Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Some neuroleptic agents may cause prolongation of the QT interval. While clinical data are lacking, the coadministration of other agents that can produce hypokalemia and/or hypomagnesemia (e.g., potassium-wasting diuretics, amphotericin B, cation exchange resins, stimulant laxatives) may result in elevated risk of ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and torsade de pointes. In addition, neuroleptic agents may potentiate the hypotensive effect of diuretics secondary to their peripheral alpha-1 adrenergic blocking activity. Orthostatic hypotension and syncope associated with vasodilation may occur, particularly during the initial dose titration period of neuroleptic therapy.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when neuroleptics must be used concomitantly with medications that can cause potassium and/or magnesium disturbances. Serum electrolytes should be monitored and any abnormalities corrected prior to initiating therapy with a neuroleptic. Close clinical monitoring for development of hypotension is recommended if neuroleptic agents are prescribed with a diuretic medication. Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they experience dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, orthostasis, or tachycardia. A lower starting dosage and slower titration of the neuroleptic agent may be appropriate in patients receiving antihypertensive therapy, especially if they are elderly.

GENERALLY AVOID: Concurrent use of ethanol and phenothiazines may result in additive CNS depression and psychomotor impairment. Also, ethanol may precipitate dystonic reactions in patients who are taking phenothiazines. The two drugs probably act on different sites in the brain, although the exact mechanism of the interaction is not known.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol during phenothiazine therapy.