Drug Interaction Report
2 potential interactions and/or warnings found for the following 2 drugs:
- Dexpak Taperpak (dexamethasone)
- Diaqua (hydrochlorothiazide)
Interactions between your drugs
dexAMETHasone hydroCHLOROthiazide
Applies to: Dexpak Taperpak (dexamethasone), Diaqua (hydrochlorothiazide)
MONITOR: The concomitant use of corticosteroids and agents that deplete potassium (e.g., potassium-wasting diuretics, amphotericin B, cation exchange resins) may result in increased risk of hypokalemia. Corticosteroids can produce hypokalemia and other electrolyte disturbances via mineralocorticoid effects, the degree of which varies with the agent (from most to least potent: fludrocortisone - cortisone/hydrocortisone - prednisolone/prednisone - other glucocorticoids) and route of administration (i.e. systemic vs. local). However, large systemic doses of any corticosteroid can demonstrate these effects, particularly if given for longer than brief periods. When used pharmacologically, adrenocorticotropic agents such as corticotropin have similar mineralocorticoid activities as cortisone and hydrocortisone.
MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving potassium-depleting agents with corticosteroids should be monitored closely for development of hypokalemia, particularly if fludrocortisone or large doses of another corticosteroid or adrenocorticotropic agent is given. Potassium supplementation may be necessary. Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they experience signs of electrolyte disturbances such as weakness, lethargy, and muscle pains or cramps.
References
- Thomas TP (1984) "The complications of systemic corticosteroid therapy in the elderly." Gerontology, 30, p. 60-5
- Seale JP, Compton MR (1986) "Side-effects of corticosteroid agents." Med J Aust, 144, p. 139-42
- Morris GC, Egan JG, Jones MK (1992) "Hypokalaemic paralysis induced by bolus prednisolone in Graves' disease." Aust N Z J Med, 22, p. 312
- Powell JR (1969) "Steroid and hypokalemic myopathy after corticosteroids for ulcerative colitis. Systemic and tropical application." Am J Gastroenterol, 52, p. 425-32
- Chrousos GA, Kattah JC, Beck RW, Cleary PA (1993) "Side effects of glucocorticoid treatment. Experience of the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial." JAMA, 269, p. 2110-2
- Thorn GW (1966) "Clinical considerations in the use of corticosteroids." N Engl J Med, 274, p. 775-81
- (2001) "Product Information. Hydeltrasol (prednisolone)." Merck & Co., Inc
- Ramsahoye BH, Davies SV, el-Gaylani N, Sandeman D, Scanlon MF (1995) "The mineralocorticoid effects of high dose hydrocortisone." BMJ, 310, p. 656-7
Drug and food interactions
hydroCHLOROthiazide food
Applies to: Diaqua (hydrochlorothiazide)
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.
References
- Sternbach H (1991) "Fluoxetine-associated potentiation of calcium-channel blockers." J Clin Psychopharmacol, 11, p. 390-1
- Shook TL, Kirshenbaum JM, Hundley RF, Shorey JM, Lamas GA (1984) "Ethanol intoxication complicating intravenous nitroglycerin therapy." Ann Intern Med, 101, p. 498-9
- Feder R (1991) "Bradycardia and syncope induced by fluoxetine." J Clin Psychiatry, 52, p. 139
- Ellison JM, Milofsky JE, Ely E (1990) "Fluoxetine-induced bradycardia and syncope in two patients." J Clin Psychiatry, 51, p. 385-6
- Rodriguez de la Torre B, Dreher J, Malevany I, et al. (2001) "Serum levels and cardiovascular effects of tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in depressed patients." Ther Drug Monit, 23, p. 435-40
- Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
- Pacher P, Kecskemeti V (2004) "Cardiovascular side effects of new antidepressants and antipsychotics: new drugs, old concerns?" Curr Pharm Des, 10, p. 2463-75
- Andrews C, Pinner G (1998) "Postural hypotension induced by paroxetine." BMJ, 316, p. 595
Therapeutic duplication warnings
No duplication warnings were found for your selected drugs.
Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.
Drug Interaction Classification
Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
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. | |
No interaction information available. |
Learn more
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Check Interactions
To view an interaction report containing 4 (or more) medications, please sign in or create an account.
Save Interactions List
Sign in to your account to save this drug interaction list.