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Drug Interaction Report

2 drug interactions and 32 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

dextromethorphan doxylamine

Applies to: Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom (acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine), Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom (acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine)

Using dextromethorphan together with doxylamine may increase side effects such as:

  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • confusion
  • difficulty concentrating

Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination.

What to do: You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you.

Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. 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.

Moderate:

doxylamine donepezil

Applies to: Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom (acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine), donepezil

Talk to your doctor before using doxylamine together with donepezil. Medications like doxylamine may reduce the effectiveness of donepezil.

In addition, patients with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia may be more likely to experience nervous system side effects of doxylamine such as:

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.

Food/lifestyle interactions

Major food/lifestyle interactions

Major:

Food/Lifestyle acetaminophen

Applies to: Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom (acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine)

Acetaminophen may cause liver damage and taking it with alcohol may increase that risk.

You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with acetaminophen.

Call your doctor immediately if you have:

  • fever
  • chills
  • joint pain or swelling
  • excessive tiredness or weakness
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • skin rash or itching
  • loss of appetite
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • dark colored urine
  • yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes

These may be symptoms of liver damage.

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.

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

Food/Lifestyle dextromethorphan

Applies to: Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom (acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine)

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of dextromethorphan such as:

  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • difficulty concentrating

Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment.

You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with dextromethorphan.

Do not use more than the recommended dose of dextromethorphan, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Moderate:

Food/Lifestyle doxylamine

Applies to: Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom (acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine)

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of doxylamine such as:

  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • difficulty concentrating

Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment.

You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with doxylamine.

Do not use more than the recommended dose of doxylamine, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Disease interactions

29 potential interactionsApplies to: 20 conditions, including Depression, Asthma, COPD, Seizures, and Arrhythmia.

Alcoholism

Major:

Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom

The acetaminophen in Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom has a major potential interaction with Alcoholism.

Chronic alcohol abusers may be at increased risk of hepatotoxicity during treatment with acetaminophen (APAP). Severe liver injury, including cases of acute liver failure resulting in liver transplant and death, has been reported in patients using acetaminophen. Therapy with acetaminophen should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients who consume three or more alcoholic drinks a day. In general, patients should avoid drinking alcohol while taking acetaminophen-containing medications. Patients should be warned not to exceed the maximum recommended total daily dosage of acetaminophen (4 g/day in adults and children 12 years of age or older), and to read all prescription and over-the-counter medication labels to ensure they are not taking multiple acetaminophen-containing products, or check with a healthcare professional if they are unsure. They should also be advised to seek medical attention if they experience signs and symptoms of liver injury such as fever, rash, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, right upper quadrant pain, dark urine, and jaundice.

Arrhythmia

Major:

donepezil

Donepezil has a major potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

Due to their pharmacological action, cholinesterase inhibitors can have a vagotonic effect on the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes producing bradycardia or heart block. Therapy with cholinesterase inhibitors should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting bradycardia or underlying cardiac conduction abnormalities. Syncopal episodes have been reported. Atropine may be used to reverse bradycardia produced by cholinesterase inhibitors.

Asthma

Major:

donepezil

Donepezil has a major potential interaction with Asthma.

Cholinesterase inhibitors inhibit the hydrolysis of acetylcholine. The enhanced effect of acetylcholine produces constriction of the bronchi, increased bronchial secretions, and bronchospasm. Therapy with cholinesterase inhibitors should be administered cautiously in patients with respiratory dysfunction, history of asthma, or obstructive pulmonary disease. Respiratory function should be closely monitored for the occurrence of respiratory adverse reactions. Use of atropine along with discontinuation of the cholinesterase inhibitor may be required for serious respiratory distress.

Moderate:

Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom

The doxylamine in Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom has a moderate potential interaction with Asthma.

Oral anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic agents may cause respiratory depression and apnea when given in high dosages or following acute overdose. However, some patients may be susceptible at commonly used dosages, including the elderly, debilitated or severely ill patients, those receiving other CNS depressants, and those with limited ventilatory reserve, chronic pulmonary insufficiency or other respiratory disorders. Therapy with anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic agents should be administered cautiously in these patients. Appropriate monitoring and individualization of dosage are recommended.

Moderate:

Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom

The doxylamine in Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom has a moderate potential interaction with Asthma.

It has been suggested that the anticholinergic effect of antihistamines may reduce the volume and cause thickening of bronchial secretions, resulting in obstruction of respiratory tract. Some manufacturers and clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders

Moderate:

Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom

The doxylamine in Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom has a moderate potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.

Antihistamines may infrequently cause cardiovascular adverse effects related to their anticholinergic and local anesthetic (quinidine-like) activities. Tachycardia, palpitation, ECG changes, arrhythmias, hypotension, and hypertension have been reported. Although these effects are uncommon and usually limited to overdosage situations, the manufacturers and some clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and/or hyperthyroidism.

COPD

Major:

donepezil

Donepezil has a major potential interaction with COPD.

Cholinesterase inhibitors inhibit the hydrolysis of acetylcholine. The enhanced effect of acetylcholine produces constriction of the bronchi, increased bronchial secretions, and bronchospasm. Therapy with cholinesterase inhibitors should be administered cautiously in patients with respiratory dysfunction, history of asthma, or obstructive pulmonary disease. Respiratory function should be closely monitored for the occurrence of respiratory adverse reactions. Use of atropine along with discontinuation of the cholinesterase inhibitor may be required for serious respiratory distress.

Moderate:

Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom

The doxylamine in Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom has a moderate potential interaction with COPD.

It has been suggested that the anticholinergic effect of antihistamines may reduce the volume and cause thickening of bronchial secretions, resulting in obstruction of respiratory tract. Some manufacturers and clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Dehydration

Major:

Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom

The acetaminophen in Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom has a major potential interaction with Dehydration.

Acetaminophen is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment or severe active liver disease. Patients with hepatic impairment may be at increased risk of toxicity. Severe liver injury, including cases of acute liver failure and death, have been reported in patients using this drug. Clinical monitoring of hepatic function is recommended. Caution is advised if using acetaminophen in patients with chronic malnutrition or severe hypovolemia. Instruct patients to avoid drinking alcohol while taking acetaminophen-containing medications. Patients should be warned not to exceed the maximum recommended total daily dosage of acetaminophen (4 g/day in adults and children 12 years of age or older), and to read all prescription and over-the-counter medication labels to ensure they are not taking multiple acetaminophen-containing products, or check with a healthcare professional if they are unsure.

Depression

Major:

Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom

The doxylamine in Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom has a major potential interaction with Depression.

A variety of abnormal thinking and behavior changes have been reported to occur in association with the use of most anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics. Some of these changes include decreased inhibition, aggressiveness, agitation, and hallucinations. These drugs can cause or exacerbate mental depression and cause suicidal behavior and ideation. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of depression or other psychiatric disorders. Patients should be monitored for any changes in mood or behavior. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients.

Gastrointestinal Obstruction

Moderate:

Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom

The doxylamine in Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom has a moderate potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.

Antihistamines often have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. Conventional, first-generation antihistamines such as the ethanolamines (bromodiphenhydramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, phenyltoloxamine) tend to exhibit substantial anticholinergic effects. In contrast, the newer, relatively nonsedating antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) reportedly have low to minimal anticholinergic activity at normally recommended dosages and may be appropriate alternatives.

Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension

Moderate:

Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom

The doxylamine in Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.

Antihistamines often have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. Conventional, first-generation antihistamines such as the ethanolamines (bromodiphenhydramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, phenyltoloxamine) tend to exhibit substantial anticholinergic effects. In contrast, the newer, relatively nonsedating antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) reportedly have low to minimal anticholinergic activity at normally recommended dosages and may be appropriate alternatives.

Moderate:

Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom

The doxylamine in Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.

Some hypnotic drugs can have an anticholinergic effect and should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, and trouble urinating due to retention or enlarged prostate.

Hyperthyroidism

Moderate:

Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom

The doxylamine in Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

Antihistamines may infrequently cause cardiovascular adverse effects related to their anticholinergic and local anesthetic (quinidine-like) activities. Tachycardia, palpitation, ECG changes, arrhythmias, hypotension, and hypertension have been reported. Although these effects are uncommon and usually limited to overdosage situations, the manufacturers and some clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and/or hyperthyroidism.

Moderate:

donepezil

Donepezil has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

Many of the manifestations of hyperthyroidism may be exacerbated by increased levels of acetylcholine produced by cholinesterase inhibitors. Therapy with cholinesterase inhibitors should be administered cautiously to patients with hyperthyroidism. Monitoring of thyroid levels is recommended.

Hypotension

Moderate:

Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom

The doxylamine in Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom has a moderate potential interaction with Hypotension.

Antihistamines may infrequently cause cardiovascular adverse effects related to their anticholinergic and local anesthetic (quinidine-like) activities. Tachycardia, palpitation, ECG changes, arrhythmias, hypotension, and hypertension have been reported. Although these effects are uncommon and usually limited to overdosage situations, the manufacturers and some clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and/or hyperthyroidism.

Ischemic Heart Disease

Major:

donepezil

Donepezil has a major potential interaction with Ischemic Heart Disease.

The use of cholinesterase inhibitors has been associated with a constriction of coronary arteries. Therapy with cholinesterase inhibitors should be administered cautiously in patients with coronary artery disease.

Liver Disease

Major:

Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom

The acetaminophen in Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Acetaminophen is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment or severe active liver disease. Patients with hepatic impairment may be at increased risk of toxicity. Severe liver injury, including cases of acute liver failure and death, have been reported in patients using this drug. Clinical monitoring of hepatic function is recommended. Caution is advised if using acetaminophen in patients with chronic malnutrition or severe hypovolemia. Instruct patients to avoid drinking alcohol while taking acetaminophen-containing medications. Patients should be warned not to exceed the maximum recommended total daily dosage of acetaminophen (4 g/day in adults and children 12 years of age or older), and to read all prescription and over-the-counter medication labels to ensure they are not taking multiple acetaminophen-containing products, or check with a healthcare professional if they are unsure.

Moderate:

Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom

The doxylamine in Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Limited pharmacokinetic data are available for the older, first-generation antihistamines. Many appear to be primarily metabolized by the liver, and both parent drugs and metabolites are excreted in the urine. Patients with renal and/or liver disease may be at greater risk for adverse effects from antihistamines due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously in such patients. Lower initial dosages may be appropriate.

Moderate:

Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom

The doxylamine in Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

In general, anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics are extensively metabolized by the liver. Their plasma clearance may be decreased and their half-life prolonged in patients with impaired hepatic function. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with liver disease (some are not recommended in severe liver impairment), and the dosage should be adjusted accordingly. Laboratory testing is recommended prior and during treatment.

Moderate:

donepezil

Donepezil has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Donepezil is extensively metabolized by the liver (CYP450-2D6/3A4) to two active and various minor forms. The clearance of donepezil was decreased 20% in patients with stable alcoholic cirrhosis compared to healthy patients. Care should be exercised when using donepezil in patients with liver disease.

Malnourishment

Major:

Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom

The acetaminophen in Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom has a major potential interaction with Malnourishment.

Acetaminophen is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment or severe active liver disease. Patients with hepatic impairment may be at increased risk of toxicity. Severe liver injury, including cases of acute liver failure and death, have been reported in patients using this drug. Clinical monitoring of hepatic function is recommended. Caution is advised if using acetaminophen in patients with chronic malnutrition or severe hypovolemia. Instruct patients to avoid drinking alcohol while taking acetaminophen-containing medications. Patients should be warned not to exceed the maximum recommended total daily dosage of acetaminophen (4 g/day in adults and children 12 years of age or older), and to read all prescription and over-the-counter medication labels to ensure they are not taking multiple acetaminophen-containing products, or check with a healthcare professional if they are unsure.

Parkinsonism

Major:

donepezil

Donepezil has a major potential interaction with Parkinsonism.

Cholinesterase inhibitors should be used with caution in patients with parkinsonism. Some of these drugs might be contraindicated in these patients (refer to specific prescribing information). Symptoms of Parkinson's disease may be exacerbated with the increase in cholinergic activity. Caregivers and patients should be advised.

Peptic Ulcer

Moderate:

donepezil

Donepezil has a moderate potential interaction with Peptic Ulcer.

The use of cholinesterase inhibitors is associated with an increase in gastric acid secretion and gastric contractions. Monitor for symptoms of active or occult gastrointestinal bleeding, especially in patients at increased risk for developing ulcers (e.g., history of ulcer disease or concurrent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

Phenylketonuria

Moderate:

Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom

The acetaminophen in Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom has a moderate potential interaction with Phenylketonuria.

Several oral acetaminophen and acetaminophen-combination products, particularly flavored chewable tablets, contain the artificial sweetener, aspartame (NutraSweet). Aspartame is converted to phenylalanine in the gastrointestinal tract following ingestion. Chewable and effervescent formulations of acetaminophen products may also contain phenylalanine. The aspartame/phenylalanine content should be considered when these products are used in patients who must restrict their intake of phenylalanine (i.e. phenylketonurics).

Renal Dysfunction

Moderate:

Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom

The doxylamine in Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Limited pharmacokinetic data are available for the older, first-generation antihistamines. Many appear to be primarily metabolized by the liver, and both parent drugs and metabolites are excreted in the urine. Patients with renal and/or liver disease may be at greater risk for adverse effects from antihistamines due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously in such patients. Lower initial dosages may be appropriate.

Seizures

Moderate:

donepezil

Donepezil has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.

Cholinesterase inhibitors have been associated with convulsions and tremor. Therapy with cholinesterase inhibitors should be administered cautiously in patients with seizure disorders. Patients with Alzheimer's disease should be closely monitored for seizures.

Urinary Retention

Moderate:

Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom

The doxylamine in Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Retention.

Some hypnotic drugs can have an anticholinergic effect and should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, and trouble urinating due to retention or enlarged prostate.

Moderate:

Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom

The doxylamine in Clear Cough PM Multi-Symptom has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Retention.

Antihistamines often have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. Conventional, first-generation antihistamines such as the ethanolamines (bromodiphenhydramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, phenyltoloxamine) tend to exhibit substantial anticholinergic effects. In contrast, the newer, relatively nonsedating antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) reportedly have low to minimal anticholinergic activity at normally recommended dosages and may be appropriate alternatives.

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.