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Drug Interactions between Methadone Diskets and Sublocade

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

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Major

methadone buprenorphine

Applies to: Methadone Diskets (methadone) and Sublocade (buprenorphine)

GENERALLY AVOID: Mixed agonist-antagonist opioids may reduce the analgesic effect of pure opioid agonists. In addition, they may precipitate withdrawal symptoms in patients who are opioid-dependent. The proposed mechanism is competitive antagonism of opioid receptor sites by mixed agonist-antagonists.

MONITOR CLOSELY: Buprenorphine or methadone may cause prolongation of the QT interval. Theoretically, coadministration of agents that can prolong the QT interval may result in additive effects and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes and sudden death. Therapeutic dosages of buprenorphine buccal film have been associated with QTc prolongation. In a controlled, open-label chronic pain study of 1590 patients treated with buprenorphine buccal film at doses up to 900 mcg every 12 hours, 2% of patients developed prolonged post-baseline QTcF (Fridericia-corrected QT interval) values of 450 to 480 msec during treatment. Transdermal buprenorphine (40 mcg/hr) has also been associated with a mean QTc prolongation of up to 9.2 msec in studies involving healthy subjects. In addition, high dosages of methadone alone have been associated with QT interval prolongation and torsade de pointes. In a retrospective study of 17 methadone-treated patients who developed torsade de pointes, the mean daily dose was approximately 400 mg (range 65 to 1000 mg) and the mean corrected QT (QTc) interval on presentation was 615 msec. The daily methadone dose correlated positively with the QTc interval. Fourteen patients had at least one predisposing risk factor for arrhythmia (hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, concomitant use of a medication known to prolong the QT interval or inhibit the metabolism of methadone, and structural heart disease), but these were not predictive of QTc interval. It is not known if any of the patients had congenital long QT syndrome.

MANAGEMENT: Mixed agonist-antagonist opioids such as buprenorphine should generally be avoided in patients who have recently received or are receiving treatment with a pure opioid agonist. If use of these drugs is unavoidable, caution and clinical monitoring are recommended. In general, the risk of an individual agent or a combination of agents causing ventricular arrhythmia in association with QT prolongation is largely unpredictable but may be increased by certain underlying risk factors such as congenital long QT syndrome, cardiac disease, and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia). In addition, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drug(s). Patients should be advised to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitation, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, or syncope.

References

  1. Moldenhauer CC, Roach GW, Finlayson DC, et al. (1985) "Nalbuphine antagonism of ventilatory depression following high-dose fentanyl anesthesia." Anesthesiology, 62, p. 647-50
  2. Gilman AG, eds., Nies AS, Rall TW, Taylor P (1990) "Goodman and Gilman's the Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics." New York, NY: Pergamon Press Inc.
  3. Strain EC, Preston KL, Liebson IA, Bigelow GE (1993) "Precipitated withdrawal by pentazocine in methadone-maintained volunteers." J Pharmacol Exp Ther, 267, p. 624-34
  4. (2001) "Product Information. Nubain (nalbuphine)." Endo Laboratories LLC
  5. (2001) "Product Information. Buprenex (buprenorphine)." Reckitt and Colman Pharmaceuticals Inc
  6. (2001) "Product Information. Talwin NX (pentazocine)." Sanofi Winthrop Pharmaceuticals
  7. (2001) "Product Information. Stadol (butorphanol)." Allscrips Pharmaceutical Company
  8. (2001) "Product Information. Dalgan (dezocine)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals
  9. Krantz MJ, Lewkowiez L, Hays H, et al. (2002) "Torsade de pointes associated with very-high-dose methadone." Ann Intern Med, 137, p. 501-4
  10. (2002) "Product Information. Suboxone (buprenorphine-naloxone)." Reckitt and Colman Pharmaceuticals Inc
  11. (2002) "Product Information. Subutex (buprenorphine)." Reckitt and Colman Pharmaceuticals Inc
  12. Walker PW, Klein D, Kasza L (2003) "High dose methadone and ventricular arrhythmias: a report of three cases." Pain, 103, p. 321-4
  13. Krantz MJ, Kutinsky IB, Robertson AD, Mehler PS (2003) "Dose-related effects of methadone on QT prolongation in a series of patients with torsade de pointes." Pharmacotherapy, 23, p. 802-5
  14. De Bels D, Staroukine M, Devriendt J (2003) "Torsades de pointes due to methadone." Ann Intern Med, 139, E156
  15. Krantz MJ, Mehler PS (2003) "Synthetic opioids and QT prolongation." Arch Intern Med, 163, 1615; author reply 1615
  16. Sala M, Anguera I, Cervantes M (2003) "Torsade de pointes due to methadone." Ann Intern Med, 139, W64
  17. Mokwe EO, Ositadinma O (2003) "Torsade de pointes due to methadone." Ann Intern Med, 139, W64
  18. Gil M, Sala M, Anguera I, et al. (2003) "QT prolongation and Torsades de Pointes in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus and treated with methadone." Am J Cardiol, 92, p. 995-7
  19. Martell BA, Arnsten JH, Krantz MJ, Gourevitch MN (2005) "Impact of methadone treatment on cardiac repolarization and conduction in opioid users." Am J Cardiol, 95, p. 915-8
  20. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  21. Canadian Pharmacists Association (2006) e-CPS. http://www.pharmacists.ca/function/Subscriptions/ecps.cfm?link=eCPS_quikLink
  22. Ehret GB, Desmeules JA, Broers B (2007) "Methadone-associated long QT syndrome: improving pharmacotherapy for dependence on illegal opioids and lessons learned for pharmacology." Expert Opin Drug Saf, 6, p. 289-303
  23. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
  24. (2010) "Product Information. Butrans (buprenorphine)." Purdue Pharma LP
  25. EMA. European Medicines Agency. European Union (2013) EMA - List of medicines under additional monitoring. http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/regulation/document_listing/document_listing_000366.jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058067c852
  26. (2016) "Product Information. Belbuca (buprenorphine)." Endo Pharmaceuticals Solutions Inc
View all 26 references

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Drug and food interactions

Major

buprenorphine food

Applies to: Sublocade (buprenorphine)

GENERALLY AVOID: Concomitant use of buprenorphine with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants (e.g., nonbenzodiazepine sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, other opioids, alcohol) may increase the risk of buprenorphine overdose, severe respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reported cases have primarily occurred in the setting of buprenorphine maintenance treatment for opiate addiction, and many, but not all, involved abuse or misuse of buprenorphine including intravenous self-injection. The mechanism of interaction probably involves some degree of additive pharmacologic effects. Preclinical studies also suggest that benzodiazepines can alter the usual ceiling effect on buprenorphine-induced respiratory depression and render the respiratory effects of buprenorphine appear similar to those of full opioid agonists. Coadministration of buprenorphine with some CNS depressants such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, and phenothiazines may also increase the risk of hypotension.

MANAGEMENT: The use of opioids in conjunction with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants should generally be avoided unless alternative treatment options are inadequate. If coadministration is necessary, the dosage and duration of each drug should be limited to the minimum required to achieve desired clinical effect. Patients should be monitored closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation, and advised to avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how these medications affect them. Extreme caution is advised when prescribing buprenorphine to patients who are addicted to opioids and also abusing benzodiazepines or alcohol. Due to potential risk of overdose and death, dependence on sedative-hypnotics such as benzodiazepines or alcohol is considered a relative contraindication for office-based buprenorphine treatment of opioid addiction. For patients who have been receiving extended therapy with both an opioid and a benzodiazepine and require discontinuation of either medication, a gradual tapering of dose is advised, since abrupt withdrawal may lead to withdrawal symptoms. Severe cases of benzodiazepine withdrawal, primarily in patients who have received excessive doses over a prolonged period, may result in numbness and tingling of extremities, hypersensitivity to light and noise, hallucinations, and epileptic seizures.

References

  1. (2002) "Product Information. Suboxone (buprenorphine-naloxone)." Reckitt and Colman Pharmaceuticals Inc
  2. Kilicarslan T, Sellers EM (2000) "Lack of interaction of buprenorphine with flunitrazepam metabolism." Am J Psychiatry, 157, p. 1164-6
  3. Reynaud M, Petit G, Potard D, Courty P (1998) "Six deaths linked to concomitant use of buprenorphine and benzodiazepines." Addiction, 93, p. 1385-92
  4. Tracqui A, Kintz P, Ludes B (1998) "Buprenorphine-related deaths among drug addicts in France: a report on 20 fatalities." J Anal Toxicol, 22, p. 430-4
  5. Reynaud M, Tracqui A, Petit G, Potard D, Courty P (1998) "Six deaths linked to misuse of buprenorphine-benzodiazepine combinations." Am J Psychiatry, 155, p. 448-9
  6. Kintz P (2002) "A new series of 13 buprenorphine-related deaths." Clin Biochem, 35, p. 513-6
  7. Martin HA (2011) "The possible consequences of combining lorazepam and buprenorphine/naloxone: a case review." J Emerg Nurs, 37, p. 200-2
  8. Hakkinen M, Launiainen T, Vuori E, Ojanpera I (2012) "Benzodiazepines and alcohol are associated with cases of fatal buprenorphine poisoning." Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 68, p. 301-9
  9. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US) (2013) Clinical Guidelines for the Use of Buprenorphine in the Treatment of Opioid Addiction. Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 40 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64245/
  10. Schuman-Olivier Z, Hoeppner BB, Weiss RD, Borodovsky J, Shaffer HJ, Albanese MJ (2013) "Benzodiazepine use during buprenorphine treatment for opioid dependence: clinical and safety outcomes." Drug Alcohol Depend, 132, p. 580-6
  11. Ferrant O, Papin F, Clin B, et al. (2011) "Fatal poisoning due to snorting buprenorphine and alcohol consumption." Forensic Sci Int, 204, e8-11
  12. Pirnay S, Borron SW, Giudicelli CP, Tourneau J, Baud FJ, Ricordel I (2004) "A critical review of the causes of death among post-morten toxicological investigations: analysis of 34 buprenorphine-associated and 35 methadone-associated deaths." Addiction, 99, p. 978-88
  13. Kintz P (2001) "Deaths involving buprenorphine: a compendium of French cases." Forensic Sci Int, 121, p. 65-9
  14. Sekar M, Mimpriss TJ (1987) "Buprenorphine, benzodiazepines and prolonged respiratory depression." Anaesthesia, 42, p. 567-8
  15. Gueye PN, Borron SW, Risede P, et al. (2002) "Buprenorphine and midazolalm act in combination to depress respiration in rats." Toxicol Sci, 65, p. 107-14
  16. US Food and Drug Administration (2016) FDA warns about serious risks and death when combining opioid pain or cough medicines with benzodiazepines; requires its strongest warning. http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/UCM518672.pdf
View all 16 references

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Moderate

methadone food

Applies to: Methadone Diskets (methadone)

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of methadone. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. In 8 study subjects stabilized on methadone maintenance treatment, ingestion of regular strength grapefruit juice (200 mL one-half hour before and 200 mL simultaneously with the daily methadone dose) for five days resulted in an approximately 17% mean increase in methadone peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) and a 14% mean decrease in apparent clearance for both the R(+) and S(-) enantiomers. Grapefruit juice did not affect the time to peak level (Tmax), terminal half-life, or apparent volume of distribution of methadone. No signs or symptoms of methadone toxicity or changes in intensity of withdrawal symptoms were reported in the study.

MANAGEMENT: Given the interindividual variability in the pharmacokinetics of methadone, a more significant interaction with grapefruit juice in certain patients cannot be ruled out. Patients treated with methadone should preferably avoid or limit the consumption of grapefruit juice, particularly during the induction of maintenance treatment.

References

  1. Iribarne C, Berthou F, Baird S, Dreano Y, Picart D, Bail JP, Beaune P, Menez JF (1996) "Involvement of cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme in the N-demethylation of methadone in human liver microsomes." Chem Res Toxicol, 9, p. 365-73
  2. Oda Y, Kharasch ED (2001) "Metabolism of methadone and levo-alpha-acetylmethadol (LAAM) by human intestinal cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4): potential contribution of intestinal metabolism to presystemic clearance and bioactivation." J Pharmacol Exp Ther, 298, p. 1021-32
  3. Benmebarek M, Devaud C, Gex-Fabry M, et al. (2004) "Effects of grapefruit juice on the pharmacokinetics of the enantiomers of methadone." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 76, p. 55-63
  4. Foster DJ, Somogyi AA, Bochner F (1999) "Methadone N-demethylation in human liver microsomes: lack of stereoselectivity and involvement of CYP3A4." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 47, p. 403-12
View all 4 references

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Moderate

methadone food

Applies to: Methadone Diskets (methadone)

GENERALLY AVOID: Ethanol may potentiate the central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects of opioid analgesics. Concomitant use may result in additive CNS depression and impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills. In more severe cases, hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, or even death may occur.

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of opioid analgesics with ethanol should be avoided.

References

  1. Linnoila M, Hakkinen S (1974) "Effects of diazepam and codeine, alone and in combination with alcohol, on simulated driving." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 15, p. 368-73
  2. Sturner WQ, Garriott JC (1973) "Deaths involving propoxyphene: a study of 41 cases over a two-year period." JAMA, 223, p. 1125-30
  3. Girre C, Hirschhorn M, Bertaux L, et al. (1991) "Enhancement of propoxyphene bioavailability by ethanol: relation to psychomotor and cognitive function in healthy volunteers." Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 41, p. 147-52
  4. Levine B, Saady J, Fierro M, Valentour J (1984) "A hydromorphone and ethanol fatality." J Forensic Sci, 29, p. 655-9
  5. Sellers EM, Hamilton CA, Kaplan HL, Degani NC, Foltz RL (1985) "Pharmacokinetic interaction of propoxyphene with ethanol." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 19, p. 398-401
  6. Carson DJ (1977) "Fatal dextropropoxyphene poisoning in Northern Ireland. Review of 30 cases." Lancet, 1, p. 894-7
  7. Rosser WW (1980) "The interaction of propoxyphene with other drugs." Can Med Assoc J, 122, p. 149-50
  8. Edwards C, Gard PR, Handley SL, Hunter M, Whittington RM (1982) "Distalgesic and ethanol-impaired function." Lancet, 2, p. 384
  9. Kiplinger GF, Sokol G, Rodda BE (1974) "Effect of combined alcohol and propoxyphene on human performance." Arch Int Pharmacodyn Ther, 212, p. 175-80
View all 9 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.

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