Drug Interaction Report

GENERALLY AVOID: Moderate-to-high dietary intake of potassium can cause hyperkalemia in some patients who are using angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. In some cases, affected patients were using a potassium-rich salt substitute. ACE inhibitors can promote hyperkalemia through inhibition of the renin-aldosterone-angiotensin (RAA) system.

MANAGEMENT: It is recommended that patients who are taking ACE inhibitors be advised to avoid moderately high or high potassium dietary intake. Particular attention should be paid to the potassium content of salt substitutes.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Taking oral semaglutide with food, beverage, or other oral medications may alter semaglutide absorption and exposure. In a controlled study with healthy volunteers, limited or no measurable semaglutide exposure was observed in subjects that were fed 30 minutes prior to taking oral semaglutide, while all subjects that fasted overnight and 30 minutes after the oral semaglutide dose had measurable semaglutide exposure. Area under the curve (AUC) and semaglutide peak plasma concentration (Cmax) were approximately 40% greater in subjects that fasted compared to those who did not. AUC and Cmax were also increased with a post-dose fasting period greater than 30 minutes.

MANAGEMENT: It is recommended that oral semaglutide be taken 30 minutes before the first food, beverage, or other oral medications of the day with no more than 4 ounces of plain water to ensure its efficacy. Fasting longer than 30 minutes after the oral semaglutide dose may lead to increased gastrointestinal side effects including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

MONITOR: Many psychotherapeutic and CNS-active agents (e.g., anxiolytics, sedatives, hypnotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, opioids, alcohol, muscle relaxants) exhibit hypotensive effects, especially during initiation of therapy and dose escalation. Coadministration with antihypertensives and other hypotensive agents, in particular vasodilators and alpha-blockers, may result in additive effects on blood pressure and orthostasis.

MANAGEMENT: Caution and close monitoring for development of hypotension is advised during coadministration of these agents. Some authorities recommend avoiding alcohol in patients receiving vasodilating antihypertensive drugs. Patients should be advised to avoid rising abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position and to notify their physician if they experience dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, orthostasis, or tachycardia. Patients should also avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how the medications affect them.