Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Tricyclic antidepressants may increase serum phenytoin levels. In vitro studies suggest the mechanism may involve inhibition of CYP450 2C19-catalyzed phenytoin p-hydroxylation by tricyclic antidepressants, especially imipramine and amitriptyline. Phenytoin may induce the hepatic metabolism of desipramine resulting in decreased plasma concentrations. In addition, tricyclic antidepressants may lower the seizure threshold.

MANAGEMENT: Clinical monitoring of patient response, tolerance, and serum phenytoin concentrations is recommended. Patients should be advised to notify their doctor if they experience loss of seizure control or symptoms of phenytoin toxicity (drowsiness, visual disturbances, change in mental status, nausea, or ataxia). Phenytoin dosage may need to be adjusted.

MONITOR: Limited data suggest that the administration of clomipramine with grapefruit juice or cranberry juice may significantly increase plasma drug concentrations of clomipramine. Clomipramine is initially demethylated by CYP450 1A2, 3A3 and 3A4 before undergoing further metabolism to 8-hydroxyclomipramine. The increase in clomipramine bioavailability may stem from inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. The precise mechanism by which cranberry juice exerts its effects is unknown, but may involve inhibition of CYP450 isoenzymes. This interaction has occasionally been exploited in attempts to improve symptomatic control of obsessive compulsive disorder.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving clomipramine therapy who ingest cranberry juice, grapefruits, or grapefruit juice should be monitored for adverse effects and undue fluctuations in plasma drug levels.

GENERALLY AVOID: The combination of ethanol and a tricyclic antidepressant may result in additive impairment of motor skills, especially driving skills. Also, one study has suggested that clomipramine metabolism is significantly impaired for several weeks or more following discontinuation of chronic alcohol consumption.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be warned of this interaction and advised to limit their ethanol intake while taking tricyclic antidepressants. Monitoring for TCA toxicity (CNS depression, excessive anticholinergic effects, hypotension, arrhythmias) is recommended during alcohol withdrawal.