Drug Interaction Report

Fexinidazole may increase the blood levels of zolpidem. This can increase the risk of side effects including daytime drowsiness, motor impairment, amnesia, anxiety, abnormal thinking, hallucinations, behavioral changes, and breathing difficulties (especially if you have a respiratory disorder such as asthma or obstructive sleep apnea). Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications. You should avoid the use of alcohol while being treated with zolpidem. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you, and do not exceed the dosage or frequency of use prescribed by your doctor. Because there may be some residual effects of zolpidem the day after you take it, it may be advisable to wait at least 12 hours after dosing to drive or operate machinery, even when you may feel fully awake. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

You should avoid the use of alcohol while being treated with zolpidem. Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of zolpidem such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. Taking zolpidem with food may delay the onset of sleep. For faster sleep onset, zolpidem should not be taken with or immediately after a meal. This will make it easier for your body to absorb the medication. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Food can enhance the levels of fexinidazole in your body. To ensure maximal oral absorption, fexinidazole should be administered with or immediately after the main meal of the day. This will make it easier for your body to absorb the medication. Use of herbal medicines and supplements during treatment with fexinidazole should be avoided. Grapefruit or grapefruit juice should not be consumed during treatment with fexinidazole. Grapefruit juice can significantly increase the blood levels and effects of fexinidazole, which can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances (for example, magnesium or potassium loss due to severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting). You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with these medications, whether together or alone. Consumption of alcoholic beverages or products containing alcohol or propylene glycol during treatment with fexinidazole may occasionally trigger a reaction in some patients similar to the disulfiram reaction, which includes unpleasant effects such as flushing, throbbing in head and neck, throbbing headache, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, sweating, thirst, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, palpitation, low blood pressure, dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, and confusion. Rarely, more severe reactions may include abnormal heart rhythm, heart attack, heart failure, unconsciousness, convulsions, and even death. Patients treated with fexinidazole should avoid using any products containing alcohol or propylene glycol during and for at least 48 hours after completion of therapy. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.