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Can you take Mirtazapine with Phosphate Laxative?

1 drug interaction and 40 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

sodium biphosphate mirtazapine

Applies to: Phosphate Laxative (sodium biphosphate / sodium phosphate) and mirtazapine

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.

mirtazapine can cause seizures and an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although these are relatively rare side effects. The risk is 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. He/she may also want to monitor your electrolyte levels and/or heart rhythm.

You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with these medications.

In addition, you should let your doctor know if you experience signs and symptoms of low electrolyte levels such as:

  • weakness
  • tiredness
  • drowsiness
  • dizziness
  • confusion
  • tingling
  • numbness
  • muscle pain
  • cramps
  • nausea
  • 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.

Food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

sodium biphosphate Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: Phosphate Laxative (sodium biphosphate / sodium phosphate)

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.

Moderate:

mirtazapine Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: mirtazapine

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of mirtazapine such as:

  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • difficulty concentrating

Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment.

You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with mirtazapine.

Do not use more than the recommended dose of mirtazapine, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Disease interactions

38 potential interactions Applies to: 29 conditions, including High Cholesterol, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Heart Failure, and Seizures.

Bipolar Disorder

Major:

mirtazapine

Mirtazapine has a major potential interaction with Bipolar Disorder.

A major depressive episode can be the initial presentation of bipolar disorder. Patients with depressive symptoms should be adequately screened to determine if they are at risk for bipolar disorder prior to initiating treatment with a tetracyclic antidepressant. This screening should include a detailed psychiatric history, including a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression. It should be noted that tetracyclic antidepressants are not approved for use in bipolar depression.

Moderate:

mirtazapine

Mirtazapine has a moderate potential interaction with Bipolar Disorder.

All antidepressants may occasionally cause mania or hypomania, particularly in patients with bipolar disorder. Therapy with antidepressants should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of mania/hypomania.

Cerebrovascular Insufficiency

Major:

mirtazapine

Mirtazapine has a major potential interaction with Cerebrovascular Insufficiency.

The use of tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) has occasionally been associated with significant orthostatic hypotension secondary to the alpha-1 adrenergic blocking effects of these drugs. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with hypotension or conditions that could be exacerbated by hypotension, such as a history of myocardial infarction, angina, or ischemic stroke. Patients with dehydration (e.g., due to severe diarrhea or vomiting) may be predisposed to hypotension and should also be managed carefully during therapy with TCAs. Blood pressure should be monitored at regular intervals, particularly during dosage escalation or whenever dosage has been altered, and patients should be advised not to rise abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position.

Dehydration

Major:

mirtazapine

Mirtazapine has a major potential interaction with Dehydration.

The use of tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) has occasionally been associated with significant orthostatic hypotension secondary to the alpha-1 adrenergic blocking effects of these drugs. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with hypotension or conditions that could be exacerbated by hypotension, such as a history of myocardial infarction, angina, or ischemic stroke. Patients with dehydration (e.g., due to severe diarrhea or vomiting) may be predisposed to hypotension and should also be managed carefully during therapy with TCAs. Blood pressure should be monitored at regular intervals, particularly during dosage escalation or whenever dosage has been altered, and patients should be advised not to rise abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position.

Major:

Phosphate Laxative

The sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate in Phosphate Laxative both have a major potential interaction with Dehydration.

The use of sodium phosphates is contraindicated in patients with congenital megacolon, intestinal obstruction, imperforate anus, active inflammatory disease or congestive heart failure. Serious, potentially life-threatening electrolyte imbalance such as hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia can result with prolonged or excessive use of phosphate laxatives. Hypernatremia and dehydration can occur due to improper dilution of hypertonic saline laxatives. Therapy with sodium phosphates should be administered cautiously and frequency of administration limited in patients with renal dysfunction, colostomy, cardiac dysfunction, or electrolyte imbalance. Clinical monitoring of electrolyte concentrations is recommended.

Moderate:

mirtazapine

Mirtazapine has a moderate potential interaction with Dehydration.

Treatment with mirtazapine can cause hyponatremia. Caution should be used when treating patients with hyponatremia or at greater risk of hyponatremia such as the elderly, patients taking diuretics or who are volume depleted.

Depression

Major:

mirtazapine

Mirtazapine has a major potential interaction with Depression.

Adult and pediatric patients with depression and other psychiatric disorders may experience worsening of their symptoms and may have the emergence of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Patients should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for worsening of their symptoms, suicidality or changes in their behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment, and at times of dose changes. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the treating physician. Discontinuing the medication should be considered if symptoms are persistently worse, or abrupt in onset. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients.

Major:

mirtazapine

Mirtazapine has a major potential interaction with Depression.

A major depressive episode can be the initial presentation of bipolar disorder. Patients with depressive symptoms should be adequately screened to determine if they are at risk for bipolar disorder prior to initiating treatment with a tetracyclic antidepressant. This screening should include a detailed psychiatric history, including a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression. It should be noted that tetracyclic antidepressants are not approved for use in bipolar depression.

Diarrhea

Major:

mirtazapine

Mirtazapine has a major potential interaction with Diarrhea.

The use of tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) has occasionally been associated with significant orthostatic hypotension secondary to the alpha-1 adrenergic blocking effects of these drugs. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with hypotension or conditions that could be exacerbated by hypotension, such as a history of myocardial infarction, angina, or ischemic stroke. Patients with dehydration (e.g., due to severe diarrhea or vomiting) may be predisposed to hypotension and should also be managed carefully during therapy with TCAs. Blood pressure should be monitored at regular intervals, particularly during dosage escalation or whenever dosage has been altered, and patients should be advised not to rise abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position.

Fluid Retention

Major:

Phosphate Laxative

The sodium phosphate in Phosphate Laxative has a major potential interaction with Fluid Retention.

Alkalinizing agents containing sodium can induce sodium and water retention and result in hypernatremia, hypokalemia, hyperosmolality, edema and aggravation of congestive heart failure. Therapy with sodium- containing alkalinizing agents should not be used in patients with hypernatremia or fluid retention. Clinical monitoring of acid/base balance and electrolytes prior to, during, a following completion of therapy with alkalinizing agents is recommended.

Gastrointestinal Obstruction

Major:

Phosphate Laxative

The sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate in Phosphate Laxative both have a major potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.

The use of sodium phosphates is contraindicated in patients with congenital megacolon, intestinal obstruction, imperforate anus, active inflammatory disease or congestive heart failure. Serious, potentially life-threatening electrolyte imbalance such as hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia can result with prolonged or excessive use of phosphate laxatives. Hypernatremia and dehydration can occur due to improper dilution of hypertonic saline laxatives. Therapy with sodium phosphates should be administered cautiously and frequency of administration limited in patients with renal dysfunction, colostomy, cardiac dysfunction, or electrolyte imbalance. Clinical monitoring of electrolyte concentrations is recommended.

Major:

Phosphate Laxative

The sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate in Phosphate Laxative both have a major potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.

The use of laxatives is contraindicated in patients with intestinal obstruction disorders. Patients with intestinal obstruction disorders may need their underlying condition treated to correct the constipation. Some laxatives require reduction in the colon to their active form to be effective which may be a problem in patients with intestinal obstruction.

Glaucoma, Narrow Angle

Moderate:

mirtazapine

Mirtazapine has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma, Narrow Angle.

Tetracyclic antidepressants as other type of antidepressants have an effect on pupil size causing dilation. This effect can potentially narrow the eye angle resulting in increased intraocular pressure and angle closure glaucoma, especially in predisposed patients. These drugs should be used with caution in patients with anatomically narrow angle or history of glaucoma.

Heart Failure

Major:

Phosphate Laxative

The sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate in Phosphate Laxative both have a major potential interaction with Heart Failure.

The use of sodium phosphates is contraindicated in patients with congenital megacolon, intestinal obstruction, imperforate anus, active inflammatory disease or congestive heart failure. Serious, potentially life-threatening electrolyte imbalance such as hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia can result with prolonged or excessive use of phosphate laxatives. Hypernatremia and dehydration can occur due to improper dilution of hypertonic saline laxatives. Therapy with sodium phosphates should be administered cautiously and frequency of administration limited in patients with renal dysfunction, colostomy, cardiac dysfunction, or electrolyte imbalance. Clinical monitoring of electrolyte concentrations is recommended.

High Cholesterol

Moderate:

mirtazapine

Mirtazapine has a moderate potential interaction with High Cholesterol.

Mirtazapine may significantly elevate serum triglyceride and total cholesterol levels. Patients with preexisting hyperlipidemia may require closer monitoring during mirtazapine therapy, and adjustments made accordingly in their lipid-lowering regimen.

History - Cerebrovascular Disease

Major:

mirtazapine

Mirtazapine has a major potential interaction with History - Cerebrovascular Disease.

The use of tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) has occasionally been associated with significant orthostatic hypotension secondary to the alpha-1 adrenergic blocking effects of these drugs. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with hypotension or conditions that could be exacerbated by hypotension, such as a history of myocardial infarction, angina, or ischemic stroke. Patients with dehydration (e.g., due to severe diarrhea or vomiting) may be predisposed to hypotension and should also be managed carefully during therapy with TCAs. Blood pressure should be monitored at regular intervals, particularly during dosage escalation or whenever dosage has been altered, and patients should be advised not to rise abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position.

History - Myocardial Infarction

Major:

mirtazapine

Mirtazapine has a major potential interaction with History - Myocardial Infarction.

The use of tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) has occasionally been associated with significant orthostatic hypotension secondary to the alpha-1 adrenergic blocking effects of these drugs. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with hypotension or conditions that could be exacerbated by hypotension, such as a history of myocardial infarction, angina, or ischemic stroke. Patients with dehydration (e.g., due to severe diarrhea or vomiting) may be predisposed to hypotension and should also be managed carefully during therapy with TCAs. Blood pressure should be monitored at regular intervals, particularly during dosage escalation or whenever dosage has been altered, and patients should be advised not to rise abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position.

Hyperkalemia

Major:

Phosphate Laxative

The sodium phosphate in Phosphate Laxative has a major potential interaction with Hyperkalemia.

The use of phosphates is in general contraindicated in conditions where high potassium, high phosphate, or low calcium may be encountered such as hypoparathyroidism, osteomalacia, acute pancreatitis, or chronic renal disease.

Hypernatremia

Major:

Phosphate Laxative

The sodium phosphate in Phosphate Laxative has a major potential interaction with Hypernatremia.

Alkalinizing agents containing sodium can induce sodium and water retention and result in hypernatremia, hypokalemia, hyperosmolality, edema and aggravation of congestive heart failure. Therapy with sodium- containing alkalinizing agents should not be used in patients with hypernatremia or fluid retention. Clinical monitoring of acid/base balance and electrolytes prior to, during, a following completion of therapy with alkalinizing agents is recommended.

Hypocalcemia

Major:

Phosphate Laxative

The sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate in Phosphate Laxative both have a major potential interaction with Hypocalcemia.

The use of phosphates is in general contraindicated in conditions where high potassium, high phosphate, or low calcium may be encountered such as hypoparathyroidism, osteomalacia, acute pancreatitis, or chronic renal disease.

Hyponatremia

Moderate:

mirtazapine

Mirtazapine has a moderate potential interaction with Hyponatremia.

Treatment with mirtazapine can cause hyponatremia. Caution should be used when treating patients with hyponatremia or at greater risk of hyponatremia such as the elderly, patients taking diuretics or who are volume depleted.

Hypoparathyroidism

Major:

Phosphate Laxative

The sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate in Phosphate Laxative both have a major potential interaction with Hypoparathyroidism.

Therapy with phosphates should be administered with extreme caution in patients with hyperphosphatemia (hypoparathyroidism or severe renal impairment). Elevated serum concentrations of phosphate and calcium can exceed the solubility level and result in calcium-phosphate precipitates that deposit in vascular and renal systems as well as other soft tissues of the body. Clinical monitoring of serum calcium and phosphate concentrations is necessary.

Hypotension

Major:

mirtazapine

Mirtazapine has a major potential interaction with Hypotension.

The use of tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) has occasionally been associated with significant orthostatic hypotension secondary to the alpha-1 adrenergic blocking effects of these drugs. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with hypotension or conditions that could be exacerbated by hypotension, such as a history of myocardial infarction, angina, or ischemic stroke. Patients with dehydration (e.g., due to severe diarrhea or vomiting) may be predisposed to hypotension and should also be managed carefully during therapy with TCAs. Blood pressure should be monitored at regular intervals, particularly during dosage escalation or whenever dosage has been altered, and patients should be advised not to rise abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Major:

Phosphate Laxative

The sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate in Phosphate Laxative both have a major potential interaction with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

The use of laxatives is contraindicated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease may experience colonic perforation with use of stimulant laxatives.

Major:

Phosphate Laxative

The sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate in Phosphate Laxative both have a major potential interaction with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

The use of sodium phosphates is contraindicated in patients with congenital megacolon, intestinal obstruction, imperforate anus, active inflammatory disease or congestive heart failure. Serious, potentially life-threatening electrolyte imbalance such as hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia can result with prolonged or excessive use of phosphate laxatives. Hypernatremia and dehydration can occur due to improper dilution of hypertonic saline laxatives. Therapy with sodium phosphates should be administered cautiously and frequency of administration limited in patients with renal dysfunction, colostomy, cardiac dysfunction, or electrolyte imbalance. Clinical monitoring of electrolyte concentrations is recommended.

Ischemic Heart Disease

Major:

mirtazapine

Mirtazapine has a major potential interaction with Ischemic Heart Disease.

The use of tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) has occasionally been associated with significant orthostatic hypotension secondary to the alpha-1 adrenergic blocking effects of these drugs. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with hypotension or conditions that could be exacerbated by hypotension, such as a history of myocardial infarction, angina, or ischemic stroke. Patients with dehydration (e.g., due to severe diarrhea or vomiting) may be predisposed to hypotension and should also be managed carefully during therapy with TCAs. Blood pressure should be monitored at regular intervals, particularly during dosage escalation or whenever dosage has been altered, and patients should be advised not to rise abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position.

Liver Disease

Major:

mirtazapine

Mirtazapine has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Mirtazapine is extensively metabolized by the liver. Both the parent drug and metabolites, some of which are pharmacologically active, are excreted by the kidney. The clearance of mirtazapine has been shown to decrease in patients with moderate to severe renal or hepatic impairment. Therapy with mirtazapine should be administered cautiously in such patients. Dosage adjustments may be necessary.

Moderate:

mirtazapine

Mirtazapine has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

The use of mirtazapine has occasionally been associated with ALT (SGPT) elevations greater than three times the upper limit of normal. Although the majority of cases were reversible (some despite continued treatment) and not associated with other signs or symptoms suggestive of hepatic injury, therapy with mirtazapine should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting liver disease. Periodic monitoring of liver enzyme levels is recommended.

Mania

Moderate:

mirtazapine

Mirtazapine has a moderate potential interaction with Mania.

Activation of mania/hypomania has been reported during treatment with mirtazapine. Although the incidence has been low (0.2%), mirtazapine should be used carefully in patients with history of mania/hypomania.

Moderate:

mirtazapine

Mirtazapine has a moderate potential interaction with Mania.

All antidepressants may occasionally cause mania or hypomania, particularly in patients with bipolar disorder. Therapy with antidepressants should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of mania/hypomania.

Neutropenia

Major:

mirtazapine

Mirtazapine has a major potential interaction with Neutropenia.

The use of tetracyclic antidepressants has been associated with neutropenia (ANC < 500/mm3) and agranulocytosis (ANC < 500/mm3) with associated signs and symptoms,( e.g., fever, infection, etc.). Patients with preexisting neutropenia or agranulocytosis should be monitored closely during therapy for further decreases in white blood cell (WBC) counts. Treatment should be discontinued in any patient who develops a sore throat, fever, stomatitis, or other signs of infection along with a low WBC count.

Pancreatitis

Major:

Phosphate Laxative

The sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate in Phosphate Laxative both have a major potential interaction with Pancreatitis.

The use of phosphates is in general contraindicated in conditions where high potassium, high phosphate, or low calcium may be encountered such as hypoparathyroidism, osteomalacia, acute pancreatitis, or chronic renal disease.

Pheochromocytoma

Major:

mirtazapine

Mirtazapine has a major potential interaction with Pheochromocytoma.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may potentiate the effects of circulating catecholamines. Enhanced sympathetic activity can provoke hypertensive crises in patients with pheochromocytoma or other tumors of the adrenal medulla, such as some neuroblastomas. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with these tumors.

Phosphate Imbalance

Major:

Phosphate Laxative

The sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate in Phosphate Laxative both have a major potential interaction with Phosphate Imbalance.

The use of sodium phosphates is contraindicated in patients with congenital megacolon, intestinal obstruction, imperforate anus, active inflammatory disease or congestive heart failure. Serious, potentially life-threatening electrolyte imbalance such as hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia can result with prolonged or excessive use of phosphate laxatives. Hypernatremia and dehydration can occur due to improper dilution of hypertonic saline laxatives. Therapy with sodium phosphates should be administered cautiously and frequency of administration limited in patients with renal dysfunction, colostomy, cardiac dysfunction, or electrolyte imbalance. Clinical monitoring of electrolyte concentrations is recommended.

Renal Dysfunction

Major:

mirtazapine

Mirtazapine has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Mirtazapine is extensively metabolized by the liver. Both the parent drug and metabolites, some of which are pharmacologically active, are excreted by the kidney. The clearance of mirtazapine has been shown to decrease in patients with moderate to severe renal or hepatic impairment. Therapy with mirtazapine should be administered cautiously in such patients. Dosage adjustments may be necessary.

Major:

Phosphate Laxative

The sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate in Phosphate Laxative both have a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Therapy with phosphates should be administered with extreme caution in patients with hyperphosphatemia (hypoparathyroidism or severe renal impairment). Elevated serum concentrations of phosphate and calcium can exceed the solubility level and result in calcium-phosphate precipitates that deposit in vascular and renal systems as well as other soft tissues of the body. Clinical monitoring of serum calcium and phosphate concentrations is necessary.

Seizures

Moderate:

mirtazapine

Mirtazapine has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.

The use of tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants is associated with a risk of seizures. Only one case of seizure was reported with mirtazapine, a newer tetracyclic antidepressant, during premarketing trials involving nearly 2800 patients. However, the drug has not been evaluated in controlled studies of patients with a history of seizures. Therapy with mirtazapine should be administered cautiously in such patients.

Vomiting

Major:

mirtazapine

Mirtazapine has a major potential interaction with Vomiting.

The use of tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) has occasionally been associated with significant orthostatic hypotension secondary to the alpha-1 adrenergic blocking effects of these drugs. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with hypotension or conditions that could be exacerbated by hypotension, such as a history of myocardial infarction, angina, or ischemic stroke. Patients with dehydration (e.g., due to severe diarrhea or vomiting) may be predisposed to hypotension and should also be managed carefully during therapy with TCAs. Blood pressure should be monitored at regular intervals, particularly during dosage escalation or whenever dosage has been altered, and patients should be advised not to rise abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position.

More resources

mirtazapine

A total of 698 drugs are known to interact with mirtazapine.

Phosphate Laxative

A total of 430 drugs are known to interact with Phosphate Laxative.

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.