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Drug Interactions between Inderal XL and Mucinex Fast-Max Cold, Flu & Sore Throat Liquid Gels

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

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

propranolol phenylephrine

Applies to: Inderal XL (propranolol) and Mucinex Fast-Max Cold, Flu & Sore Throat Liquid Gels (acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / guaifenesin / phenylephrine)

MONITOR: A case report suggests that beta-blockers may enhance the pressor response to phenylephrine. The proposed mechanism involves blockade of beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the peripheral vasculature, resulting in unopposed alpha-adrenergic effect of phenylephrine that is responsible for vasoconstriction. Additionally, beta-blockers may desensitize baroreceptors that normally modulate heart rate in response to blood pressure elevations by increasing vagal activity on the sinoauricular node. In the case report, a woman with a history of hypertension treated with hydrochlorothiazide (50 mg twice a day) and propranolol (40 mg four times a day) developed sudden bitemporal pain and became unconscious shortly after she was given one drop of a 10% phenylephrine solution in each eye during an ophthalmic examination. She subsequently died of intracerebral hemorrhage due to rupture of a berry aneurysm. The authors noted that the patient had received the same eye drop without incident on two previous occasions when she was not receiving blood pressure or other medications. Nevertheless, an interaction between phenylephrine and beta-blockers is not well established. Phenylephrine acts predominantly on alpha-adrenergic receptors and has little or no direct effect on beta-2 adrenergic receptors, although it may affect them indirectly by enhancing release of norepinephrine from adrenergic nerve terminals. In a study of 12 patients with hypertension, mean phenylephrine doses required to increase systolic blood pressure by 25 mmHg were not significantly different following 2 weeks on propranolol, metoprolol, and placebo (4.8 mcg/kg, 4.7 mcg/kg, and 5.3 mcg/kg, respectively). Baroreceptor-mediated decreases in heart rate during phenylephrine infusion were also in the same range on propranolol, metoprolol, and placebo over baseline heart rate values. In another study, no changes in blood pressure or heart rate were observed in hypertensive patients treated with metoprolol who were given 0.5 to 4 mg doses of phenylephrine intranasally every hour up to a total of 7.5 to 15 mg, or 4 to 30 times the usual recommended dose, compared to placebo or baseline values. These results support the lack of a significant interaction between beta-blockers and phenylephrine.

MANAGEMENT: Until more information is available, caution should be exercised when phenylephrine is used in combination with beta-blockers including ophthalmic formulations, which may be systemically absorbed and can produce clinically significant systemic effects even at low or undetectable plasma levels. Monitoring of blood pressure should be considered, particularly when phenylephrine is administered intravenously or intraocularly. Although an interaction is not likely to occur with cardioselective beta-blockers, caution may be advisable when high dosages are used, since cardioselectivity is not absolute and may be lost with larger doses. A beta-blocker such as propranolol may be used to treat cardiac arrhythmias that occur during administration of phenylephrine.

References

  1. Cass E, Kadar D, Stein HA "Hazards of phenylephrine topical medication in persons taking propranolol." Can Med Assoc J 120 (1979): 1261-2
  2. Myers MG, Iazzetta JJ "Intranasally administered phenylephrine and blood pressure." Can Med Assoc J 127 (1982): 365-6

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Minor

propranolol acetaminophen

Applies to: Inderal XL (propranolol) and Mucinex Fast-Max Cold, Flu & Sore Throat Liquid Gels (acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / guaifenesin / phenylephrine)

Two studies have suggested that propranolol may increase the pharmacologic effects of acetaminophen. The mechanism may be related to inhibition of acetaminophen metabolism. The clinical significance of this interaction is unknown.

References

  1. Baraka OZ, Truman CA, Ford JM, Roberts JC "The effect of propranolol on paracetamol metabolism in man." Br J Clin Pharmacol 29 (1990): 261-4
  2. Baraka OZ, Ford JM, Truman CA, Roberts CJ "Effect of propranolol on the metabolic pathways for paracetamol in man." Br J Clin Pharmacol 28 (1989): p230-1

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Drug and food interactions

Major

acetaminophen food

Applies to: Mucinex Fast-Max Cold, Flu & Sore Throat Liquid Gels (acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / guaifenesin / phenylephrine)

GENERALLY AVOID: Chronic, excessive consumption of alcohol may increase the risk of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity, which has included rare cases of fatal hepatitis and frank hepatic failure requiring liver transplantation. The proposed mechanism is induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes during chronic alcohol use, which may result in accelerated metabolism of acetaminophen and increased production of potentially hepatotoxic metabolites.

MANAGEMENT: In general, chronic alcoholics should avoid regular or excessive use of acetaminophen. Alternative analgesic/antipyretic therapy may be appropriate in patients who consume three or more alcoholic drinks per day. However, if acetaminophen is used, these patients should be cautioned not to exceed the recommended dosage (maximum 4 g/day in adults and children 12 years of age or older).

References

  1. Kaysen GA, Pond SM, Roper MH, Menke DJ, Marrama MA "Combined hepatic and renal injury in alcoholics during therapeutic use of acetaminophen." Arch Intern Med 145 (1985): 2019-23
  2. O'Dell JR, Zetterman RK, Burnett DA "Centrilobular hepatic fibrosis following acetaminophen-induced hepatic necrosis in an alcoholic." JAMA 255 (1986): 2636-7
  3. Seeff LB, Cuccherini BA, Zimmerman HJ, Adler E, Benjamin SB "Acetaminophen hepatotoxicity in alcoholics." Ann Intern Med 104 (1986): 399-404
  4. Thummel KE, Slattery JT, Nelson SD "Mechanism by which ethanol diminishes the hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen." J Pharmacol Exp Ther 245 (1988): 129-36
  5. McClain CJ, Kromhout JP, Peterson FJ, Holtzman JL "Potentiation of acetaminophen hepatotoxicity by alcohol." JAMA 244 (1980): 251-3
  6. Kartsonis A, Reddy KR, Schiff ER "Alcohol, acetaminophen, and hepatic necrosis." Ann Intern Med 105 (1986): 138-9
  7. Prescott LF, Critchley JA "Drug interactions affecting analgesic toxicity." Am J Med 75 (1983): 113-6
  8. "Product Information. Tylenol (acetaminophen)." McNeil Pharmaceutical PROD (2002):
  9. Whitcomb DC, Block GD "Association of acetaminopphen hepatotoxicity with fasting and ethanol use." JAMA 272 (1994): 1845-50
  10. Bonkovsky HL "Acetaminophen hepatotoxicity, fasting, and ethanol." JAMA 274 (1995): 301
  11. Nelson EB, Temple AR "Acetaminophen hepatotoxicity, fasting, and ethanol." JAMA 274 (1995): 301
  12. Zimmerman HJ, Maddrey WC "Acetaminophen (paracetamol) hepatotoxicity with regular intake of alcohol: analysis of instances of therapeutic misadventure." Hepatology 22 (1995): 767-73
View all 12 references

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Moderate

propranolol food

Applies to: Inderal XL (propranolol)

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: The bioavailability of propranolol may be enhanced by food.

MANAGEMENT: Patients may be instructed to take propranolol at the same time each day, preferably with or immediately following meals.

References

  1. Olanoff LS, Walle T, Cowart TD, et al. "Food effects on propranolol systemic and oral clearance: support for a blood flow hypothesis." Clin Pharmacol Ther 40 (1986): 408-14
  2. Byrne AJ, McNeil JJ, Harrison PM, Louis W, Tonkin AM, McLean AJ "Stable oral availability of sustained release propranolol when co-administered with hydralazine or food: evidence implicating substrate delivery rate as a determinant of presystemic drug interactions." Br J Clin Pharmacol 17 (1984): s45-50

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Moderate

dextromethorphan food

Applies to: Mucinex Fast-Max Cold, Flu & Sore Throat Liquid Gels (acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / guaifenesin / phenylephrine)

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of CNS-active agents. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving CNS-active agents should be warned of this interaction and advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.

References

  1. Warrington SJ, Ankier SI, Turner P "Evaluation of possible interactions between ethanol and trazodone or amitriptyline." Neuropsychobiology 15 (1986): 31-7
  2. Gilman AG, eds., Nies AS, Rall TW, Taylor P "Goodman and Gilman's the Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics." New York, NY: Pergamon Press Inc. (1990):
  3. "Product Information. Fycompa (perampanel)." Eisai Inc (2012):
  4. "Product Information. Rexulti (brexpiprazole)." Otsuka American Pharmaceuticals Inc (2015):
View all 4 references

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Moderate

propranolol food

Applies to: Inderal XL (propranolol)

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Concurrent administration with calcium salts may decrease the oral bioavailability of atenolol and possibly other beta-blockers. The exact mechanism of interaction is unknown. In six healthy subjects, calcium 500 mg (as lactate, carbonate, and gluconate) reduced the mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of atenolol (100 mg) by 51% and 32%, respectively. The elimination half-life increased by 44%. Twelve hours after the combination, beta-blocking activity (as indicated by inhibition of exercise tachycardia) was reduced compared to that with atenolol alone. However, during a 4-week treatment in six hypertensive patients, there was no difference in blood pressure values between treatments. The investigators suggest that prolongation of the elimination half-life induced by calcium coadministration may have led to atenolol cumulation during long-term dosing, which compensated for the reduced bioavailability.

MANAGEMENT: It may help to separate the administration times of beta-blockers and calcium products by at least 2 hours. Patients should be monitored for potentially diminished beta-blocking effects following the addition of calcium therapy.

References

  1. Kirch W, Schafer-Korting M, Axthelm T, Kohler H, Mutschler E "Interaction of atenolol with furosemide and calcium and aluminum salts." Clin Pharmacol Ther 30 (1981): 429-35

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Moderate

phenylephrine food

Applies to: Mucinex Fast-Max Cold, Flu & Sore Throat Liquid Gels (acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / guaifenesin / phenylephrine)

MONITOR: Coadministration of two or more sympathomimetic agents may increase the risk of adverse effects such as nervousness, irritability, and increased heart rate. Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, particularly amphetamines, can potentiate the adrenergic response to vasopressors and other sympathomimetic agents. Additive increases in blood pressure and heart rate may occur due to enhanced peripheral sympathetic activity.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if two or more sympathomimetic agents are coadministered. Pulse and blood pressure should be closely monitored.

References

  1. Rosenblatt JE, Lake CR, van Kammen DP, Ziegler MG, Bunney WE Jr "Interactions of amphetamine, pimozide, and lithium on plasma norepineophrine and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase in schizophrenic patients." Psychiatry Res 1 (1979): 45-52
  2. Cavanaugh JH, Griffith JD, Oates JA "Effect of amphetamine on the pressor response to tyramine: formation of p-hydroxynorephedrine from amphetamine in man." Clin Pharmacol Ther 11 (1970): 656
  3. "Product Information. Adderall (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine)." Shire Richwood Pharmaceutical Company Inc PROD (2001):
  4. "Product Information. Tenuate (diethylpropion)." Aventis Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  5. "Product Information. Sanorex (mazindol)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  6. "Product Information. Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)." Mikart Inc (2001):
  7. "Product Information. Strattera (atomoxetine)." Lilly, Eli and Company (2002):
View all 7 references

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.


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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.