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Drug Interactions between HalfLytely and Bisacodyl and Tussirex

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Major

potassium chloride pheniramine

Applies to: HalfLytely and Bisacodyl (bisacodyl / polyethylene glycol 3350 / potassium chloride / sodium bicarbonate / sodium chloride) and Tussirex (codeine / pheniramine / phenylephrine / sodium citrate)

The following interaction applies only if you are taking potassium in a solid formulation (i.E., tablet or capsule swallowed whole) for potassium supplementation:

Talk to your doctor before using potassium oral tablets or capsules together with pheniramine. Depending on the dose of pheniramine and your overall physical health, combining these medications may increase the irritant effects of potassium on your stomach and upper intestine. This can rarely result in ulcers, bleeding, and other gastrointestinal injury. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop severe abdominal pain, bloating, sudden dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting (especially with blood), loss of appetite, and/or black, tarry stools during treatment with these medications. Alternatively, a liquid formulation of potassium may be considered when used in combination with pheniramine. 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.

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Moderate

sodium bicarbonate bisacodyl

Applies to: HalfLytely and Bisacodyl (bisacodyl / polyethylene glycol 3350 / potassium chloride / sodium bicarbonate / sodium chloride) and HalfLytely and Bisacodyl (bisacodyl / polyethylene glycol 3350 / potassium chloride / sodium bicarbonate / sodium chloride)

Using bisacodyl together with sodium bicarbonate may alter the effects of bisacodyl. Bisacodyl and sodium bicarbonate should be separated by at least one hour. If your doctor does prescribe these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment or special test 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.

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Moderate

codeine pheniramine

Applies to: Tussirex (codeine / pheniramine / phenylephrine / sodium citrate) and Tussirex (codeine / pheniramine / phenylephrine / sodium citrate)

Using codeine together with pheniramine may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor 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.

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Moderate

bisacodyl polyethylene glycol 3350

Applies to: HalfLytely and Bisacodyl (bisacodyl / polyethylene glycol 3350 / potassium chloride / sodium bicarbonate / sodium chloride) and HalfLytely and Bisacodyl (bisacodyl / polyethylene glycol 3350 / potassium chloride / sodium bicarbonate / sodium chloride)

Using polyethylene glycol 3350 together with bisacodyl may increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects such as ulcerations in the colon and ischemic colitis (an inflammatory condition caused by reduced blood flow to the colon due to narrowed or blocked blood vessels). Although these side effects are relatively rare, they may be potentially serous and life-threatening, particularly ischemic colitis. Nonetheless, certain bowel cleansing regimens given prior to a colonoscopy may require the concurrent use of a stimulant laxative such as bisacodyl in order to be fully effective. You should avoid using these medications together unless specifically recommended or prescribed by your doctor. 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. 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.

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Drug and food interactions

Moderate

pheniramine food

Applies to: Tussirex (codeine / pheniramine / phenylephrine / sodium citrate)

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of pheniramine such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with pheniramine. Do not use more than the recommended dose of pheniramine, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

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Moderate

codeine food

Applies to: Tussirex (codeine / pheniramine / phenylephrine / sodium citrate)

Do not use alcohol or medications that contain alcohol while you are receiving treatment with codeine. This may increase nervous system side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, difficulty concentrating, and impairment in thinking and judgment. In severe cases, low blood pressure, respiratory distress, fainting, coma, or even death may occur. With certain long-acting formulations of narcotic pain medication, consumption of alcohol may also cause rapid release of the drug, resulting in high blood levels that may be potentially lethal. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed. Do not use more than the recommended dose of codeine, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. 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.

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Moderate

phenylephrine food

Applies to: Tussirex (codeine / pheniramine / phenylephrine / sodium citrate)

Both phenylephrine 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.

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

Therapeutic duplication is the use of more than one medicine from the same drug category or therapeutic class to treat the same condition. This can be intentional in cases where drugs with similar actions are used together for demonstrated therapeutic benefit. It can also be unintentional in cases where a patient has been treated by more than one doctor, or had prescriptions filled at more than one pharmacy, and can have potentially adverse consequences.

Duplication

Systemic alkalinizing agents

Therapeutic duplication

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'systemic alkalinizing agents' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'systemic alkalinizing agents' category:

  • HalfLytely and Bisacodyl (bisacodyl/polyethylene glycol 3350/potassium chloride/sodium bicarbonate/sodium chloride)
  • Tussirex (codeine/pheniramine/phenylephrine/sodium citrate)

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.


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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.