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Drug Interactions between Norpramin and pseudoephedrine / terfenadine

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

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

desipramine terfenadine

Applies to: Norpramin (desipramine) and pseudoephedrine / terfenadine

MONITOR: Theoretically, concurrent use of two or more drugs that can cause QT interval prolongation may result in additive effects and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes and sudden death. The risk of an individual agent or a combination of these 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).

MANAGEMENT: Caution and clinical monitoring are recommended if multiple agents associated with QT interval prolongation are prescribed together. 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. Glassman AH, Bigger JT Jr "Antipsychotic drugs: prolonged QTc interval, torsade de pointes, and sudden death." Am J Psychiatry 158 (2001): 1774-82
  2. Witchel HJ, Hancox JC, Nutt DJ "Psychotropic drugs, cardiac arrhythmia, and sudden death." J Clin Psychopharmacol 23 (2003): 58-77
  3. Iannini PB "Cardiotoxicity of macrolides, ketolides and fluoroquinolones that prolong the QTc interval." Expert Opin Drug Saf 1 (2002): 121-8
  4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  5. Canadian Pharmacists Association "e-CPS. http://www.pharmacists.ca/function/Subscriptions/ecps.cfm?link=eCPS_quikLink" (2006):
  6. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  7. EMA. European Medicines Agency. European Union "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" (2013):
View all 7 references

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Moderate

desipramine pseudoephedrine

Applies to: Norpramin (desipramine) and pseudoephedrine / terfenadine

GENERALLY AVOID: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may enhance the pressor response to sympathomimetic agents such as pseudoephedrine. The mechanism is TCA inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake in adrenergic neurons, resulting in increased stimulation of adrenergic receptors. This may increase the risk of adverse reactions such as hypertension, throbbing headache, tremor, palpitation, chest pain, and cardiac dysrhythmia.

MANAGEMENT: Sympathomimetic agents such as pseudoephedrine should preferably be avoided during therapy with tricyclic antidepressants. If concomitant use is necessary, caution is recommended and cardiovascular status including blood pressure, should be monitored closely.

References

  1. "Product Information. Elavil (amitriptyline)." Stuart Pharmaceuticals PROD (2002):
  2. "Product Information. Vivactil (protriptyline)." Merck & Co., Inc PROD (2001):
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  5. wilcock a, twycross r "Midazolam for intractable hiccup." J Pain Symptom Manage 12 (1996): 59-61
  6. "Product Information. Advil Cold, Sinus and Flu Extra Strength (chlorpheniramine/ibuprofen/pseudoephedrine)." Pfizer Consumer Healthcare A Division of Pfizer Canada Inc (2020):
  7. "Product Information. Allegra-D (fexofenadine-pseudoephedrine)." Sanofi-Aventis (2022):
  8. "Product Information. Teva-Cotridin Expectorant (codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine/triprolidine)." Teva Canada Limited (2018):
  9. TGA. Therapeutic Goods Administration. Australian Drug Evaluation Committee "CORE PSEUDOEPHEDRINE PRODUCT INFORMATION https://www.tga.gov.au/sites/default/files/otc-template-pi-pseudoephedrine.rtf"
View all 9 references

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Drug and food interactions

Major

terfenadine food

Applies to: pseudoephedrine / terfenadine

CONTRAINDICATED: The consumption of grapefruit juice has been associated with significantly increased plasma concentrations of terfenadine. The mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall induced by certain compounds present in grapefruits. Terfenadine in high serum levels has been associated with prolongation of the QT interval and development of torsade de pointes, a potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmia.

MANAGEMENT: Due to the risk of cardiotoxicity, patients receiving the drug should be advised to avoid consumption of grapefruit products. Loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine may be safer alternatives in patients who may have trouble adhering to the dietary restriction.

References

  1. Honig PK, Woosley RL, Zamani K, Conner DP, Cantilena LR Jr "Changes in the pharmacokinetics and electrocardiographic pharmacodynamics of terfenadine with concomitant administration of erythromycin." Clin Pharmacol Ther 52 (1992): 231-8
  2. Zimmermann M, Duruz H, Guinand O, et al. "Torsades de Pointes after treatment with terfenadine and ketoconazole." Eur Heart J 13 (1992): 1002-3
  3. Mathews DR, McNutt B, Okerholm R, et al. "Torsades de pointes occurring in association with terfenadine use." JAMA 266 (1991): 2375-6
  4. Monahan BP, Ferguson CL, Killeavy ES, et al. "Torsades de pointes occurring in association with terfenadine use." JAMA 264 (1990): 2788-90
  5. Honig PK, Wortham DC, Zamani K, et al. "Terfenadine-ketoconazole interaction: pharmacokinetic and electrocardiographic consequences." JAMA 269 (1993): 1513-8
  6. Pohjola-Sintonen S, Viitasalo M, Toivonene L, Neuvonen P "Torsades de pointes after terfenadine-itraconazole interaction." BMJ 306 (1993): 186
  7. Cortese LM, Bjornson DC "Potential interaction between terfenadine and macrolide antibiotics." Clin Pharm 11 (1992): 675
  8. Paris DG, Parente TF, Bruschetta HR, Guzman E, Niarchos AP "Torsades-de-pointes induced by erythromycin and terfenadine." Am J Emerg Med 12 (1994): 636-8
  9. Zechnich AD, Haxby DG "Drug interactions associated with terfenadine and related nonsedating antihistamines." West J Med 164 (1996): 68-9
  10. Honig PK, Wortham DC, Lazarev A, Cantilena LR "Grapefruit juice alters the systemic bioavailability and cardiac repolarization of terfenadine in poor metabolizers of terfenadine." J Clin Pharmacol 36 (1996): 345-51
  11. Woosley RL "Cardiac actions of antihistamines." Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 36 (1996): 233-52
  12. Benton RE, Honig PK, Zamani K, Cantilena LR, Woosley RL "Grapefruit juice alters terfenadine pharmacokinetics resulting in prolongation of repolarization on the electrocardiogram." Clin Pharmacol Ther 59 (1996): 383-8
  13. Hsieh MH, Chen SA, Chiang CE, et al. "Drug-induced torsades de pointes in one patient with congenital long QT syndrome." Int J Cardiol 54 (1996): 85-8
  14. Clifford CP, Adams DA, Murray S, Taylor GW, Wilkins MR, Boobis AR, Davies DS "Pharmacokinetic and cardiac effects of terfenadine after inhibition of its metabolism by grapefruit juice." Br J Clin Pharmacol 42 (1996): p662
  15. Rau SE, Bend JR, Arnold JMO, Tran LT, Spence JD, Bailey DG "Grapefruit juice terfenadine single-dose interaction: Magnitude, mechanism, and relevance." Clin Pharmacol Ther 61 (1997): 401-9
  16. Bailey DG, Malcolm J, Arnold O, Spence JD "Grapefruit juice-drug interactions." Br J Clin Pharmacol 46 (1998): 101-10
  17. Bailey DG, Dresser GR, Kreeft JH, Munoz C, Freeman DJ, Bend JR "Grapefruit-felodipine interaction: Effect of unprocessed fruit and probable active ingredients." Clin Pharmacol Ther 68 (2000): 468-77
View all 17 references

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Moderate

desipramine food

Applies to: Norpramin (desipramine)

GENERALLY AVOID: Concomitant use of ethanol and a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) may result altered TCA plasma levels and efficacy, and additive impairment of motor skills, especially driving skills. Acute ethanol ingestion may inhibit TCA metabolism, while chronic ingestion of large amounts of ethanol may induce hepatic TCA metabolism.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol during TCA therapy. Alcoholics who have undergone detoxification should be monitored for decreased TCA efficacy. Dosage adjustments may be required.

References

  1. Dorian P, Sellers EM, Reed KL, et al. "Amitriptyline and ethanol: pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interaction." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 25 (1983): 325-31
  2. Warrington SJ, Ankier SI, Turner P "Evaluation of possible interactions between ethanol and trazodone or amitriptyline." Neuropsychobiology 15 (1986): 31-7
  3. Sandoz M, Vandel S, Vandel B, Bonin B, Allers G, Volmat R "Biotransformation of amitriptyline in alcoholic depressive patients." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 24 (1983): 615-21
  4. Ciraulo DA, Barnhill JG, Jaffe JH "Clinical pharmacokinetics of imipramine and desipramine in alcoholics and normal volunteers." Clin Pharmacol Ther 43 (1988): 509-18
  5. Seppala T, Linnoila M, Elonen E, Mattila MJ, Makl M "Effect of tricyclic antidepressants and alcohol on psychomotor skills related to driving." Clin Pharmacol Ther 17 (1975): 515-22
  6. Ciraulo DA, Barnhill JG, Jaffe JH, Ciraulo AM, Tarmey MF "Intravenous pharmacokinetics of 2-hydroxyimipramine in alcoholics and normal controls." J Stud Alcohol 51 (1990): 366-72
  7. Ciraulo DA, Alderson LM, Chapron DJ, Jaffe JH, Subbarao B, Kramer PA "Imipramine disposition in alcoholics." J Clin Psychopharmacol 2 (1982): 2-7
View all 7 references

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Moderate

pseudoephedrine food

Applies to: pseudoephedrine / terfenadine

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.

See also

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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.

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