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Interactions between Fenfluramine and Suflave

1 drug interaction and 26 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

fenfluramine polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes

Applies to: fenfluramine and Suflave (polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes)
Monitor

The risk of seizures induced by the use of bowel cleansing preparations may be increased in patients on concomitant medications that can lower the seizure threshold such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI antidepressants or anorectics), monoamine oxidase inhibitors, neuroleptic agents, central nervous system stimulants, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants, other tricyclic compounds (e.g., cyclobenzaprine, phenothiazines), systemic steroids, carbapenems, cholinergic agents, fluoroquinolones, interferons, chloroquine, mefloquine, lindane, and theophylline. Rare cases of generalized tonic-clonic seizures and/or loss of consciousness in association with low serum osmolality and electrolyte abnormalities (e.g., hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia) have been reported with the use of bowel cleansing products in patients with no prior history of seizures. The condition resolved with correction of fluid and electrolyte abnormalities.

Management

Caution is advised when bowel cleansing preparations are prescribed in patients treated with agents that can lower the seizure threshold. Bowel cleansing preparations should not be used if these patients have impaired renal function or perfusion, dehydration, or uncorrected electrolyte abnormalities. Baseline and postprocedure labs including serum electrolytes, calcium, phosphate, BUN, and creatinine should be considered, particularly in the elderly. Patients should be advised not to exceed the recommended dosage of their bowel cleansing preparation and to drink sufficient quantities of clear fluids before, during, and after the bowel preparation process. Administration of an electrolyte rehydration solution may help attenuate the electrolyte abnormalities and hypovolemia.

References (7)
  1. Salik JM, Kurtin P (1985) "Severe hyponatremia after colonoscopy preparation in a patient with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome." Am J Gastroenterol, 80, p. 177-9
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  3. (2007) "Product Information. Fleet Phospho Soda (sodium acid phosphate-sodium phosphate)." Fleet, CB
  4. (2007) "Product Information. Visicol (sodium acid phosphate-sodium phosphate)." Salix Pharmaceuticals
  5. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
  6. (2010) "Product Information. Suprep Bowel Prep Kit (magnesium/potassium/sodium sulfates)." Braintree Laboratories
  7. (2013) "Product Information. Suclear (polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes)." Braintree Laboratories

Food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

fenfluramine Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: fenfluramine
Generally avoid

Alcohol may potentiate the central nervous system and cardiovascular effects of centrally-acting appetite suppressants. In one study, concurrent administration of methamphetamine (30 mg intravenously) and ethanol (1 gm/kg orally over 30 minutes) increased heart rate by 24 beats/minute compared to methamphetamine alone. This increases cardiac work and myocardial oxygen consumption, which may lead to more adverse cardiovascular effects than either agent alone. Subjective effects of ethanol were diminished in the eight study subjects, but those of methamphetamine were not affected. The pharmacokinetics of methamphetamine were also unaffected except for a decrease in the apparent volume of distribution at steady state.

Management

Concomitant use of centrally-acting appetite suppressants and alcohol should be avoided if possible, especially in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. Patients should be counselled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.

References (3)
  1. Mendelson J, Jones RT, Upton R, Jacob P 3rd (1995) "Methamphetamine and ethanol interactions in humans." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 57, p. 559-68
  2. (2001) "Product Information. Didrex (benzphetamine)." Pharmacia and Upjohn
  3. (2012) "Product Information. Suprenza (phentermine)." Akrimax Pharmaceuticals
Moderate:

polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: Suflave (polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes)
Generally avoid

Using macrogol 3350 with electrolytes with starch-based food thickeners may counteract the thickening effect of the starch. According to some authorities, this may liquefy the preparations, potentially increasing the risk for aspiration in patients with swallowing problems. In addition, combining macrogol 3350 with electrolytes can increase the gastrointestinal transit rate. Oral medications administered within one hour of starting the bowel cleansing solution may be flushed from the gastrointestinal tract and not properly absorbed.

Management

Mixing of macrogol 3350-based solutions with starch-based food thickeners should generally be avoided to minimize aspiration risk; always consult individual product package labeling and relevant institutional protocols for guidance. Patients should be advised that absorption of oral medications may be impaired during bowel cleansing treatment, so oral medications (e.g., anticonvulsants, oral contraceptives, antidiabetic agents, antibiotics) should not be administered during and within one hour of starting bowel cleansing whenever possible. If taking medications at these times cannot be avoided, monitoring for reduced therapeutic effects may be advisable.

References (3)
  1. (2024) "Product Information. GaviLyte-N With Flavor Packs (polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes)." Gavis Pharmaceuticals
  2. (2021) Polyethylene glycol (PEG) laxatives and starch-based thickeners: potential interactive effect when mixed, leading to an increased risk of aspiration https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/polyethylene-glycol-peg-laxatives-and-starch-based-thickeners-poten
  3. Potentially Harmful Interaction between Polyethylene https://ismpcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/ISMPCSB2019-i7-PEG-Thickener.pdf

Disease interactions

24 potential interactions Applies to: 20 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, Depression, Seizures, Ulcerative Colitis, and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Alcoholism

Moderate:

fenfluramine

Fenfluramine has a moderate potential interaction with Alcoholism.

Fenfluramine can cause somnolence, sedation, and lethargy. Central nervous system depressants, including alcohol, could potentiate these effects. Exercise caution when using this agent in alcoholic patients or those at risk of sedation. Close monitoring is advised. Advise patients not to drive or operate machinery until they know how this drug will affect them.

Dehydration

Moderate:

Suflave

The polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes in Suflave has a moderate potential interaction with Dehydration.

Use caution when prescribing PEG electrolyte solutions to patients with impaired renal function or patients taking concomitant medications that may affect renal function. Ensure adequate hydration and consider performing baseline and post-colonoscopy laboratory tests (electrolytes, creatinine, and BUN) in these patients.

Depression

Major:

fenfluramine

Fenfluramine has a major potential interaction with Depression.

The use of CNS stimulants can cause psychotic symptoms, suicidal ideation, and aggression, and can exacerbate symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder; CNS stimulants may induce a manic or mixed episode in patients with bipolar disorder. Psychiatric symptoms have been reported in patients with and without history of psychiatric disorders. All patients (particularly those with psychotic or bipolar disorders) should be monitored closely, especially during treatment initiation and at times of dose changes. Extreme caution should be exercised when CNS stimulants are given to patients with a history of psychosis, depression, mania, or bipolar disorder. Prior to initiating therapy, all patients should be screened for risk factors for developing a manic episode (e.g., comorbid or history of depressive symptoms or family history of suicide, bipolar disease, or depression). If any psychiatric symptoms emerge or are exacerbated, treatment suspension should be considered. Some CNS stimulants are contraindicated in patients with marked agitation or anxiety.

Moderate:

fenfluramine

Fenfluramine 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.

Esophageal Obstruction

Moderate:

Suflave

The polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes in Suflave has a moderate potential interaction with Esophageal Obstruction.

Patients with impaired gag reflex, unconscious or semi-conscious patients, and patients prone to regurgitation or aspiration should be administered polyethylene glycol (PEG) electrolyte solutions cautiously. Patients experiencing severe bloating, distention or abdominal pain may need to receive PEG electrolyte solutions at a slower rate.

Failure to Thrive

Moderate:

fenfluramine

Fenfluramine has a moderate potential interaction with Failure to Thrive.

Fenfluramine can cause decreases in appetite and weight. Exercise care when using this agent in patients at risk of decreased appetite or weight. It is recommended to monitor the growth of pediatric patients carefully. Weight should be monitored regularly during treatment, and dose modifications should be considered if a decrease in weight is observed.

Gastrointestinal Obstruction

Major:

Suflave

The polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes in Suflave has a major potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.

The use of laxatives is contraindicated in patients with intestinal obstruction disorders. Patients with intestinal obstruction disorders may need their underlying condition treated to correct the constipation. Some laxatives require reduction in the colon to their active form to be effective which may be a problem in patients with intestinal obstruction.

Major:

Suflave

The polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes in Suflave has a major potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.

The use of polyethylene glycol (PEG) solutions is contraindicated in patients with gastrointestinal obstruction, perforation, or toxic megacolon. If gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation is suspected, appropriate studies should be performed prior to administration of these agents. Use with caution in patients with severe active ulcerative colitis. Increased activity of the gut caused by these agents could worsen these conditions.

Gastrointestinal Perforation

Major:

Suflave

The polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes in Suflave has a major potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Perforation.

The use of polyethylene glycol (PEG) solutions is contraindicated in patients with gastrointestinal obstruction, perforation, or toxic megacolon. If gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation is suspected, appropriate studies should be performed prior to administration of these agents. Use with caution in patients with severe active ulcerative colitis. Increased activity of the gut caused by these agents could worsen these conditions.

Heart Disease

Moderate:

Suflave

The polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes in Suflave has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Disease.

The use of ionic osmotic laxative products for bowel preparation has been associated with rare reports of serious arrhythmias. Use caution when prescribing PEG electrolyte solutions in patients at increased risk of arrhythmias (e.g., patients with a history of prolonged QT, uncontrolled arrhythmias, recent myocardial infarction, unstable angina, congestive heart failure, or cardiomyopathy). Clinical monitoring of cardiovascular status is recommended prior to, during, and after therapy.

High Blood Pressure

Moderate:

fenfluramine

Fenfluramine has a moderate potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.

Fenfluramine can cause an increase in blood pressure. Exercise care when using this agent in hypertensive patients. It is recommended to monitor blood pressure in patients treated with fenfluramine.

Hyponatremia

Moderate:

Suflave

The polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes in Suflave has a moderate potential interaction with Hyponatremia.

PEG electrolyte solutions have been associated with seizure activity, and/or loss of consciousness. The seizure cases were associated with electrolyte abnormalities and low serum osmolality. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of or predisposition to seizures or in patients with known or suspected hyponatremia.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Major:

Suflave

The polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes in Suflave has a major potential interaction with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

The use of laxatives is contraindicated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease may experience colonic perforation with use of stimulant laxatives.

Liver Disease

Moderate:

fenfluramine

Fenfluramine has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Fenfluramine is primarily metabolized to norfenfluramine in the liver. The maximum daily dosage of 20 mg per day should not be exceeded in patients with mild and moderate liver dysfunction. Patients with severe liver dysfunction should not exceed 17 mg per day. The manufacturer prescribing information should be consulted for dose adjustment information of fenfluramine with other concomitant antiepileptic drugs.

Malnourishment

Moderate:

fenfluramine

Fenfluramine has a moderate potential interaction with Malnourishment.

Fenfluramine can cause decreases in appetite and weight. Exercise care when using this agent in patients at risk of decreased appetite or weight. It is recommended to monitor the growth of pediatric patients carefully. Weight should be monitored regularly during treatment, and dose modifications should be considered if a decrease in weight is observed.

Psychosis

Major:

fenfluramine

Fenfluramine has a major potential interaction with Psychosis.

The use of CNS stimulants can cause psychotic symptoms, suicidal ideation, and aggression, and can exacerbate symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder; CNS stimulants may induce a manic or mixed episode in patients with bipolar disorder. Psychiatric symptoms have been reported in patients with and without history of psychiatric disorders. All patients (particularly those with psychotic or bipolar disorders) should be monitored closely, especially during treatment initiation and at times of dose changes. Extreme caution should be exercised when CNS stimulants are given to patients with a history of psychosis, depression, mania, or bipolar disorder. Prior to initiating therapy, all patients should be screened for risk factors for developing a manic episode (e.g., comorbid or history of depressive symptoms or family history of suicide, bipolar disease, or depression). If any psychiatric symptoms emerge or are exacerbated, treatment suspension should be considered. Some CNS stimulants are contraindicated in patients with marked agitation or anxiety.

Moderate:

fenfluramine

Fenfluramine 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.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Major:

fenfluramine

Fenfluramine has a major potential interaction with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Serotonergic drugs with 5-HT2B receptor agonist activity, including fenfluramine, have been associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Exercise care when using this agent in patients with pulmonary disease. Cardiac monitoring is required before starting, during, and after treatment. Cardiac monitoring via echocardiogram can identify evidence of pulmonary arterial hypertension. If pulmonary arterial hypertension is observed on an echocardiogram, the prescriber must consider the benefits versus the risks of initiating or continuing treatment. Echocardiograms should be repeated every six months, and once 3-6 months posttreatment.

Renal Dysfunction

Moderate:

fenfluramine

Fenfluramine has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Fenfluramine has not been studied in patients with end-stage renal disease (eGFR less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2). In patients with severe renal dysfunction (eGFR 15 to 29 mL/min/1.73 m2) the maximum daily dosage of 20 mg per day should not be exceeded (17 mg per day if concomitant stiripentol is used). No dose adjustments are required for patients with mild and moderate renal dysfunction.

Moderate:

Suflave

The polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes in Suflave has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Use caution when prescribing PEG electrolyte solutions to patients with impaired renal function or patients taking concomitant medications that may affect renal function. Ensure adequate hydration and consider performing baseline and post-colonoscopy laboratory tests (electrolytes, creatinine, and BUN) in these patients.

Seizures

Moderate:

Suflave

The polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes in Suflave has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.

PEG electrolyte solutions have been associated with seizure activity, and/or loss of consciousness. The seizure cases were associated with electrolyte abnormalities and low serum osmolality. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of or predisposition to seizures or in patients with known or suspected hyponatremia.

Ulcerative Colitis

Major:

Suflave

The polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes in Suflave has a major potential interaction with Ulcerative Colitis.

The use of polyethylene glycol (PEG) solutions is contraindicated in patients with gastrointestinal obstruction, perforation, or toxic megacolon. If gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation is suspected, appropriate studies should be performed prior to administration of these agents. Use with caution in patients with severe active ulcerative colitis. Increased activity of the gut caused by these agents could worsen these conditions.

Valvular Heart Disease

Major:

fenfluramine

Fenfluramine has a major potential interaction with Valvular Heart Disease.

Serotonergic drugs with 5-HT2B receptor agonist activity, including fenfluramine have been associated with valvular heart disease. Exercise care when using this agent in patients with cardiac disease. Cardiac monitoring is required prior to starting, during, and after treatment. If valvular heart disease is observed on an echocardiogram, the prescriber must consider the benefits versus the risks of initiating or continuing treatment. Echocardiograms should be repeated every six months, and once 3-6 months posttreatment.

Visual Defect/Disturbance

Moderate:

fenfluramine

Fenfluramine has a moderate potential interaction with Visual Defect/Disturbance.

Fenfluramine can cause mydriasis and can precipitate angle-closure glaucoma. Exercise care when using this agent in patients with visual disturbances. Consider discontinuing treatment in patients with acute decrease in visual acuity or ocular pain.

More resources

fenfluramine

A total of 850 drugs are known to interact with fenfluramine.

Suflave

A total of 420 drugs are known to interact with Suflave.

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.