Drug Interaction Report

GENERALLY AVOID: Concomitant use of more than one nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) at a time may increase the potential for serious gastrointestinal toxicity including inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. These events can occur at any time during NSAID use, with or without warning symptoms. The risk is dependent on both dosage and duration of therapy. Patients with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease and/or GI bleeding have a greater than 10-fold increased risk of developing a GI bleed during NSAID use compared to patients without a history. Additional risk factors include old age, alcohol use, smoking, and poor general health status.

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of more than one NSAID at a time should generally be avoided. Some authorities consider the concomitant use of more than one NSAID at a time to be contraindicated due to the absence of any evidence demonstrating synergistic benefits and the potential for additive adverse reactions (AU,UK). Patients treated with an NSAID should be advised to take it with food and to immediately report signs and symptoms of GI ulceration and bleeding such as severe abdominal pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, and the appearance of black, tarry stools. The selective use of prophylactic anti-ulcer therapy (e.g., antacids, misoprostol, proton pump inhibitors) may be considered in high risk patients.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: The tolerability of allopurinol may be improved by giving it after a meal. Additionally, when the dose is greater than 300 mg, dividing the total daily dose into smaller doses administered more often may be appropriate to help minimize gastrointestinal irritation.

MONITOR: Concomitant use of allopurinol with central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may potentiate adverse effects such as somnolence and sedation.

MANAGEMENT: To improve tolerability, some manufacturers suggest administering allopurinol after a meal. Additionally, if the daily dose is greater than 300 mg, administering allopurinol in divided doses may help reduce gastrointestinal intolerance. Patients should also be counseled to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol and to avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how the medication affects them.

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.

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'non-narcotic analgesics' category to be taken concurrently is usually two. Your list includes three medicines belonging to the 'non-narcotic analgesics' category:

• indomethacin
• allopurinol
• meloxicam

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories' category:

• indomethacin
• meloxicam

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.