Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: The concomitant administration of magnesium salts with other magnesium-containing preparations such as antacids or laxatives may increase the risk of magnesium toxicity, particularly in the presence of renal insufficiency. Magnesium toxicity may result in respiratory depression, neuromuscular depression, and heart block.

MANAGEMENT: Clinical and laboratory monitoring for signs of hypermagnesemia and magnesium toxicity is advisable, especially in high-risk patients (e.g., elderly or renally impaired patients).

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of CNS-active agents. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving CNS-active agents should be warned of this interaction and advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.

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.