Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Coadministration with inducers of CYP450 3A4 may decrease the plasma concentrations of bromocriptine. Orally administered bromocriptine is extensively metabolized in the gastrointestinal tract and liver by CYP450 3A4, with approximately 93% of the absorbed dose undergoing first-pass metabolism and only the remaining 7% reaching systemic circulation. As such, inducers of CYP450 3A4 may markedly enhance the metabolic clearance of bromocriptine. However, the interaction has not been studied.

MANAGEMENT: The potential for diminished pharmacologic effects of bromocriptine should be considered during coadministration with CYP450 3A4 inducers. Alternative treatments may be required if an interaction is suspected.

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.

MONITOR: Nicotine may cause vasoconstriction in some patients and potentiate the ischemic response to ergot alkaloids.

MANAGEMENT: Caution may be advisable when ergot alkaloids are used in combination with nicotine products. Patients should be advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience potential symptoms of ischemia such as coldness, pallor, cyanosis, numbness, tingling, or pain in the extremities; muscle weakness; severe or worsening headache; visual disturbances; severe abdominal pain; chest pain; and shortness of breath.