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Can you take Flavalta with Tacrolimus?

1 drug interaction and 31 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

lidocaine tacrolimus

Applies to: Flavalta (epinephrine / lidocaine) and tacrolimus

Using tacrolimus together with lidocaine may increase the blood levels and effects of one or both medications.

Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications.

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

Major food/lifestyle interactions

Major:

tacrolimus Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: tacrolimus

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase the amount of tacrolimus in your body. This can lead to potentially dangerous side effects and should be avoided.

If you are already consuming grapefruit products, do not increase or decrease the amount of these products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.

You should also avoid the use of alcohol while being treated with tacrolimus to help prevent potentially dangerous side effects.

Tacrolimus should be taken on a consistent schedule before or after you eat at the same time(s) each day. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you know exactly how and when to take tacrolimus.

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.

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

lidocaine Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: Flavalta (epinephrine / lidocaine)

Grapefruit juice may increase the blood levels of lidocaine, which may increase the risk of side effects such as:

  • low blood pressure
  • slow heart rate
  • irregular heart rhythm
  • difficulty breathing
  • convulsions

Cigarette smoking may reduce the blood levels of lidocaine, which may make the medication less effective. It is best to avoid smoking during lidocaine therapy.

Consuming cruciferous vegetables (e.G., broccoli, brussels sprouts) may also reduce the blood levels of lidocaine.

Talk to a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns. 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.

Moderate:

EPINEPHrine Caffeine

Applies to: Flavalta (epinephrine / lidocaine)

Both EPINEPHrine and caffeine can increase blood pressure and heart rate, and combining them may enhance these effects.

Talk to your doctor before using these medications, especially if you have a history of high blood pressure or heart disease. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor 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.

Moderate:

lidocaine Nicotine

Applies to: Flavalta (epinephrine / lidocaine)

As you stop smoking during treatment with nicotine, your dosage requirement of lidocaine may need to be changed. 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 by your doctor to safely use both medications.

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.

Disease interactions

27 potential interactions Applies to: 21 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, Heart Failure, Seizures, Hypokalemia, and Hypotension.

Acidosis

Moderate:

Flavalta

The EPINEPHrine in Flavalta has a moderate potential interaction with Acidosis.

Acidosis, hypoxia, and hypercapnia may reduce the effectiveness of sympathomimetic amines in raising blood pressure. These conditions should be corrected before initiating therapy with sympathomimetic amines, if possible. Monitoring the patients acid-base balance, carbon dioxide levels, and oxygen saturation is recommended.

Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders

Major:

Flavalta

The EPINEPHrine in Flavalta has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. In cardiac tissues, these agents may produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects via stimulation of beta- 1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and the work of the heart may be increased. In the peripheral vasculature, vasoconstriction may occur via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

Major:

tacrolimus

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

Tacrolimus may prolong the QT/QTc interval and may cause Torsade de Pointes. It is recommended to avoid tacrolimus in patients with congenital long QT syndrome. In patients with congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, those taking certain antiarrhythmic medications or other medicinal products that lead to QT prolongation, and those with electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, or hypomagnesemia, consider monitoring of tacrolimus whole blood concentrations and obtaining electrocardiograms and monitoring electrolytes (magnesium, potassium, calcium) periodically during treatment.

Dehydration

Major:

Flavalta

The EPINEPHrine in Flavalta has a major potential interaction with Dehydration.

The use of sympathomimetic amines has been infrequently associated with significant hypotension especially in dehydrated patients secondary to the drug's beta-2 mediated vasodilation. Hypovolemia should be corrected, if possible, before administering sympathomimetic amines. Blood pressure and ECG should be monitored at regular intervals. Monitoring of cardiac output and pulmonary wedge pressure may also be desired.

Diabetes Mellitus

Major:

tacrolimus

Tacrolimus has a major potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Tacrolimus can induce post-transplant insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (PTDM). Temporary insulin therapy has been required in some patients, while long-term insulin use has been necessary in others. Reversible insulin dependence has occurred in kidney and liver transplant patients. PTDM has occurred in a greater percentage of tacrolimus-treated (20%) versus cyclosporine-treated (4%) kidney transplant patients. Black and Hispanic patients are at increased risk for PTDM. Therapy with tacrolimus should be administered cautiously in patients with pre-transplant diabetes mellitus.

Moderate:

Flavalta

The EPINEPHrine in Flavalta has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause increases in blood glucose concentrations. These effects are usually transient and slight but may be significant with dosages higher than those normally recommended. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus. Closer monitoring of blood glucose concentrations may be appropriate.

Electrolyte Abnormalities

Major:

tacrolimus

Tacrolimus has a major potential interaction with Electrolyte Abnormalities.

Tacrolimus may prolong the QT/QTc interval and may cause Torsade de Pointes. It is recommended to avoid tacrolimus in patients with congenital long QT syndrome. In patients with congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, those taking certain antiarrhythmic medications or other medicinal products that lead to QT prolongation, and those with electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, or hypomagnesemia, consider monitoring of tacrolimus whole blood concentrations and obtaining electrocardiograms and monitoring electrolytes (magnesium, potassium, calcium) periodically during treatment.

Heart Block

Major:

Flavalta

The lidocaine in Flavalta has a major potential interaction with Heart Block.

The use of lidocaine is contraindicated in patients with Stokes-Adam syndrome, Wolff-Parkinson White syndrome, or second- or third-degree AV block in the absence of a functional artificial pacemaker, or congenital QT prolongation.

Heart Failure

Major:

Flavalta

The lidocaine in Flavalta has a major potential interaction with Heart Failure.

Antiarrhythmic agents can induce severe hypotension (particularly with IV administration) or induce or worsen congestive heart failure (CHF). Patients with primary cardiomyopathy or inadequately compensated CHF are at increased risk. Antiarrhythmic agents should be administered cautiously and dosage and/or frequency of administration modified in patients with hypotension or adequately compensated CHF. Alternative therapy should be considered unless these conditions are secondary to cardiac arrhythmia.

Major:

tacrolimus

Tacrolimus has a major potential interaction with Heart Failure.

Tacrolimus may prolong the QT/QTc interval and may cause Torsade de Pointes. It is recommended to avoid tacrolimus in patients with congenital long QT syndrome. In patients with congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, those taking certain antiarrhythmic medications or other medicinal products that lead to QT prolongation, and those with electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, or hypomagnesemia, consider monitoring of tacrolimus whole blood concentrations and obtaining electrocardiograms and monitoring electrolytes (magnesium, potassium, calcium) periodically during treatment.

High Blood Pressure

Moderate:

tacrolimus

Tacrolimus has a moderate potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.

The use of tacrolimus has been associated with hypertension. Therapy with tacrolimus should be administered cautiously in patients with elevated blood pressure. Close monitoring of blood pressure is recommended.

Hyperkalemia

Moderate:

Flavalta

The lidocaine in Flavalta has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperkalemia.

Electrolyte imbalance can alter the therapeutic effectiveness of antiarrhythmic agents. Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia can reduce the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic agents. In some cases, these disorders can exaggerate the degree of QTc prolongation and increase the potential for torsade de pointes. Hyperkalemia can potentiate the toxic effects of antiarrhythmic agents. Electrolyte imbalance should be corrected prior to initiating antiarrhythmic therapy. Clinical monitoring of cardiac function and electrolyte concentrations is recommended.

Moderate:

tacrolimus

Tacrolimus has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperkalemia.

The use of tacrolimus has been associated with hyperkalemia. Therapy with tacrolimus should be administered cautiously in patients with elevated serum potassium levels. Close monitoring of potassium levels is recommended. Careful consideration should be given prior to use of other agents also associated with hyperkalemia (e.g., potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers) during tacrolimus therapy.

Hyperthyroidism

Major:

Flavalta

The EPINEPHrine in Flavalta has a major potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. In cardiac tissues, these agents may produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects via stimulation of beta- 1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and the work of the heart may be increased. In the peripheral vasculature, vasoconstriction may occur via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

Hypokalemia

Moderate:

Flavalta

The lidocaine in Flavalta has a moderate potential interaction with Hypokalemia.

Electrolyte imbalance can alter the therapeutic effectiveness of antiarrhythmic agents. Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia can reduce the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic agents. In some cases, these disorders can exaggerate the degree of QTc prolongation and increase the potential for torsade de pointes. Hyperkalemia can potentiate the toxic effects of antiarrhythmic agents. Electrolyte imbalance should be corrected prior to initiating antiarrhythmic therapy. Clinical monitoring of cardiac function and electrolyte concentrations is recommended.

Hypotension

Major:

Flavalta

The lidocaine in Flavalta has a major potential interaction with Hypotension.

Antiarrhythmic agents can induce severe hypotension (particularly with IV administration) or induce or worsen congestive heart failure (CHF). Patients with primary cardiomyopathy or inadequately compensated CHF are at increased risk. Antiarrhythmic agents should be administered cautiously and dosage and/or frequency of administration modified in patients with hypotension or adequately compensated CHF. Alternative therapy should be considered unless these conditions are secondary to cardiac arrhythmia.

Immunodeficiency

Major:

tacrolimus

Tacrolimus has a major potential interaction with Immunodeficiency.

Due to immunosuppression, patients receiving tacrolimus are at increased risk for infections, including polyoma virus infections, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) and CMV viremia and CMV disease. Polyoma virus infections in transplant patients may have serious, and sometimes fatal, outcomes. These include polyoma virus-associated nephropathy (PVAN), mostly due to BK virus infection, and JC virus-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Cases of PML have been reported in patients treated with tacrolimus. Risk factors for PML include treatment with immunosuppressant therapies and impairment of immune function. PTLD associated with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), has been reported in immunosuppressed organ transplant patients. Patients that are Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) seronegative appears to have the greatest risk of developing PTLD. It is recommended to monitor EBV serology during tacrolimus therapy. Caution and patient monitoring is recommended when using this drug in immunosuppressed patients.

Infection

Major:

tacrolimus

Tacrolimus has a major potential interaction with Infection.

Due to immunosuppression, patients receiving tacrolimus are at increased risk for infections, including polyoma virus infections, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) and CMV viremia and CMV disease. Polyoma virus infections in transplant patients may have serious, and sometimes fatal, outcomes. These include polyoma virus-associated nephropathy (PVAN), mostly due to BK virus infection, and JC virus-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Cases of PML have been reported in patients treated with tacrolimus. Risk factors for PML include treatment with immunosuppressant therapies and impairment of immune function. PTLD associated with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), has been reported in immunosuppressed organ transplant patients. Patients that are Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) seronegative appears to have the greatest risk of developing PTLD. It is recommended to monitor EBV serology during tacrolimus therapy. Caution and patient monitoring is recommended when using this drug in immunosuppressed patients.

Liver Disease

Major:

Flavalta

The lidocaine in Flavalta has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Lidocaine is rapidly and extensively metabolized by the liver. Less than 10% is eliminated unchanged in the urine. Several inactive and two active forms (MEGX and GX) have been identified. MEGX and GX exhibit antiarrhythmic and convulsant properties. GX accumulates during prolonged intravenous lidocaine infusion. The pharmacokinetic disposition of lidocaine is altered by changes in hepatic function, including hepatic blood flow. Therapy with lidocaine should be administered cautiously and dosing modifications for repeated or loading and maintenance doses may be necessary. Clinical monitoring of cardiac (continuous ECG) is required and serum metabolite concentrations and monitoring hepatic function are recommended.

Major:

tacrolimus

Tacrolimus has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Tacrolimus undergoes significant hepatic metabolism, primarily by CYP450 3A enzymes. Less than 5% of tacrolimus is eliminated unchanged in the bile and <1% is eliminated unchanged in the urine. Moderate or severe hepatic dysfunction or impaired post-transplant hepatic function may alter the metabolic and therapeutic activity of tacrolimus and increase the whole blood tacrolimus concentration. Therapy with tacrolimus should be administered cautiously and dosage adjustments considered in the presence of moderate or severe hepatic impairment.

Magnesium Imbalance

Moderate:

Flavalta

The lidocaine in Flavalta has a moderate potential interaction with Magnesium Imbalance.

Electrolyte imbalance can alter the therapeutic effectiveness of antiarrhythmic agents. Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia can reduce the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic agents. In some cases, these disorders can exaggerate the degree of QTc prolongation and increase the potential for torsade de pointes. Hyperkalemia can potentiate the toxic effects of antiarrhythmic agents. Electrolyte imbalance should be corrected prior to initiating antiarrhythmic therapy. Clinical monitoring of cardiac function and electrolyte concentrations is recommended.

Neurological Disorders

Moderate:

Flavalta

The EPINEPHrine in Flavalta has a moderate potential interaction with Neurological Disorders.

Epinephrine should be administered with caution to patients with Parkinson's disease as these patients may experience psychomotor agitation or notice a temporary worsening of symptoms.

Parkinsonism

Moderate:

Flavalta

The EPINEPHrine in Flavalta has a moderate potential interaction with Parkinsonism.

Epinephrine should be administered with caution to patients with Parkinson's disease as these patients may experience psychomotor agitation or notice a temporary worsening of symptoms.

Pheochromocytoma

Major:

Flavalta

The EPINEPHrine in Flavalta has a major potential interaction with Pheochromocytoma.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. In cardiac tissues, these agents may produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects via stimulation of beta- 1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and the work of the heart may be increased. In the peripheral vasculature, vasoconstriction may occur via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

Renal Dysfunction

Major:

Flavalta

The lidocaine in Flavalta has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Lidocaine is primarily eliminated by the kidney. Less than 10% is eliminated unchanged in the urine. Two active metabolites (MEGX and GX) have been identified that exhibit antiarrhythmic and convulsant properties. GX accumulates during prolonged intravenous lidocaine infusion. Serum concentrations of lidocaine and the active metabolites are increased and the half-life prolonged in patients with renal impairment. Therapy with lidocaine should be administered cautiously and dosing modified for repeated or maintenance doses in patients with compromised renal function. Clinical monitoring of cardiac function (continual ECG) is required and serum metabolite concentrations and monitoring renal function are recommended.

Major:

tacrolimus

Tacrolimus has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Nephrotoxicity has been reported in 52% of kidney and 40% of liver transplant patients. Renal toxicity includes increasing serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, and renal failure sometimes requiring hemodialysis. Oliguria and hematuria also have been reported. The mechanism of tacrolimus-induced renal dysfunction is not well established. Renal toxicity appears to be dose-related, although toxicity may still occur even at suggested therapeutic concentrations. Therapy with tacrolimus should be administered cautiously and dosage reductions may be necessary in patients with compromised renal function. Alternative immunosuppressive therapy should be considered in the presence of persistent or worsening renal dysfunction.

Seizures

Major:

Flavalta

The lidocaine in Flavalta has a major potential interaction with Seizures.

Seizures have occurred during lidocaine therapy and have been associated with the rapid administration of a large intravenous doses or accumulation of active metabolites with maintenance therapy. Therapy with lidocaine should be administered cautiously to patients with or predisposed to seizure disorders. Clinical monitoring of cardiac (continuous ECG) is required, and serum metabolite concentrations are recommended.

More resources

Flavalta

A total of 726 drugs are known to interact with Flavalta.

tacrolimus

A total of 919 drugs are known to interact with tacrolimus.

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.