Drug Interaction Report

GENERALLY AVOID: The ingestion of foods containing photosensitizing components (e.g., limes, figs, parsley, parsnips, rue (Ruta graveolens), mustard, carrots and celery) may increase the risk of photosensitivity and severe burning during methoxsalen therapy. Two cases of photosensitivity involving rue and a soup containing celery, parsley, and parsnip have been reported in PUVA patients.

MANAGEMENT: Patients who are undergoing PUVA treatment and taking methoxsalen should be advised to avoid eating large quantities of these foods.

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate the central nervous system and cardiovascular effects of centrally-acting appetite suppressants. In one study, concurrent administration of methamphetamine (30 mg intravenously) and ethanol (1 gm/kg orally over 30 minutes) increased heart rate by 24 beats/minute compared to methamphetamine alone. This increases cardiac work and myocardial oxygen consumption, which may lead to more adverse cardiovascular effects than either agent alone. Subjective effects of ethanol were diminished in the eight study subjects, but those of methamphetamine were not affected. The pharmacokinetics of methamphetamine were also unaffected except for a decrease in the apparent volume of distribution at steady state.

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of centrally-acting appetite suppressants and alcohol should be avoided if possible, especially in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. Patients should be counselled 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.