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Drug Interaction Report

7 potential interactions and/or warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Minor

theophylline ePHEDrine

Applies to: Primatene Dual Action (ephedrine / guaifenesin / theophylline), Primatene Dual Action (ephedrine / guaifenesin / theophylline)

Ephedrine-methylxanthine combinations are used for the treatment of asthma but the efficacy of the combination has been questioned. This combination may lead to increased xanthine side effects. The mechanism is unknown, but may be related to synergistic pharmacologic effects. Patients using this combination should be closely monitored for side effects such as nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, nervousness, or insomnia. If side effects are noted, the dosage of the xanthine may need to be decreased.

References

  1. Weinberger M, Bronsky E, Bensch GW, Bock GN, Yecies JJ (1975) "Interaction of ephedrine and theophylline." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 17, p. 585-92
  2. Sims JA, doPico GA, Reed CE (1978) "Bronchodilating effect of oral theophylline-ephedrine combination." J Allergy Clin Immunol, 62, p. 15-21
  3. Tinkelman DG, Avner SE (1977) "Ephedrine therapy in asthmatic children. Clinical tolerance and absence of side effects." JAMA, 237, p. 553-7
  4. Weinberger MM, Brousky EA (1974) "Evaluation of oral bronchodilator therapy in asthmatic children: bronchodilators in asthmatic children." J Pediatr, 84, p. 421-7
  5. Badiei B, Faciane J, Sly M (1975) "Effect of throphylline, ephedrine and theri combination upon exercise-induced airway obstruction." Ann Allergy, 35, p. 32-6
View all 5 references

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Minor

ePHEDrine dyphylline

Applies to: Primatene Dual Action (ephedrine / guaifenesin / theophylline), Lufyllin-GG (dyphylline / guaifenesin)

Ephedrine-methylxanthine combinations are used for the treatment of asthma but the efficacy of the combination has been questioned. This combination may lead to increased xanthine side effects. The mechanism is unknown, but may be related to synergistic pharmacologic effects. Patients using this combination should be closely monitored for side effects such as nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, nervousness, or insomnia. If side effects are noted, the dosage of the xanthine may need to be decreased.

References

  1. Weinberger M, Bronsky E, Bensch GW, Bock GN, Yecies JJ (1975) "Interaction of ephedrine and theophylline." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 17, p. 585-92
  2. Sims JA, doPico GA, Reed CE (1978) "Bronchodilating effect of oral theophylline-ephedrine combination." J Allergy Clin Immunol, 62, p. 15-21
  3. Tinkelman DG, Avner SE (1977) "Ephedrine therapy in asthmatic children. Clinical tolerance and absence of side effects." JAMA, 237, p. 553-7
  4. Weinberger MM, Brousky EA (1974) "Evaluation of oral bronchodilator therapy in asthmatic children: bronchodilators in asthmatic children." J Pediatr, 84, p. 421-7
  5. Badiei B, Faciane J, Sly M (1975) "Effect of throphylline, ephedrine and theri combination upon exercise-induced airway obstruction." Ann Allergy, 35, p. 32-6
View all 5 references

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Drug and food interactions

Moderate

theophylline food

Applies to: Primatene Dual Action (ephedrine / guaifenesin / theophylline)

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with caffeine may increase the serum concentrations of theophylline. The proposed mechanism involves competitive inhibition of theophylline metabolism via CYP450 1A2, as well as metabolic conversion of caffeine to theophylline in vivo and saturation of theophylline metabolism at higher serum concentrations. In six healthy male volunteers (all smokers), serum concentrations of theophylline (administered as aminophylline 400 mg single oral dose) were significantly higher following consumption of caffeine (2 to 7 cups of instant coffee over 24 hours, equivalent to approximately 120 to 630 mg of caffeine) than after caffeine deprivation for 48 hours. Caffeine consumption also increased the apparent elimination half-life of theophylline by an average of 32% and reduced its total body clearance by 23%. In another study, steady-state concentration and area under the concentration-time curve of theophylline (1200 mg intravenously over 24 hours) increased by 23% and 40%, respectively, in eight healthy volunteers following administration of caffeine (300 mg orally three times a day).

MANAGEMENT: Given the narrow therapeutic index of theophylline, patients should limit or avoid significant fluctuations in their intake of pharmacologic as well as dietary caffeine.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Administration of theophylline with continuous enteral nutrition may reduce the serum levels or the rate of absorption of theophylline. The mechanism has not been reported. In one case, theophylline levels decreased by 53% in a patient receiving continuous nasogastric tube feedings and occurred with both theophylline tablet and liquid formulations, but not with intravenous aminophylline.

MANAGEMENT: When administered to patients receiving continuous enteral nutrition , some experts recommend that the tube feeding should be interrupted for at least 1 hour before and 1 hour after the dose of theophylline is given; rapid-release formulations are preferable, and theophylline levels should be monitored.

References

  1. Jonkman JH, Sollie FA, Sauter R, Steinijans VW (1991) "The influence of caffeine on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of theophylline." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 49, p. 248-55
  2. Sato J, Nakata H, Owada E, Kikuta T, Umetsu M, Ito K (1993) "Influence of usual intake of dietary caffeine on single-dose kinetics of theophylline in healthy human subjects." Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 44, p. 295-8
  3. Wohlt PD, Zheng L, Gunderson S, Balzar SA, Johnson BD, Fish JT (2009) "Recommendations for the use of medications with continuous enteral nutrition." Am J Health Syst Pharm, 66, p. 1438-67

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Moderate

theophylline food

Applies to: Primatene Dual Action (ephedrine / guaifenesin / theophylline)

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with caffeine may increase the serum concentrations of theophylline. The proposed mechanism involves competitive inhibition of theophylline metabolism via CYP450 1A2, as well as metabolic conversion of caffeine to theophylline in vivo and saturation of theophylline metabolism at higher serum concentrations. In six healthy male volunteers (all smokers), serum concentrations of theophylline (administered as aminophylline 400 mg single oral dose) were significantly higher following consumption of caffeine (2 to 7 cups of instant coffee over 24 hours, equivalent to approximately 120 to 630 mg of caffeine) than after caffeine deprivation for 48 hours. Caffeine consumption also increased the apparent elimination half-life of theophylline by an average of 32% and reduced its total body clearance by 23%. In another study, steady-state concentration and area under the concentration-time curve of theophylline (1200 mg intravenously over 24 hours) increased by 23% and 40%, respectively, in eight healthy volunteers following administration of caffeine (300 mg orally three times a day).

MANAGEMENT: Given the narrow therapeutic index of theophylline, patients should limit or avoid significant fluctuations in their intake of pharmacologic as well as dietary caffeine.

References

  1. Jonkman JH, Sollie FA, Sauter R, Steinijans VW (1991) "The influence of caffeine on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of theophylline." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 49, p. 248-55
  2. Sato J, Nakata H, Owada E, Kikuta T, Umetsu M, Ito K (1993) "Influence of usual intake of dietary caffeine on single-dose kinetics of theophylline in healthy human subjects." Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 44, p. 295-8

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Moderate

ePHEDrine food

Applies to: Primatene Dual Action (ephedrine / guaifenesin / theophylline)

MONITOR: Coadministration of two or more sympathomimetic agents may increase the risk of adverse effects such as nervousness, irritability, and increased heart rate. Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, particularly amphetamines, can potentiate the adrenergic response to vasopressors and other sympathomimetic agents. Additive increases in blood pressure and heart rate may occur due to enhanced peripheral sympathetic activity.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if two or more sympathomimetic agents are coadministered. Pulse and blood pressure should be closely monitored.

References

  1. Rosenblatt JE, Lake CR, van Kammen DP, Ziegler MG, Bunney WE Jr (1979) "Interactions of amphetamine, pimozide, and lithium on plasma norepineophrine and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase in schizophrenic patients." Psychiatry Res, 1, p. 45-52
  2. Cavanaugh JH, Griffith JD, Oates JA (1970) "Effect of amphetamine on the pressor response to tyramine: formation of p-hydroxynorephedrine from amphetamine in man." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 11, p. 656
  3. (2001) "Product Information. Adderall (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine)." Shire Richwood Pharmaceutical Company Inc
  4. (2001) "Product Information. Tenuate (diethylpropion)." Aventis Pharmaceuticals
  5. (2001) "Product Information. Sanorex (mazindol)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals
  6. (2001) "Product Information. Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)." Mikart Inc
  7. (2002) "Product Information. Strattera (atomoxetine)." Lilly, Eli and Company
View all 7 references

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

Therapeutic duplication is the use of more than one medicine from the same drug category or therapeutic class to treat the same condition. This can be intentional in cases where drugs with similar actions are used together for demonstrated therapeutic benefit. It can also be unintentional in cases where a patient has been treated by more than one doctor, or had prescriptions filled at more than one pharmacy, and can have potentially adverse consequences.

Duplication

Expectorants

Therapeutic duplication

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'expectorants' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'expectorants' category:

  • Lufyllin-GG (dyphylline / guaifenesin)
  • Primatene Dual Action (ephedrine / guaifenesin / theophylline)

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.

Duplication

Methylxanthines

Therapeutic duplication

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'methylxanthines' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'methylxanthines' category:

  • Lufyllin-GG (dyphylline / guaifenesin)
  • Primatene Dual Action (ephedrine / guaifenesin / theophylline)

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.


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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.

Further information

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