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Drug Interaction Report

1 drug interaction and 29 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

calcium carbonate levoFLOXacin

Applies to: Tums Antacid Naturals (calcium carbonate), levofloxacin
Adjust dosing interval

Oral preparations that contain magnesium, aluminum, or calcium may significantly decrease the gastrointestinal absorption of quinolone antibiotics. Absorption may also be reduced by sucralfate, which contains aluminum, as well as other polyvalent cations such as iron and zinc. The mechanism is chelation of quinolones by polyvalent cations, forming a complex that is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The bioavailability of ciprofloxacin has been reported to decrease by as much as 90% when administered with antacids containing aluminum or magnesium hydroxide.

Management

When coadministration cannot be avoided, quinolone antibiotics should be dosed either 2 to 4 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after polyvalent cation-containing products to minimize the potential for interaction. When coadministered with Suprep Bowel Prep (magnesium/potassium/sodium sulfates), the manufacturer recommends administering fluoroquinolone antibiotics at least 2 hours before and not less than 6 hours after Suprep Bowel Prep to avoid chelation with magnesium. Please consult individual product labeling for specific recommendations.

References (32)
  1. Polk RE, Helay DP, Sahai J, Drwal L, Racht E (1989) "Effect of ferrous sulfate and multivitamins with zinc on absorption of ciprofloxacin in normal volunteers." Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 33, p. 1841-4
  2. Nix DE, Watson WA, Lener ME, et al. (1989) "Effects of aluminum and magnesium antacids and ranitidine on the absorption of ciprofloxacin." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 46, p. 700-5
  3. Garrelts JC, Godley PJ, Peterie JD, Gerlach EH, Yakshe CC (1990) "Sucralfate significantly reduces ciprofloxacin concentrations in serum." Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 34, p. 931-3
  4. Frost RW, Lasseter KC, Noe AJ, Shamblen EC, Lettieri JT (1992) "Effects of aluminum hydroxide and calcium carbonate antacids on the bioavailability of ciprofloxacin." Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 36, p. 830-2
  5. Yuk JH (1989) "Ciprofloxacin levels when receiving sucralfate." J Am Geriatr Soc, 262, p. 901
  6. Deppermann KM, Lode H, Hoffken G, Tschink G, Kalz C, Koeppe P (1989) "Influence of ranitidine, pirenzepine, and aluminum magnesium hydroxide on the bioavailability of various antibiotics, including amoxicillin, cephalexin, doxycycline, and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid." Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 33, p. 1901-7
  7. Campbell NR, Kara M, Hasinoff BB, Haddara WM, McKay DW (1992) "Norfloxacin interaction with antacids and minerals." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 33, p. 115-6
  8. Parpia SH, Nix DE, Hejmanowski LG, Goldstein HR, Wilton JH, Schentag JJ (1989) "Sucralfate reduces the gastrointestinal absorption of norfloxacin." Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 33, p. 99-102
  9. Nix DE, Wilton JH, Ronald B, Distlerath L, Williams VC, Norman A (1990) "Inhibition of norfloxacin absorption by antacids." Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 34, p. 432-5
  10. Akerele JO, Okhamafe AO (1991) "Influence of oral co-administered metallic drugs on ofloxacin pharmacokinetics." J Antimicrob Chemother, 28, p. 87-94
  11. Wadworth AN, Goa KL (1991) "Lomefloxacin: a review of its antibacterial activity, pharmacokinetic properties and therapeutic use." Drugs, 42, p. 1018-60
  12. Shimada J, Shiba K, Oguma T, et al. (1992) "Effect of antacid on absorption of the quinolone lomefloxacin." Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 36, p. 1219-24
  13. Sahai J, Healy DP, Stotka J, Polk RE (1993) "The influence of chronic administration of calcium carbonate on the bioavailability of oral ciprofloxacin." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 35, p. 302-4
  14. Lehto P, Kivisto KT (1994) "Effect of sucralfate on absorption of norfloxacin and ofloxacin." Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 38, p. 248-51
  15. Noyes M, Polk RE (1988) "Norfloxacin and absorption of magnesium-aluminum." Ann Intern Med, 109, p. 168-9
  16. Grasela TH Jr, Schentag JJ, Sedman AJ, et al. (1989) "Inhibition of enoxacin absorption by antacids or ranitidine." Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 33, p. 615-7
  17. Lehto P, Kivisto KT (1994) "Different effects of products containing metal ions on the absorption of lomefloxacin." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 56, p. 477-82
  18. Spivey JM, Cummings DM, Pierson NR (1996) "Failure of prostatitis treatment secondary to probable ciprofloxacin-sucralfate drug interaction." Pharmacotherapy, 16, p. 314-6
  19. (2001) "Product Information. Levaquin (levofloxacin)." Ortho McNeil Pharmaceutical
  20. (2001) "Product Information. Raxar (grepafloxacin)." Glaxo Wellcome
  21. (2001) "Product Information. Zagam (sparfloxacin)." Rhone Poulenc Rorer
  22. (2001) "Product Information. Trovan (trovafloxacin)." Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals
  23. Teng R, Dogolo LC, Willavize SA, Friedman HL, Vincent J (1997) "Effect of Maalox and omeprazole on the bioavailability of trovafloxacin." J Antimicrob Chemother, 39 Suppl B, p. 93-7
  24. Zix JA, Geerdes-Fenge HF, Rau M, Vockler J, Borner K, Koeppe P, Lode H (1997) "Pharmacokinetics of sparfloxacin and interaction with cisapride and sucralfate." Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 41, p. 1668-72
  25. Honig PK, Gillespie BK (1998) "Clinical significance of pharmacokinetic drug interactions with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs." Clin Pharmacokinet, 35, p. 167-71
  26. Johnson RD, Dorr MB, Talbot GH, Caille G (1998) "Effect of Maalox on the oral absorption of sparfloxacin." Clin Ther, 20, p. 1149-58
  27. Lober S, Ziege S, Rau M, Schreiber G, Mignot A, Koeppe P, Lode H (1999) "Pharmacokinetics of gatifloxacin and interaction with an antacid containing aluminum and magnesium." Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 43, p. 1067-71
  28. Allen A, Vousden M, Porter A, Lewis A (1999) "Effect of Maalox((R)) on the bioavailability of oral gemifloxacin in healthy volunteers." Chemotherapy, 45, p. 504-11
  29. Kamberi M, Nakashima H, Ogawa K, Oda N, Nakano S (2000) "The effect of staggered dosing of sucralfate on oral bioavailability of sparfloxacin." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 49, p. 98-103
  30. (2003) "Product Information. Factive (gemifloxacin)." *GeneSoft Inc
  31. (2010) "Product Information. Suprep Bowel Prep Kit (magnesium/potassium/sodium sulfates)." Braintree Laboratories
  32. (2017) "Product Information. Baxdela (delafloxacin)." Melinta Therapeutics, Inc.

Food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

Food/Lifestyle calcium carbonate

Applies to: Tums Antacid Naturals (calcium carbonate)
Adjust dosing interval

Administration with food may increase the absorption of calcium. However, foods high in oxalic acid (spinach or rhubarb), or phytic acid (bran and whole grains) may decrease calcium absorption.

Management

Calcium may be administered with food to increase absorption. Consider withholding calcium administration for at least 2 hours before or after consuming foods high in oxalic acid or phytic acid.

References (6)
  1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  2. Canadian Pharmacists Association (2006) e-CPS. http://www.pharmacists.ca/function/Subscriptions/ecps.cfm?link=eCPS_quikLink
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
  4. Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios Healthcare (2008) Centro de información online de medicamentos de la AEMPS - CIMA. https://cima.aemps.es/cima/publico/home.html
  5. Mangels AR (2014) "Bone nutrients for vegetarians." Am J Clin Nutr, 100, epub
  6. Davies NT (1979) "Anti-nutrient factors affecting mineral utilization." Proc Nutr Soc, 38, p. 121-8
Moderate:

Food/Lifestyle levoFLOXacin

Applies to: levofloxacin
Adjust dosing interval

Food may reduce the oral absorption and bioavailability of levofloxacin. According to the drug product labeling, administration of levofloxacin 500 mg with food prolonged the time to peak concentration by 1 hour and decreased the Cmax decreased by 25% following administration of the oral solution and by 14% following administration of the oral tablet.

Management

To ensure maximal and consistent oral absorption, levofloxacin oral solution should be taken at least one hour before or two hours after meals. For administration of the oral solution with continuous enteral nutrition, some experts recommend that the tube feeding should be interrupted for one hour before and two hours after the dose of levofloxacin. The oral tablets may be taken without regard to food.

References (1)
  1. Wohlt PD, Zheng L, Gunderson S, Balzar SA, Johnson BD, Fish JT (2009) "Recommendations for the use of medications with continuous enteral nutrition." Am J Health Syst Pharm, 66, p. 1438-67

Disease interactions

27 potential interactionsApplies to: 24 conditions, including Heart Failure, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Peripheral Neuropathy, Diarrhea, and Arrhythmia.

Abnormal Electrocardiogram

Major:

levofloxacin

levoFLOXacin has a major potential interaction with Abnormal Electrocardiogram.

Quinolones have been reported to prolong the QT interval of the electrocardiogram in some patients. QT prolongation may potentiate the risk of ventricular arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and torsade de pointes. The risk appears to be greatest with grepafloxacin and sparfloxacin (both are no longer marketed in the U.S.), although cardiovascular morbidity and mortality attributable to QT prolongation have also been reported rarely with others like gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and ofloxacin. Reported cases have primarily occurred in patients with advanced age, cardiac disease, electrolyte disturbances, and/or underlying medical problems for which they were receiving concomitant medications known to prolong the QT interval. Therapy with quinolones should be avoided in patients with known QT prolongation and/or uncorrected electrolyte disorders (hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia) and in patients treated concomitantly with class IA or III antiarrhythmic agents. Cautious use with ECG monitoring is advised in patients with other proarrhythmic conditions such as clinically significant bradycardia, congestive heart failure, acute myocardial ischemia, and atrial fibrillation. As QT prolongation may be a concentration-dependent effect, it is important that the recommended dosages or infusion rates of these drugs not be exceeded, particularly in patients with renal and/or hepatic impairment.

Achlorhydria

Major:

Tums Antacid Naturals

The calcium carbonate in Tums Antacid Naturals has a major potential interaction with Achlorhydria.

Calcium is absorbed from the intestinal tract by active transport and passive diffusion. Malabsorption syndromes (celiac disease, GI resection), deficiency of vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, or calcitonin, or an alkaline gastric pH (achlorhydria, carbonate or phosphate salts) can decrease the absorption of oral formulations of calcium. Calcium is available in oral and parenteral formulations.

Arrhythmia

Major:

levofloxacin

levoFLOXacin has a major potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

Quinolones have been reported to prolong the QT interval of the electrocardiogram in some patients. QT prolongation may potentiate the risk of ventricular arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and torsade de pointes. The risk appears to be greatest with grepafloxacin and sparfloxacin (both are no longer marketed in the U.S.), although cardiovascular morbidity and mortality attributable to QT prolongation have also been reported rarely with others like gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and ofloxacin. Reported cases have primarily occurred in patients with advanced age, cardiac disease, electrolyte disturbances, and/or underlying medical problems for which they were receiving concomitant medications known to prolong the QT interval. Therapy with quinolones should be avoided in patients with known QT prolongation and/or uncorrected electrolyte disorders (hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia) and in patients treated concomitantly with class IA or III antiarrhythmic agents. Cautious use with ECG monitoring is advised in patients with other proarrhythmic conditions such as clinically significant bradycardia, congestive heart failure, acute myocardial ischemia, and atrial fibrillation. As QT prolongation may be a concentration-dependent effect, it is important that the recommended dosages or infusion rates of these drugs not be exceeded, particularly in patients with renal and/or hepatic impairment.

Major:

Tums Antacid Naturals

The calcium carbonate in Tums Antacid Naturals has a major potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

Calcium is involved in cardiac muscle contraction and electrical impulse conduction. Therapy with calcium salt formulations (particularly IV) should be administered cautiously to patients with cardiac disease. Patients receiving cardiac glycosides and concomitant IV calcium may experience arrhythmias. Therapy with IV calcium should be administered slowly and at reduced dosages in patients with cardiac disease.

Central Nervous System Disorders

Major:

levofloxacin

levoFLOXacin has a major potential interaction with Central Nervous System Disorders.

Quinolones may cause CNS stimulation manifested as tremors, agitation, restlessness, anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, paranoia, insomnia, toxic psychosis, and/or seizures. Benign intracranial hypertension has also been reported. Therapy with quinolones should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to seizures or other CNS abnormalities. In addition, these patients should be advised to avoid the consumption of caffeine-containing products during therapy with some quinolones, most notably ciprofloxacin, enoxacin, and cinoxacin, since these agents can substantially reduce the clearance of caffeine and other methylxanthines, potentially resulting in severe CNS reactions.

Dehydration

Moderate:

levofloxacin

levoFLOXacin has a moderate potential interaction with Dehydration.

Crystalluria has been reported rarely during quinolone therapy. Although it is not expected to occur under normal circumstances with usual recommended dosages, patients who are dehydrated (e.g., due to severe diarrhea or vomiting) may be at increased risk and should be encouraged to consume additional amounts of liquid or given intravenous fluid to ensure an adequate urinary output. Alkalinity of the urine should be avoided, since it may also increase the risk of crystalluria. Renal function tests should be performed periodically during prolonged therapy (> 2 weeks).

Diabetes Mellitus

Moderate:

levofloxacin

levoFLOXacin has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

The use of certain quinolones has been associated with disturbances in blood glucose homeostasis possibly stemming from effects on pancreatic beta cell ATP-sensitive potassium channels that regulate insulin secretion. Hypoglycemia and, less frequently, hyperglycemia have been reported, although the latter may also occur due to infection alone. Hypoglycemia has usually occurred in patients with diabetes receiving concomitant oral hypoglycemic agents and/or insulin. Administration of ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, norfloxacin, and especially gatifloxacin in patients treated with sulfonylureas or other oral hypoglycemic agents has resulted in severe, refractory hypoglycemia and hypoglycemic coma. Elderly patients and patients with reduced renal function are particularly susceptible. Blood glucose should be monitored more closely whenever quinolones are prescribed to patients with diabetes. Gatifloxacin has been known to cause hypoglycemic episodes generally within the first 3 days of therapy and sometimes even after the first dose, while hyperglycemia usually occurs 4 to 10 days after initiation of therapy. Patients should be counseled to recognize symptoms of hypoglycemia such as headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, tremor, weakness, hunger, excessive perspiration, and palpitations. If hypo- or hyperglycemia occur during quinolone therapy, patients should initiate appropriate remedial therapy immediately, discontinue the antibiotic, and contact their physician.

Diarrhea

Moderate:

levofloxacin

levoFLOXacin has a moderate potential interaction with Diarrhea.

Crystalluria has been reported rarely during quinolone therapy. Although it is not expected to occur under normal circumstances with usual recommended dosages, patients who are dehydrated (e.g., due to severe diarrhea or vomiting) may be at increased risk and should be encouraged to consume additional amounts of liquid or given intravenous fluid to ensure an adequate urinary output. Alkalinity of the urine should be avoided, since it may also increase the risk of crystalluria. Renal function tests should be performed periodically during prolonged therapy (> 2 weeks).

Electrolyte Abnormalities

Major:

levofloxacin

levoFLOXacin has a major potential interaction with Electrolyte Abnormalities.

Quinolones have been reported to prolong the QT interval of the electrocardiogram in some patients. QT prolongation may potentiate the risk of ventricular arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and torsade de pointes. The risk appears to be greatest with grepafloxacin and sparfloxacin (both are no longer marketed in the U.S.), although cardiovascular morbidity and mortality attributable to QT prolongation have also been reported rarely with others like gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and ofloxacin. Reported cases have primarily occurred in patients with advanced age, cardiac disease, electrolyte disturbances, and/or underlying medical problems for which they were receiving concomitant medications known to prolong the QT interval. Therapy with quinolones should be avoided in patients with known QT prolongation and/or uncorrected electrolyte disorders (hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia) and in patients treated concomitantly with class IA or III antiarrhythmic agents. Cautious use with ECG monitoring is advised in patients with other proarrhythmic conditions such as clinically significant bradycardia, congestive heart failure, acute myocardial ischemia, and atrial fibrillation. As QT prolongation may be a concentration-dependent effect, it is important that the recommended dosages or infusion rates of these drugs not be exceeded, particularly in patients with renal and/or hepatic impairment.

Heart Failure

Major:

levofloxacin

levoFLOXacin has a major potential interaction with Heart Failure.

Quinolones have been reported to prolong the QT interval of the electrocardiogram in some patients. QT prolongation may potentiate the risk of ventricular arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and torsade de pointes. The risk appears to be greatest with grepafloxacin and sparfloxacin (both are no longer marketed in the U.S.), although cardiovascular morbidity and mortality attributable to QT prolongation have also been reported rarely with others like gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and ofloxacin. Reported cases have primarily occurred in patients with advanced age, cardiac disease, electrolyte disturbances, and/or underlying medical problems for which they were receiving concomitant medications known to prolong the QT interval. Therapy with quinolones should be avoided in patients with known QT prolongation and/or uncorrected electrolyte disorders (hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia) and in patients treated concomitantly with class IA or III antiarrhythmic agents. Cautious use with ECG monitoring is advised in patients with other proarrhythmic conditions such as clinically significant bradycardia, congestive heart failure, acute myocardial ischemia, and atrial fibrillation. As QT prolongation may be a concentration-dependent effect, it is important that the recommended dosages or infusion rates of these drugs not be exceeded, particularly in patients with renal and/or hepatic impairment.

Hemodialysis

Moderate:

levofloxacin

levoFLOXacin has a moderate potential interaction with Hemodialysis.

The following quinolones are known to be partially removed by hemodialysis and should be administered after dialysis: ciprofloxacin, enoxacin, gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, lomefloxacin, and ofloxacin.

Hypokalemia

Major:

levofloxacin

levoFLOXacin has a major potential interaction with Hypokalemia.

Quinolones have been reported to prolong the QT interval of the electrocardiogram in some patients. QT prolongation may potentiate the risk of ventricular arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and torsade de pointes. The risk appears to be greatest with grepafloxacin and sparfloxacin (both are no longer marketed in the U.S.), although cardiovascular morbidity and mortality attributable to QT prolongation have also been reported rarely with others like gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and ofloxacin. Reported cases have primarily occurred in patients with advanced age, cardiac disease, electrolyte disturbances, and/or underlying medical problems for which they were receiving concomitant medications known to prolong the QT interval. Therapy with quinolones should be avoided in patients with known QT prolongation and/or uncorrected electrolyte disorders (hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia) and in patients treated concomitantly with class IA or III antiarrhythmic agents. Cautious use with ECG monitoring is advised in patients with other proarrhythmic conditions such as clinically significant bradycardia, congestive heart failure, acute myocardial ischemia, and atrial fibrillation. As QT prolongation may be a concentration-dependent effect, it is important that the recommended dosages or infusion rates of these drugs not be exceeded, particularly in patients with renal and/or hepatic impairment.

Ischemic Heart Disease

Major:

levofloxacin

levoFLOXacin has a major potential interaction with Ischemic Heart Disease.

Quinolones have been reported to prolong the QT interval of the electrocardiogram in some patients. QT prolongation may potentiate the risk of ventricular arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and torsade de pointes. The risk appears to be greatest with grepafloxacin and sparfloxacin (both are no longer marketed in the U.S.), although cardiovascular morbidity and mortality attributable to QT prolongation have also been reported rarely with others like gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and ofloxacin. Reported cases have primarily occurred in patients with advanced age, cardiac disease, electrolyte disturbances, and/or underlying medical problems for which they were receiving concomitant medications known to prolong the QT interval. Therapy with quinolones should be avoided in patients with known QT prolongation and/or uncorrected electrolyte disorders (hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia) and in patients treated concomitantly with class IA or III antiarrhythmic agents. Cautious use with ECG monitoring is advised in patients with other proarrhythmic conditions such as clinically significant bradycardia, congestive heart failure, acute myocardial ischemia, and atrial fibrillation. As QT prolongation may be a concentration-dependent effect, it is important that the recommended dosages or infusion rates of these drugs not be exceeded, particularly in patients with renal and/or hepatic impairment.

Magnesium Imbalance

Major:

levofloxacin

levoFLOXacin has a major potential interaction with Magnesium Imbalance.

Quinolones have been reported to prolong the QT interval of the electrocardiogram in some patients. QT prolongation may potentiate the risk of ventricular arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and torsade de pointes. The risk appears to be greatest with grepafloxacin and sparfloxacin (both are no longer marketed in the U.S.), although cardiovascular morbidity and mortality attributable to QT prolongation have also been reported rarely with others like gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and ofloxacin. Reported cases have primarily occurred in patients with advanced age, cardiac disease, electrolyte disturbances, and/or underlying medical problems for which they were receiving concomitant medications known to prolong the QT interval. Therapy with quinolones should be avoided in patients with known QT prolongation and/or uncorrected electrolyte disorders (hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia) and in patients treated concomitantly with class IA or III antiarrhythmic agents. Cautious use with ECG monitoring is advised in patients with other proarrhythmic conditions such as clinically significant bradycardia, congestive heart failure, acute myocardial ischemia, and atrial fibrillation. As QT prolongation may be a concentration-dependent effect, it is important that the recommended dosages or infusion rates of these drugs not be exceeded, particularly in patients with renal and/or hepatic impairment.

Malabsorption Syndrome

Major:

Tums Antacid Naturals

The calcium carbonate in Tums Antacid Naturals has a major potential interaction with Malabsorption Syndrome.

Calcium is absorbed from the intestinal tract by active transport and passive diffusion. Malabsorption syndromes (celiac disease, GI resection), deficiency of vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, or calcitonin, or an alkaline gastric pH (achlorhydria, carbonate or phosphate salts) can decrease the absorption of oral formulations of calcium. Calcium is available in oral and parenteral formulations.

Myasthenia Gravis

Major:

levofloxacin

levoFLOXacin has a major potential interaction with Myasthenia Gravis.

Fluoroquinolones have neuromuscular blocking activity and may exacerbate muscle weakness in persons with myasthenia gravis. Postmarketing serious adverse events, including deaths and requirement for ventilatory support, have been associated with fluoroquinolones use in persons with myasthenia gravis. Fluoroquinolones should be avoided in patients with history of myasthenia gravis.

Noninfectious Colitis

Major:

levofloxacin

levoFLOXacin has a major potential interaction with Noninfectious Colitis.

Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), formerly pseudomembranous colitis, has been reported with almost all antibacterial drugs and may range from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. The most common culprits include clindamycin and lincomycin. Antibacterial therapy alters the normal flora of the colon, leading to overgrowth of C difficile, whose toxins A and B contribute to CDAD development. Morbidity and mortality are increased with hypertoxin-producing strains of C difficile; these infections can be resistant to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea after antibacterial use. Since CDAD has been reported to occur more than 2 months after antibacterial use, careful medical history is necessary. Therapy with broad-spectrum antibacterials and other agents with significant antibacterial activity should be administered cautiously in patients with history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis; pseudomembranous colitis (generally characterized by severe, persistent diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps, and sometimes associated with the passage of blood and mucus), if it occurs, may be more severe in these patients and may be associated with flares in underlying disease activity. Antibacterial drugs not directed against C difficile may need to be stopped if CDAD is suspected or confirmed. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibacterial treatment of C difficile, and surgical evaluation should be started as clinically indicated.

Organ Transplant

Major:

levofloxacin

levoFLOXacin has a major potential interaction with Organ Transplant.

Tendonitis and ruptures of the shoulder, hand, and Achilles tendons have been reported in patients receiving quinolones, both during and after treatment. Avoid the use of these agents in patients who have a history of tendon disorders or have experienced tendinitis or tendon rupture. Therapy with quinolones should be administered cautiously in patients with patients with kidney, heart, and lung transplant, since it may delay the recognition or confound the diagnosis of a quinolone-induced musculoskeletal effect. Factors that may independently increase the risk of tendon rupture include strenuous physical activity, renal failure, and previous tendon disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. It is recommended to discontinue these agents if, at any time during therapy, pain, inflammation or rupture of a tendon develops and institute appropriate treatment.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Major:

levofloxacin

levoFLOXacin has a major potential interaction with Peripheral Neuropathy.

The use of quinolones has been associated with an increased risk of peripheral neuropathy. Monitor closely and discontinue their use in patients experiencing symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. It is recommended to avoid these agents in patients who have previously experienced peripheral neuropathy.

Phosphate Imbalance

Major:

Tums Antacid Naturals

The calcium carbonate in Tums Antacid Naturals has a major potential interaction with Phosphate Imbalance.

Elevated serum concentrations of calcium and phosphate can exceed the solubility level and result in calcium- phosphate precipitates that deposit in vascular and renal systems as well as other soft tissues of the body. Therapy with calcium should be administered with extreme caution in patients with hyperphosphatemia (hypoparathyroidism or severe renal impairment). Administration of oral calcium acetate or calcium carbonate, in addition to providing calcium, complexes phosphates within the GI tract. These complexes are eliminated in the feces. Clinical monitoring of serum calcium and phosphate concentrations is necessary.

Renal Dysfunction

Major:

levofloxacin

levoFLOXacin has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Tendonitis and ruptures of the shoulder, hand, and Achilles tendons have been reported in patients receiving quinolones, both during and after treatment. Avoid the use of these agents in patients who have a history of tendon disorders or have experienced tendinitis or tendon rupture. Therapy with quinolones should be administered cautiously in patients with patients with kidney, heart, and lung transplant, since it may delay the recognition or confound the diagnosis of a quinolone-induced musculoskeletal effect. Factors that may independently increase the risk of tendon rupture include strenuous physical activity, renal failure, and previous tendon disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. It is recommended to discontinue these agents if, at any time during therapy, pain, inflammation or rupture of a tendon develops and institute appropriate treatment.

Major:

Tums Antacid Naturals

The calcium carbonate in Tums Antacid Naturals has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Absorption of oral calcium formulations may be altered and elimination of calcium by the kidney decreased with renal impairment. Hyperphosphatemia occurs during renal failure. Calcium acetate or calcium carbonate, in addition to providing calcium, complexes phosphates within the GI tract. Calcium carbonate can partially correct metabolic acidosis associated with chronic renal failure. Clinical monitoring of renal function and serum calcium and phosphate concentrations is necessary.

Moderate:

levofloxacin

levoFLOXacin has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Quinolones (except trovafloxacin, moxifloxacin, and nalidixic acid) and their metabolites are eliminated by the kidney. Patients with renal impairment may be at greater risk for adverse effects from quinolones, including nephrotoxicity, due to decreased drug clearance. Dosage adjustments may be necessary and modifications should be based on the degree of renal impairment and severity of infection in accordance with the individual product package labeling. Renal function tests should be performed periodically during therapy.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Major:

levofloxacin

levoFLOXacin has a major potential interaction with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Tendonitis and ruptures of the shoulder, hand, and Achilles tendons have been reported in patients receiving quinolones, both during and after treatment. Avoid the use of these agents in patients who have a history of tendon disorders or have experienced tendinitis or tendon rupture. Therapy with quinolones should be administered cautiously in patients with patients with kidney, heart, and lung transplant, since it may delay the recognition or confound the diagnosis of a quinolone-induced musculoskeletal effect. Factors that may independently increase the risk of tendon rupture include strenuous physical activity, renal failure, and previous tendon disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. It is recommended to discontinue these agents if, at any time during therapy, pain, inflammation or rupture of a tendon develops and institute appropriate treatment.

Sarcoidosis

Major:

Tums Antacid Naturals

The calcium carbonate in Tums Antacid Naturals has a major potential interaction with Sarcoidosis.

Hypercalciuria, with or without hypercalcemia, may occasionally occur in patients with sarcoidosis. Elevated calcium levels may result from increased intestinal absorption of calcium, which is related to the extrarenal production of vitamin D by mononuclear phagocytes present within the sarcoid granuloma. Therapy with calcium salts should be administered cautiously and only if necessary in patients with sarcoidosis.

Tendonitis

Major:

levofloxacin

levoFLOXacin has a major potential interaction with Tendonitis.

Tendonitis and ruptures of the shoulder, hand, and Achilles tendons have been reported in patients receiving quinolones, both during and after treatment. Avoid the use of these agents in patients who have a history of tendon disorders or have experienced tendinitis or tendon rupture. Therapy with quinolones should be administered cautiously in patients with patients with kidney, heart, and lung transplant, since it may delay the recognition or confound the diagnosis of a quinolone-induced musculoskeletal effect. Factors that may independently increase the risk of tendon rupture include strenuous physical activity, renal failure, and previous tendon disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. It is recommended to discontinue these agents if, at any time during therapy, pain, inflammation or rupture of a tendon develops and institute appropriate treatment.

Vomiting

Moderate:

levofloxacin

levoFLOXacin has a moderate potential interaction with Vomiting.

Crystalluria has been reported rarely during quinolone therapy. Although it is not expected to occur under normal circumstances with usual recommended dosages, patients who are dehydrated (e.g., due to severe diarrhea or vomiting) may be at increased risk and should be encouraged to consume additional amounts of liquid or given intravenous fluid to ensure an adequate urinary output. Alkalinity of the urine should be avoided, since it may also increase the risk of crystalluria. Renal function tests should be performed periodically during prolonged therapy (> 2 weeks).

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.

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