Naproxen/sumatriptan and Alcohol/Food Interactions

GENERALLY AVOID: The concurrent use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and ethanol may lead to gastrointestinal (GI) blood loss. The mechanism may be due to a combined local effect as well as inhibition of prostaglandins leading to decreased integrity of the GI lining.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be counseled on this potential interaction and advised to refrain from alcohol consumption while taking aspirin or NSAIDs.

MONITOR: Smoking cessation may lead to elevated plasma concentrations and enhanced pharmacologic effects of drugs that are substrates of CYP450 1A2 (and possibly CYP450 1A1) and/or certain drugs with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., flecainide, pentazocine). One proposed mechanism is related to the loss of CYP450 1A2 and 1A1 induction by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in tobacco smoke; when smoking cessation agents are initiated and smoking stops, the metabolism of certain drugs may decrease leading to increased plasma concentrations. The mechanism by which smoking cessation affects narrow therapeutic index drugs that are not known substrates of CYP450 1A2 or 1A1 is unknown. The clinical significance of this interaction is unknown as clinical data are lacking.

MANAGEMENT: Until more information is available, caution is advisable if smoking cessation agents are used concomitantly with drugs that are substrates of CYP450 1A2 or 1A1 and/or those with a narrow therapeutic range. Patients receiving smoking cessation agents may require periodic dose adjustments and closer clinical and laboratory monitoring of medications that are substrates of CYP450 1A2 or 1A1.

5-HT1 agonists - CAD risk factors

The group of drugs known as 5-hydroxytryptamine1 receptor (5-HT1) agonists can cause vasospastic reactions, including coronary vasospasm, peripheral vascular ischemia, and colonic ischemia. Rarely, serious adverse cardiac events including acute myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported within a few hours following the administration of 5-HT1 agonists, in some cases even in patients with no prior history or findings of coronary artery disease (CAD). Significant elevation in blood pressure, including hypertensive crisis, has also been reported on rare occasions in patients with and without a history of hypertension, as have transient increases in blood pressure and peripheral vascular resistance. In general, patients with potentially unrecognized CAD as predicted by the presence of risk factors (e.g., hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, tobacco use, obesity, diabetes, strong family history of CAD, female with surgical or physiological menopause, or male over 40 years of age) should not be administered 5-HT1 agonists unless a cardiovascular evaluation provides satisfactory clinical evidence indicating the lack of CAD, ischemic heart disease, or other significant underlying cardiovascular disease. As a precaution, the manufacturers recommend that the first dose be administered under medical surveillance in such patients, and that electrocardiographic monitoring be considered during the interval immediately following administration to help detect any asymptomatic cardiac ischemia that may occur. Periodic cardiovascular evaluations should be performed during intermittent, long-term use.

5-HT1 agonists - CAD risk factors

The group of drugs known as 5-hydroxytryptamine1 receptor (5-HT1) agonists can cause vasospastic reactions, including coronary vasospasm, peripheral vascular ischemia, and colonic ischemia. Rarely, serious adverse cardiac events including acute myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported within a few hours following the administration of 5-HT1 agonists, in some cases even in patients with no prior history or findings of coronary artery disease (CAD). Significant elevation in blood pressure, including hypertensive crisis, has also been reported on rare occasions in patients with and without a history of hypertension, as have transient increases in blood pressure and peripheral vascular resistance. In general, patients with potentially unrecognized CAD as predicted by the presence of risk factors (e.g., hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, tobacco use, obesity, diabetes, strong family history of CAD, female with surgical or physiological menopause, or male over 40 years of age) should not be administered 5-HT1 agonists unless a cardiovascular evaluation provides satisfactory clinical evidence indicating the lack of CAD, ischemic heart disease, or other significant underlying cardiovascular disease. As a precaution, the manufacturers recommend that the first dose be administered under medical surveillance in such patients, and that electrocardiographic monitoring be considered during the interval immediately following administration to help detect any asymptomatic cardiac ischemia that may occur. Periodic cardiovascular evaluations should be performed during intermittent, long-term use.

NSAIDs - fluid retention

Fluid retention and edema have been reported in association with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including some topical formulations. NSAIDs (including topicals) can lead to new onset of hypertension or worsening of preexisting hypertension, either of which can contribute to the increased incidence of cardiovascular events. NSAIDs should be used with caution in patients with preexisting fluid retention, hypertension, or history of heart failure. NSAIDs should be avoided in patients with severe heart failure unless the benefits are expected to outweigh the risk of worsening heart failure; if an NSAID is used in such patients, they should be monitored for signs of worsening heart failure. Blood pressure and cardiovascular status should be monitored closely during the initiation of NSAID treatment and throughout the course of therapy.

naproxen - sodium

Anaprox and Anaprox DS (brands of naproxen sodium) contain 25 mg and 50 mg of sodium per tablet (approximately 1 mEq/250 mg naproxen), respectively, and Naprosyn suspension contains 39 mg per teaspoonful (approximately 1.5 mEq/125 mg naproxen). The sodium content should be considered when these products are used in patients with conditions that may require sodium restriction, such as congestive heart failure, hypertension, and fluid retention.