Drug Interactions between lorcaserin and PC-CAP

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may have additive CNS- and/or respiratory-depressant effects with propoxyphene. Misuse of propoxyphene, either alone or in combination with other CNS depressants, has been a major cause of drug-related deaths, particularly in patients with a history of emotional disturbances, suicidal ideation, or alcohol and drug abuse.

MANAGEMENT: The use of alcohol during propoxyphene therapy should be avoided. Patients should be warned not to exceed the recommended dosage of propoxyphene and to avoid activities requiring mental alertness until they know how these agents affect them.

GENERALLY AVOID: The concurrent use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and ethanol may lead to gastrointestinal (GI) blood loss. The mechanism may be due to a combined local effect as well as inhibition of prostaglandins leading to decreased integrity of the GI lining.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be counseled on this potential interaction and advised to refrain from alcohol consumption while taking aspirin or NSAIDs.

The effect of grapefruit juice on the pharmacologic activity of caffeine is controversial. One report suggests that grapefruit juice increases the effect of caffeine. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of cytochrome P-450 metabolism of caffeine. However, a well-conducted pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study did not demonstrate this effect. The clinical significance of this potential interaction is unknown.

Food does not appear to significantly affect the absorption and oral bioavailability of lurasidone. In twelve adult volunteers (6 men and 6 women), administration of a single 10 mg oral dose of lorcaserin following a high-fat (approximately 50% of total caloric content of the meal) and high-calorie (approximately 800 to 1000 calories) meal resulted in less than 10% increases in lorcaserin peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) compared to administration in the fasted state. The time to reach peak concentration (Tmax) was delayed by approximately 1 hour in the fed state. Lorcaserin may be administered with or without food.

One study has reported that coadministration of caffeine and aspirin lead to a 25% increase in the rate of appearance and 17% increase in maximum concentration of salicylate in the plasma. A significantly higher area under the plasma concentration time curve of salicylate was also reported when both drugs were administered together. The exact mechanism of this interaction has not been specified. Physicians and patients should be aware that coadministration of aspirin and caffeine may lead to higher salicylate levels faster.

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

• lorcaserin
• PC-CAP (aspirin/caffeine/propoxyphene)

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.