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Drug Interactions between methenamine / sodium biphosphate and Zerlor

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

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

sodium biphosphate dihydrocodeine

Applies to: methenamine / sodium biphosphate and Zerlor (acetaminophen / caffeine / dihydrocodeine)

The following interaction applies only to products containing sodium biphosphate that are used for bowel cleansing. It does not apply to products containing sodium biphosphate that are used for other, non-laxative related purposes.

dihydrocodeine can occasionally cause seizures, especially if you are elderly, alcoholic, undergoing alcohol or drug withdrawal, have a history of seizures, or have a condition affecting the central nervous system like a brain tumor or head trauma. The risk is also increased if you have low blood levels of electrolytes such as calcium, magnesium, potassium or sodium, which can occur with bowel cleansing preparations or excessive use of medications that have a laxative effect. You should use sodium biphosphate exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and drink plenty of clear liquids before, during, and after the cleansing process to avoid becoming dehydrated. Your doctor may be able to recommend specific fluids you can drink before starting sodium biphosphate to help maintain your electrolyte levels. Contact your doctor if you experience signs and symptoms of low electrolyte levels such as weakness, tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, tingling, numbness, muscle pain, cramps, nausea, or vomiting. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Drug and food interactions

Major

acetaminophen food

Applies to: Zerlor (acetaminophen / caffeine / dihydrocodeine)

Ask your doctor before using acetaminophen together with ethanol. This can cause serious side effects that affect your liver. Call your doctor immediately if you experience a fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, excessive tiredness or weakness, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash or itching, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes. If your doctor does prescribe these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Moderate

sodium biphosphate food

Applies to: methenamine / sodium biphosphate

Oral medications may not be properly absorbed when they are taken within one hour before starting sodium biphosphate for bowel cleansing. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if you should adjust the dosing schedule of your other medications before you begin bowel cleansing treatment. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Minor

caffeine food

Applies to: Zerlor (acetaminophen / caffeine / dihydrocodeine)

Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.

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.