Drug Interactions between Fleet EZ-Prep and moxifloxacin / triamcinolone

MONITOR CLOSELY: Concomitant administration of corticosteroids may potentiate the risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture associated with fluoroquinolone treatment. The mechanism is unknown. Tendinitis and tendon rupture have most frequently involved the Achilles tendon, although cases involving the rotator cuff (the shoulder), the hand, the biceps, and the thumb have also been reported. Some have required surgical repair or resulted in prolonged disability. Tendon rupture can occur during or up to several months after completion of fluoroquinolone therapy.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is recommended if fluoroquinolones are prescribed in combination with corticosteroids, particularly in patients with other concomitant risk factors (e.g., age over 60 years; recipient of kidney, heart, and/or lung transplant). Patients should be advised to stop taking the fluoroquinolone, avoid exercise and use of the affected area, and promptly contact their physician if they experience pain, swelling, or inflammation of a tendon. In general, fluoroquinolones should only be used to treat conditions that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria and only if the benefits outweigh the risks.

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MONITOR: The overuse or abuse of laxatives can cause significant loss of electrolytes and potentiate the risk of hypokalemia associated with corticosteroid therapy. Corticosteroids promote the retention of sodium and water and the excretion of potassium. Although these effects are primarily associated with mineralocorticoids like fludrocortisone, they may also occur with higher dosages of glucocorticoids or adrenocorticotropic agents, particularly if given systemically for longer than brief periods.

MANAGEMENT: In general, laxatives should only be used on a short-term, intermittent basis in recommended dosages. During concomitant therapy with corticosteroids, particularly if fludrocortisone or large doses of a glucocorticoid or adrenocorticotropic agent is given, patients should be counseled to recognize potential signs and symptoms of hypokalemia such as fatigue, myalgia, and muscle weakness. If maintenance of bowel regularity is required, patients should be advised to exercise and increase fiber in the diet and/or consider the use of bulk-forming laxatives.

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MONITOR: The following interactions apply only to products containing sodium biphosphate that are used for bowel cleansing. They do not apply to products containing sodium biphosphate that are used for other, non-laxative related purposes.

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, including psychotherapeutic agents (antidepressants; neuroleptics; lithium), fluoroquinolones, some antimalarial agents (chloroquine; hydroxychloroquine; mefloquine), and some narcotic analgesics. 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.

The use of bowel cleansing preparations may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia, particularly torsade de pointes, in patients treated with drugs that can prolong the QT interval, including psychotherapeutic agents (antidepressants; neuroleptics; lithium), fluoroquinolones, some antimalarial agents (chloroquine; mefloquine; halofantrine; lumefantrine), and some narcotic analgesics (methadone; propoxyphene). Severe and potentially fatal cases of electrolyte disorders and arrhythmias have been reported in elderly patients using bowel cleansing products. Electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia are known risk factors for torsade de pointes associated with QT interval prolongation.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when bowel cleansing preparations are prescribed in patients treated with agents that can lower the seizure threshold and/or prolong the QT interval. 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, 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. Patients should be advised to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitation, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, or syncope.

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