Drug Interaction Report

GENERALLY AVOID: Balsalazide may be rendered less effective when administered with certain antibiotics. Balsalazide is acted upon in the lower gut by bacterial azoreduction to produce mesalamine, the therapeutically active ingredient. Although no studies have been done, it is theorized that oral antibiotics can interfere with this reduction to mesalamine.

MANAGEMENT: If the patient must receive oral antibiotics, consideration should be given to using another 5-aminosalicylate such as mesalamine.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food enhances the oral bioavailability of cefpodoxime proxetil tablets. Following a 200 mg dose taken with food, the extent of absorption (mean AUC) was 21% to 33% higher and the mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) 19% higher than under fasting conditions. Time to peak concentration (Tmax) was not significantly different between fed and fasted states. On the contrary, when a 200 mg dose of the suspension was taken with food, the mean AUC and Cmax were not significantly different than those under fasting conditions, although the rate of absorption was slower with food (48% increase in Tmax ).

MANAGEMENT: To ensure maximal oral absorption, cefpodoxime proxetil tablets should be administered with or immediately after a meal.