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Can you take Ethosuximide with Sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol?

1 drug interaction and 20 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

ethosuximide taurursodiol

Applies to: ethosuximide and sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol

Taurursodiol may alter the blood levels and effects of ethosuximide. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications. Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

ethosuximide Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: ethosuximide

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of ethosuximide such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with ethosuximide. Do not use more than the recommended dose of ethosuximide, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Moderate:

sodium phenylbutyrate Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol

Food may affect the absorption of sodium phenylbutyrate. A high-fat, high-calorie meal (approximately 800 to 1000 calories; 500 to 600 calories from fat, 250 calories from carbohydrate, 150 calories from protein) has been shown to reduce the absorption of sodium phenylbutyrate, although it is unknown what impact this may have on the overall effectiveness of the medication. The manufacturer recommends taking sodium phenylbutyrate before a meal or snack. This is especially important if you weigh less than 70 kg (approximately 154 pounds). Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medication without first talking to your doctor.

Disease interactions

18 potential interactions Applies to: 15 conditions, including Depression, Heart Failure, Peripheral Neuropathy, Psychosis, and Gallbladder Disease.

Biliary Obstruction

Moderate:

sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol

The taurursodiol in sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol has a moderate potential interaction with Biliary Obstruction.

Sodium phenylbutyrate-taurursodiol contains taurursodiol, a bile acid. In patients with disorders that interfere with bile acid circulation, there may be an increased risk for diarrhea and patients should be monitored appropriately. Other conditions such as pancreatic insufficiency, intestinal malabsorption, or intestinal diseases that may alter the concentration of bile acids, may also lead to decreased absorption of this drug and its components. Consider consulting with a GI specialists with experience managing these GI disorders. Patients with disorders of enterohepatic circulation (e.g., biliary infection, active cholecystitis, etc.), severe pancreatic disorders (e.g., pancreatitis), and intestinal disorders that may alter concentrations of bile acids (e.g., ileal resection, regional ileitis, etc.) were excluded from clinical studies and there is no experience in patients with these conditions. Caution is advised.

Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts

Major:

ethosuximide

Ethosuximide has a major potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.

Hematologic toxicities, some with fatal outcome, have been associated with the use of succinimide anticonvulsants. Leukopenia, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, and eosinophilia have been reported. Therapy with succinimide anticonvulsants should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting blood dyscrasias and/or bone marrow suppression. Complete blood counts, including platelets, should be performed prior to initiating therapy and periodically during therapy. Marked depression of blood counts may be indication for withdrawal of succinimide therapy.

Central Nervous System Disorders

Moderate:

sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol

The sodium phenylbutyrate in sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol has a moderate potential interaction with Central Nervous System Disorders.

Sodium phenylbutyrate is a pro-drug and is rapidly metabolized to the active, phenylacetate. Neurotoxicity, including exacerbation of a preexisting neuropathy, has been reported with the use of intravenous phenylacetate. The acute onset and reversibility when the phenylacetate infusion was discontinued suggested a drug effect. Care should be exercised when prescribing sodium phenylbutyrate to patients at risk for neurotoxicity.

Depression

Moderate:

ethosuximide

Ethosuximide has a moderate potential interaction with Depression.

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Pooled analyses of 199 placebo-controlled clinical studies involving the use of 11 different AEDs showed that patients receiving AEDs had approximately twice the risk of suicidal thinking or behavior compared to patients receiving placebo. AEDs should be administered cautiously in patients with depression or other psychiatric disorders; phentermine-topiramate should be avoided in patients with history of suicidal attempts or active suicidal ideation. The risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior should be carefully assessed against the risk of untreated illness, bearing in mind that epilepsy and many other conditions for which AEDs are prescribed are themselves associated with morbidity and mortality and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Patients, caregivers, and families should be alert to the emergence or worsening of signs and symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or the emergence of suicidal thoughts or behavior. If patients have symptoms of suicidal ideation or behavior, a dosage reduction or treatment discontinuation should be considered.

Fluid Retention

Major:

sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol

The sodium phenylbutyrate in sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol has a major potential interaction with Fluid Retention.

The use of sodium phenylbutyrate may cause fluid retention in patients with congestive heart failure, renal dysfunction, or sodium retention with edema. Sodium phenylbutyrate is primarily excreted by the kidney and these patients may exhibit reduced excretion. Therapy with sodium phenylbutyrate should be administered cautiously in these patients. Monitoring plasma levels of ammonia, arginine, branched-chain amino acids and serum proteins to maintain within normal limits and glutamine to less than 1000 mcmol/L is recommended.

Gallbladder Disease

Moderate:

sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol

The taurursodiol in sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol has a moderate potential interaction with Gallbladder Disease.

Sodium phenylbutyrate-taurursodiol contains taurursodiol, a bile acid. In patients with disorders that interfere with bile acid circulation, there may be an increased risk for diarrhea and patients should be monitored appropriately. Other conditions such as pancreatic insufficiency, intestinal malabsorption, or intestinal diseases that may alter the concentration of bile acids, may also lead to decreased absorption of this drug and its components. Consider consulting with a GI specialists with experience managing these GI disorders. Patients with disorders of enterohepatic circulation (e.g., biliary infection, active cholecystitis, etc.), severe pancreatic disorders (e.g., pancreatitis), and intestinal disorders that may alter concentrations of bile acids (e.g., ileal resection, regional ileitis, etc.) were excluded from clinical studies and there is no experience in patients with these conditions. Caution is advised.

Heart Failure

Major:

sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol

The sodium phenylbutyrate in sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol has a major potential interaction with Heart Failure.

The use of sodium phenylbutyrate may cause fluid retention in patients with congestive heart failure, renal dysfunction, or sodium retention with edema. Sodium phenylbutyrate is primarily excreted by the kidney and these patients may exhibit reduced excretion. Therapy with sodium phenylbutyrate should be administered cautiously in these patients. Monitoring plasma levels of ammonia, arginine, branched-chain amino acids and serum proteins to maintain within normal limits and glutamine to less than 1000 mcmol/L is recommended.

Hemodialysis

Moderate:

ethosuximide

Ethosuximide has a moderate potential interaction with Hemodialysis.

Ethosuximide has been shown to be removed by hemodialysis. Doses should either be scheduled for administration after dialysis or supplemental doses be given after dialysis.

Liver Disease

Major:

ethosuximide

Ethosuximide has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Succinimide anticonvulsants have produced morphological and functional changes in the liver of animals. In humans, abnormalities in liver and renal function studies have been reported. Therapy with succinimide anticonvulsants should be administered with extreme caution in patients with known hepatic or renal diseases. Periodic urinalysis and liver function tests are recommended for all patients treated with these drugs.

Moderate:

sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol

The sodium phenylbutyrate in sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Sodium phenylbutyrate is primarily metabolized in the liver and kidney. Therapy with sodium phenylbutyrate should be administered cautiously in patients with liver disease. Monitoring plasma levels of ammonia, arginine, branched-chain amino acids and serum proteins to maintain within normal limits and glutamine to less than 1000 mcmol/L is recommended.

Lupus Erythematosus

Major:

ethosuximide

Ethosuximide has a major potential interaction with Lupus Erythematosus.

Cases of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have been reported in association with the use of succinimide anticonvulsants, primarily ethosuximide. Some of the patients recovered promptly following discontinuation of the drug, while others continued to have active disease long after. Therapy with succinimide anticonvulsants should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of SLE.

Malabsorption Syndrome

Moderate:

sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol

The taurursodiol in sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol has a moderate potential interaction with Malabsorption Syndrome.

Sodium phenylbutyrate-taurursodiol contains taurursodiol, a bile acid. In patients with disorders that interfere with bile acid circulation, there may be an increased risk for diarrhea and patients should be monitored appropriately. Other conditions such as pancreatic insufficiency, intestinal malabsorption, or intestinal diseases that may alter the concentration of bile acids, may also lead to decreased absorption of this drug and its components. Consider consulting with a GI specialists with experience managing these GI disorders. Patients with disorders of enterohepatic circulation (e.g., biliary infection, active cholecystitis, etc.), severe pancreatic disorders (e.g., pancreatitis), and intestinal disorders that may alter concentrations of bile acids (e.g., ileal resection, regional ileitis, etc.) were excluded from clinical studies and there is no experience in patients with these conditions. Caution is advised.

Myoneural Disorder

Moderate:

sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol

The sodium phenylbutyrate in sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol has a moderate potential interaction with Myoneural Disorder.

Sodium phenylbutyrate is a pro-drug and is rapidly metabolized to the active, phenylacetate. Neurotoxicity, including exacerbation of a preexisting neuropathy, has been reported with the use of intravenous phenylacetate. The acute onset and reversibility when the phenylacetate infusion was discontinued suggested a drug effect. Care should be exercised when prescribing sodium phenylbutyrate to patients at risk for neurotoxicity.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Moderate:

sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol

The sodium phenylbutyrate in sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol has a moderate potential interaction with Peripheral Neuropathy.

Sodium phenylbutyrate is a pro-drug and is rapidly metabolized to the active, phenylacetate. Neurotoxicity, including exacerbation of a preexisting neuropathy, has been reported with the use of intravenous phenylacetate. The acute onset and reversibility when the phenylacetate infusion was discontinued suggested a drug effect. Care should be exercised when prescribing sodium phenylbutyrate to patients at risk for neurotoxicity.

Psychosis

Moderate:

ethosuximide

Ethosuximide has a moderate potential interaction with Psychosis.

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Pooled analyses of 199 placebo-controlled clinical studies involving the use of 11 different AEDs showed that patients receiving AEDs had approximately twice the risk of suicidal thinking or behavior compared to patients receiving placebo. AEDs should be administered cautiously in patients with depression or other psychiatric disorders; phentermine-topiramate should be avoided in patients with history of suicidal attempts or active suicidal ideation. The risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior should be carefully assessed against the risk of untreated illness, bearing in mind that epilepsy and many other conditions for which AEDs are prescribed are themselves associated with morbidity and mortality and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Patients, caregivers, and families should be alert to the emergence or worsening of signs and symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or the emergence of suicidal thoughts or behavior. If patients have symptoms of suicidal ideation or behavior, a dosage reduction or treatment discontinuation should be considered.

Renal Dysfunction

Major:

ethosuximide

Ethosuximide has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Succinimide anticonvulsants have produced morphological and functional changes in the liver of animals. In humans, abnormalities in liver and renal function studies have been reported. Therapy with succinimide anticonvulsants should be administered with extreme caution in patients with known hepatic or renal diseases. Periodic urinalysis and liver function tests are recommended for all patients treated with these drugs.

Major:

sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol

The sodium phenylbutyrate in sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

The use of sodium phenylbutyrate may cause fluid retention in patients with congestive heart failure, renal dysfunction, or sodium retention with edema. Sodium phenylbutyrate is primarily excreted by the kidney and these patients may exhibit reduced excretion. Therapy with sodium phenylbutyrate should be administered cautiously in these patients. Monitoring plasma levels of ammonia, arginine, branched-chain amino acids and serum proteins to maintain within normal limits and glutamine to less than 1000 mcmol/L is recommended.

Moderate:

sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol

The sodium phenylbutyrate in sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Sodium phenylbutyrate is primarily metabolized in the liver and kidney. Therapy with sodium phenylbutyrate should be administered cautiously in patients with liver disease. Monitoring plasma levels of ammonia, arginine, branched-chain amino acids and serum proteins to maintain within normal limits and glutamine to less than 1000 mcmol/L is recommended.

More resources

ethosuximide

A total of 392 drugs are known to interact with ethosuximide.

sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol

A total of 590 drugs are known to interact with sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol.

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.