Drug Interactions between Mellaril and polythiazide / prazosin

MONITOR: Phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and some antipsychotic (neuroleptic) agents may potentiate the blood pressure lowering capabilities of other drugs with hypotensive effects due to their peripheral alpha-1 adrenergic blocking activity. Orthostatic hypotension and syncope associated with vasodilation may occur, particularly during initial dosing and/or parenteral administration of the phenothiazine, TCA, or neuroleptic. The severity of this interaction may be affected by the agent's affinity for the alpha-1 adrenoceptor. One in vitro study demonstrated an affinity for the alpha-1 adrenoceptor for some of these medications that was similar to, or greater than, those of alpha blocker medications used to treat hypertension. Examples of drugs evaluated in this study with a high affinity included amitriptyline, clomipramine, chlorpromazine, clozapine, doxepin, flupenthixol, lurasidone, nortriptyline, perphenazine, paliperidone, quetiapine, risperidone, sertindole, and ziprasidone. On the other hand, examples of those with lower affinities included aripiprazole, lofepramine, protriptyline, sulpiride, and amisulpride.

MANAGEMENT: Close clinical monitoring for development of hypotension is recommended if phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), or certain antipsychotic (neuroleptic) agents are used in patients receiving antihypertensive medications or vasodilators. A lower starting dosage and slower titration of the phenothiazine, TCA, or neuroleptic may be appropriate, especially in the elderly. It may also be advisable to consider using a phenothiazine, TCA, or neuroleptic medication with a lower affinity for the alpha-1 adrenoceptor when possible. Patients should be counseled to avoid rising abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position and to notify their healthcare provider if they experience dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, orthostasis, or tachycardia. Patients should also avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how the medications affect them.

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MONITOR: The hypotensive effects of thiazide diuretics and alpha-adrenergic blockers may be additive. Postural hypotension may occur.

MANAGEMENT: Hemodynamic responses should be monitored during coadministration, especially during the first few weeks of therapy. Patients should be advised to take the alpha-blocker at bedtime and to notify their physician if they experience dizziness or syncope while awake.

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MONITOR: Some neuroleptic agents may cause prolongation of the QT interval. While clinical data are lacking, the coadministration of other agents that can produce hypokalemia and/or hypomagnesemia (e.g., potassium-wasting diuretics, amphotericin B, cation exchange resins, stimulant laxatives) may result in elevated risk of ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and torsade de pointes. In addition, neuroleptic agents may potentiate the hypotensive effect of diuretics secondary to their peripheral alpha-1 adrenergic blocking activity. Orthostatic hypotension and syncope associated with vasodilation may occur, particularly during the initial dose titration period of neuroleptic therapy.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when neuroleptics must be used concomitantly with medications that can cause potassium and/or magnesium disturbances. Serum electrolytes should be monitored and any abnormalities corrected prior to initiating therapy with a neuroleptic. Close clinical monitoring for development of hypotension is recommended if neuroleptic agents are prescribed with a diuretic medication. Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they experience dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, orthostasis, or tachycardia. A lower starting dosage and slower titration of the neuroleptic agent may be appropriate in patients receiving antihypertensive therapy, especially if they are elderly.

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