Drug Interactions between P-A-C Analgesic and tizanidine

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with inhibitors of CYP450 1A2 may significantly increase the plasma concentrations and pharmacologic effects of tizanidine, which is a sensitive substrate of the isoenzyme. In 10 healthy volunteers, administration of a single 4 mg dose of tizanidine following pretreatment with the potent CYP450 1A2 inhibitor fluvoxamine (100 mg orally once daily for 4 days) increased tizanidine peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by an average of 12- and 33-fold, respectively, compared to placebo. The mean elimination half-life of tizanidine was prolonged from 1.5 to 4.3 hours. Similarly, pretreatment with the moderate CYP450 1A2 inhibitor ciprofloxacin (500 mg orally twice daily for 3 days) increased Cmax and AUC of a single 4 mg dose of tizanidine by an average of 7- and 10-fold, respectively, compared to placebo. Pharmacologic effects of tizanidine as measured by changes in blood pressure, heart rate, performance testing, subjective drug effect, and drowsiness were significantly greater with both fluvoxamine and ciprofloxacin compared to placebo. Vemurafenib, another moderate CYP450 1A2 inhibitor, increased tizanidine AUC by 4.7-fold. The interaction was also suspected in a 70-year-old patient treated with tizanidine who developed low heart rate, low body temperature, dry mouth, and anuresis two weeks after initiating fluvoxamine. A retrospective review of patient medical records at the hospital where the patient was admitted revealed a significantly higher incidence of tizanidine-related adverse effects in patients treated concomitantly with fluvoxamine than that reported for tizanidine alone in the product labeling (26.1% vs. 5.3%), and those who experienced adverse effects were older and received higher dosages of both drugs than those who did not have adverse effects with the combination. Another CYP450 1A2 inhibitor, rofecoxib, has also been reported to potentiate the adverse effects of tizanidine. There have been postmarketing reports of adverse events mostly involving the nervous system (e.g., hallucinations, psychosis, somnolence, hypotonia) and cardiovascular system (e.g., hypotension, tachycardia, bradycardia) during concomitant use of tizanidine and rofecoxib. In all cases, adverse events resolved following discontinuation of one or both drugs. Rechallenge's were not performed.

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of tizanidine with CYP450 1A2 inhibitors should generally be avoided. Otherwise, caution is advised if coadministration is required. Dosage adjustments may be necessary in patients who experience excessive adverse effects of tizanidine such as drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, hypotension, and bradycardia.

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One study has reported that coadministration of caffeine and aspirin lead to a 25% increase in the rate of appearance and 17% increase in maximum concentration of salicylate in the plasma. A significantly higher area under the plasma concentration time curve of salicylate was also reported when both drugs were administered together. The exact mechanism of this interaction has not been specified. Physicians and patients should be aware that coadministration of aspirin and caffeine may lead to higher salicylate levels faster.

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