Drug Interactions between HalfLytely and Bisacodyl and pazopanib

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: By increasing gastric pH, antacids may reduce the resistance of the enteric coating of bisacodyl tablets, resulting in earlier release of bisacodyl and gastric irritation and dyspepsia.

MANAGEMENT: The administration of antacids and bisacodyl should be separated by at least one hour.

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with drugs that increase gastric pH may significantly decrease the oral bioavailability of pazopanib and reduce its concentrations in plasma. The solubility of pazopanib is pH-dependent, thus an increase in pH may interfere with its absorption. According to the product labeling, pazopanib is very slightly soluble at pH 1 and practically insoluble above pH 4 in aqueous media. When pazopanib (800 mg once daily in the morning) was coadministered with esomeprazole (40 mg once daily in the evening) for 5 days in 12 patients with advanced solid tumors, mean steady-state pazopanib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) decreased by approximately 40% each. The AUCs of three metabolites were also decreased. Mean steady-state trough concentration of pazopanib was reduced to 17.3 mcg/mL, which is close to the reported threshold of >=15 mcg/mL for clinical efficacy as suggested by a phase I trial of pazopanib. However, the potential for subtherapeutic pazopanib exposure in some patients cannot be excluded.

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of pazopanib with drugs that increase gastric pH should generally be avoided. If acid-suppression therapy is required, short-acting antacids should be considered, with dosing separated by several hours from pazopanib dosing. Some experts recommend administering pazopanib at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after antacids.

GENERALLY AVOID: Concomitant use of stimulant laxatives (e.g., bisacodyl, sodium picosulfate) may increase the risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse effects associated with certain osmotic laxatives (e.g., polyethylene glycol (PEG), oral sulfate solution), such as colonic mucosal ulcerations or ischemic colitis. There have been isolated case reports of ischemic colitis occurring with the use of PEG-based bowel cleansing products in combination with higher dosages of bisacodyl (usually greater than 10 mg). Bisacodyl can cause colonic ischemia due to transient reduction in splanchnic blood flow. When administered in conjunction with an osmotic laxative such as PEG, increased intramural pressure secondary to increased peristalsis may lead to ischemic colitis and perforation.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturers for some osmotic bowel cleansing products recommend avoiding the concurrent use of stimulant laxatives. However, stimulant laxatives, in particular bisacodyl and sodium picosulfate, are sometimes used with PEG in certain bowel cleansing regimens to help reduce dose volume and improve patient tolerability and acceptance. Please consult individual product labeling for specific recommendations and guidance. Patients using osmotic bowel cleansing products and stimulant laxatives who present with sudden abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or other symptoms of ischemic colitis should be evaluated promptly.

MONITOR: Bowel cleansing as well as overuse of certain laxatives may cause electrolyte loss and increase the risk of torsade de pointes ventricular arrhythmia in patients treated with drugs that prolong the QT interval. Electrolyte disturbances including hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia have been reported with laxative abuse and are known risk factors for torsade de pointes associated with QT interval prolongation.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated with drugs that prolong the QT interval should exercise caution when self-medicating with laxatives. The recommended dosage and duration of use should not be exceeded. Patients treated with lactulose for more than six months should be monitored periodically for electrolyte imbalance. 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.

MONITOR: Bowel cleansing as well as overuse of certain laxatives may cause electrolyte loss and increase the risk of torsade de pointes ventricular arrhythmia in patients treated with drugs that prolong the QT interval. Electrolyte disturbances including hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia have been reported with laxative abuse and are known risk factors for torsade de pointes associated with QT interval prolongation.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated with drugs that prolong the QT interval should exercise caution when self-medicating with laxatives. The recommended dosage and duration of use should not be exceeded. Patients treated with lactulose for more than six months should be monitored periodically for electrolyte imbalance. 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.