripheral vessels. Therapy with beta-blockers should be administered cautiously in patients with peripheral vascular disease. Close monitoring for progression of arterial obstruction is advised.

Pheochromocytoma

Moderate:

esmolol

Esmolol has a moderate potential interaction with Pheochromocytoma.

Administration of beta-blockers alone in the setting of pheochromocytoma has been associated with a paradoxical increase in blood pressure due to the attenuation of beta receptor-mediated vasodilatation in skeletal muscle. In patients with pheochromocytoma, an alpha-blocking agent should be initiated prior to the use of any beta-blocking agent. Caution should be taken in the administration of these agents to patients suspected of having pheochromocytoma.

Psoriasis

Moderate:

esmolol

Esmolol has a moderate potential interaction with Psoriasis.

The use of beta-blockers in psoriatic patients should be carefully weighed since the use of these agents may cause an aggravation in psoriasis.

Renal Dysfunction

Moderate:

esmolol

Esmolol has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Esmolol is metabolized in the cytosol of red blood cells. The resultant acid metabolite is slightly active and is primarily eliminated by the kidney. The clearance of this metabolite is significantly decreased in patients with renal impairment, although the clinical consequences of metabolite accumulation are unknown. Therapy with esmolol should be administered cautiously in patients with renal dysfunction.

Seizures

Moderate:

Ermeza

The levothyroxine in Ermeza has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.

Thyroid hormones may alter the seizure threshold. Seizures have been reported rarely following the initiation of levothyroxine therapy. Therapy with thyroid hormones should be administered cautiously in patients predisposed to seizures.

Sinus Node Dysfunction

Major:

esmolol

Esmolol has a major potential interaction with Sinus Node Dysfunction.

The use of beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) is contraindicated in patients with sinus bradyarrhythmia or heart block greater than the first degree (unless a functioning pacemaker is present). Due to their negative inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart, the use of beta-blockers is likely to exacerbate these conditions.

Tachyarrhythmia

Moderate:

esmolol

Esmolol has a moderate potential interaction with Tachyarrhythmia.

Beta-adrenergic blockade in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and tachycardia has been associated with severe bradycardia requiring treatment with a pacemaker. In one case, this result was reported after an initial dose of 5 mg propranolol. The use of beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) should be administered cautiously in these patients.

More resources

Ermeza

A total of 254 drugs are known to interact with Ermeza.

esmolol

A total of 456 drugs are known to interact with esmolol.

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.