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Drug Interactions between Mega-Trim and sibutramine

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

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Interactions between your drugs

Major

phenylpropanolamine sibutramine

Applies to: Mega-Trim (phenylpropanolamine) and sibutramine

CONTRAINDICATED: Sibutramine is a potent inhibitor of norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake, and a less potent inhibitor of dopamine reuptake. As such, it may potentiate the pharmacologic response to sympathomimetic agents due to additive or synergistic effects. Although the interaction has not been studied with sibutramine, it has been reported with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, fluoxetine. In one case report, a patient experienced jitteriness, racing thoughts, stomach cramps, dry eyes, palpitations, tremors, and restlessness following a single dose of phentermine ingested approximately a week after she had discontinued fluoxetine. Because of the long half-life of fluoxetine and its metabolite, an interaction with fluoxetine is possible. Similar toxic reactions have been reported when fluoxetine was used concomitantly with amphetamine or phenylpropanolamine. Additionally, some sympathomimetic agents such as amphetamines may possess serotonergic activity and should generally not be administered with serotonin reuptake inhibitors because of the additive risk of serotonin syndrome, which is a rare but serious and potentially fatal condition thought to result from hyperstimulation of brainstem 5-HT1A and 2A receptors. Symptoms of the serotonin syndrome may include mental status changes such as irritability, altered consciousness, confusion, hallucinations, and coma; autonomic dysfunction such as tachycardia, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, shivering, blood pressure lability, and mydriasis; neuromuscular abnormalities such as hyperreflexia, myoclonus, tremor, rigidity, and ataxia; and gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The interaction was suspected in a patient treated with dexamphetamine and venlafaxine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. The medications were discontinued and the patient was given cyproheptadine for suspected serotonin syndrome, whereupon symptoms promptly resolved. A second episode occurred when dexamphetamine was subsequently resumed and citalopram added. The patient improved following cessation of citalopram on his own, and residual symptoms were successfully treated with cyproheptadine.

MANAGEMENT: The use of sibutramine in combination with amphetamines and other centrally-acting appetite suppressants is considered contraindicated.

References

  1. Walters AM "Sympathomimetic-fluoxetine interaction." J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 31 (1992): 565-6
  2. Barrett J, Meehan O, Fahy T "SSRI and sympathomimetic interaction." Br J Psychiatry 168 (1996): 253
  3. Bostwick JM, Brown TM "A toxic reaction from combining fluoxetine and phentermine." J Clin Psychopharmacol 16 (1996): 189-90
  4. "Product Information. Meridia (sibutramine)." Knoll Pharmaceutical Company PROD (2001):
  5. Braunwald E, Hauser SL, Kasper DL, Fauci AS, Isselbacher KJ, Longo DL, Martin JB, eds., Wilson JD "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine." New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Health Professionals Division (1998):
  6. Prior FH, Isbister GK, Dawson AH, Whyte IM "Serotonin toxicity with therapeutic doses of dexamphetamine and venlafaxine." Med J Aust 176 (2002): 240-1
  7. Martin TG "Serotonin syndrome." Ann Emerg Med 28 (1996): 520-6
View all 7 references

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Drug and food interactions

Moderate

phenylpropanolamine food

Applies to: Mega-Trim (phenylpropanolamine)

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate the central nervous system and cardiovascular effects of centrally-acting appetite suppressants. In one study, concurrent administration of methamphetamine (30 mg intravenously) and ethanol (1 gm/kg orally over 30 minutes) increased heart rate by 24 beats/minute compared to methamphetamine alone. This increases cardiac work and myocardial oxygen consumption, which may lead to more adverse cardiovascular effects than either agent alone. Subjective effects of ethanol were diminished in the eight study subjects, but those of methamphetamine were not affected. The pharmacokinetics of methamphetamine were also unaffected except for a decrease in the apparent volume of distribution at steady state.

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of centrally-acting appetite suppressants and alcohol should be avoided if possible, especially in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. Patients should be counselled 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. Mendelson J, Jones RT, Upton R, Jacob P 3rd "Methamphetamine and ethanol interactions in humans." Clin Pharmacol Ther 57 (1995): 559-68
  2. "Product Information. Didrex (benzphetamine)." Pharmacia and Upjohn PROD (2001):
  3. "Product Information. Suprenza (phentermine)." Akrimax Pharmaceuticals (2012):

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Moderate

sibutramine food

Applies to: sibutramine

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate the central nervous system and cardiovascular effects of centrally-acting appetite suppressants. In one study, concurrent administration of methamphetamine (30 mg intravenously) and ethanol (1 gm/kg orally over 30 minutes) increased heart rate by 24 beats/minute compared to methamphetamine alone. This increases cardiac work and myocardial oxygen consumption, which may lead to more adverse cardiovascular effects than either agent alone. Subjective effects of ethanol were diminished in the eight study subjects, but those of methamphetamine were not affected. The pharmacokinetics of methamphetamine were also unaffected except for a decrease in the apparent volume of distribution at steady state.

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of centrally-acting appetite suppressants and alcohol should be avoided if possible, especially in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. Patients should be counselled 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. Mendelson J, Jones RT, Upton R, Jacob P 3rd "Methamphetamine and ethanol interactions in humans." Clin Pharmacol Ther 57 (1995): 559-68
  2. "Product Information. Didrex (benzphetamine)." Pharmacia and Upjohn PROD (2001):
  3. "Product Information. Suprenza (phentermine)." Akrimax Pharmaceuticals (2012):

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Moderate

phenylpropanolamine food

Applies to: Mega-Trim (phenylpropanolamine)

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

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