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Can you take Flecainide with Sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol?

1 drug interaction and 21 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

flecainide taurursodiol

Applies to: flecainide and sodium phenylbutyrate / taurursodiol

Taurursodiol may increase the blood levels and effects of flecainide. 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:

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.

Moderate:

flecainide Nicotine

Applies to: flecainide

As you stop smoking during treatment with nicotine, your dosage requirement of flecainide 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

19 potential interactions Applies to: 15 conditions, including Heart Failure, Peripheral Neuropathy, Hypokalemia, Hypotension, and Hyperkalemia.

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.

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.

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 Block

Major:

flecainide

Flecainide has a major potential interaction with Heart Block.

Flecainide is contraindicated in patients with pre-existing second- or third-degree AV block, or with right bundle branch block when associated with a left hemiblock (bifascicular block), unless a pacemaker is present to sustain the cardiac rhythm should complete heart block occur. Flecainide is also contraindicated in the presence of cardiogenic shock

Heart Failure

Major:

flecainide

Flecainide 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:

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.

Hyperkalemia

Moderate:

flecainide

Flecainide 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.

Hypokalemia

Moderate:

flecainide

Flecainide 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:

flecainide

Flecainide 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.

Liver Disease

Moderate:

flecainide

Flecainide has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Since flecainide elimination from plasma can be markedly slower in patients with significant hepatic impairment, flecainide should not be used in such patients unless the potential benefits clearly outweigh the risks. If used, frequent and early plasma level monitoring is required to guide dosage. Additionally, dosage increases should be made very cautiously when plasma levels have plateaued (after more than four days).

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.

Magnesium Imbalance

Moderate:

flecainide

Flecainide 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.

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.

Renal Dysfunction

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:

flecainide

Flecainide has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Flecainide is primarily eliminated by the kidney. Approximately 30% (10% to 50%) of flecainide is excreted in the urine unchanged. The serum concentration of flecainide is increased and the half-life prolonged in patients with renal impairment. Rare conditions such as a strict vegetarian diet or renal tubular acidosis that significantly increase the urinary pH slow the urinary elimination of flecainide. Adjustment of dosage is necessary and modification should be based on the degree of renal impairment. Clinical monitoring of cardiac function (ECG) and renal function 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

flecainide

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

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.