Please wait while the formulary information is being retrieved.
Drug overview for METAXALONE (metaxalone):
Generic name: METAXALONE (me-TAX-a-lone)
Drug class: Central Muscle Relaxants
Therapeutic class: Locomotor System
Metaxalone is a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant.
No enhanced Uses information available for this drug.
Generic name: METAXALONE (me-TAX-a-lone)
Drug class: Central Muscle Relaxants
Therapeutic class: Locomotor System
Metaxalone is a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant.
No enhanced Uses information available for this drug.
DRUG IMAGES
METAXALONE 800 MG TABLET
The following indications for METAXALONE (metaxalone) have been approved by the FDA:
Indications:
Muscle spasm
Professional Synonyms:
Involuntary muscle contraction
Muscle spasticity
Skeletal muscle spasm
Spasticity
Indications:
Muscle spasm
Professional Synonyms:
Involuntary muscle contraction
Muscle spasticity
Skeletal muscle spasm
Spasticity
The following dosing information is available for METAXALONE (metaxalone):
No enhanced Dosing information available for this drug.
Metaxalone is administered orally. Although administration with food increases the extent of exposure to the drug, which can increase its sedative effects, the manufacturer makes no specific recommendation regarding administration of metaxalone with food. (See Pharmacokinetics: Absorption.)
| DRUG LABEL | DOSING TYPE | DOSING INSTRUCTIONS |
|---|---|---|
| METAXALONE 800 MG TABLET | Maintenance | Adults take 1 tablet (800 mg) by oral route 3 times per day as needed |
| DRUG LABEL | DOSING TYPE | DOSING INSTRUCTIONS |
|---|---|---|
| METAXALONE 800 MG TABLET | Maintenance | Adults take 1 tablet (800 mg) by oral route 3 times per day as needed |
The following drug interaction information is available for METAXALONE (metaxalone):
There are 28 contraindications.
These drug combinations generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. A manufacturer label warning that indicates the contraindication warrants inclusion of a drug combination in this category, regardless of clinical evidence or lack of clinical evidence to support the contraindication.
| Drug Interaction | Drug Names |
|---|---|
| Sympathomimetics (Indirect & Mixed Acting)/MAOIs SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Catecholamine stores increased by MAOIs can be released by indirect acting sympathomimetics such as ephedrine and amphetamine. MAO inhibitors also interfere with gut and liver metabolism of direct acting sympathomimetics (e.g oral phenylephrine). CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of MAOIs may result in potentiation of sympathomimetic effects, which may result in headaches, hypertensive crisis, toxic neurological effects, and malignant hyperpyrexia. Fatalities have occurred. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors and sympathomimetics is contraindicated. The manufacturers of sympathomimetic agents recommend waiting 14 days after discontinuation of MAO inhibitors before initiating the sympathomimetic. DISCUSSION: Indirect acting sympathomimetic amines may cause abrupt elevation of blood pressure when administered to patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, resulting in a potentially fatal hypertensive crisis. Mixed (direct and indirect) acting sympathomimetics have also been shown to interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors depending on their degree of indirect action. The direct-acting sympathomimetics have not been reported to interact. Dopamine is metabolized by monoamine oxidase, and its pressor effect is enhanced by monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Since procarbazine, an antineoplastic agent, is a weak monoamine oxidase inhibitor, hypertensive reactions may result from its concurrent use with indirect and mixed acting sympathomimetics. Furazolidone, an antibacterial with monoamine oxidase inhibitor action, has also been shown to interact with indirect acting sympathomimetics. Linezolid is another antibacterial with monoamine oxidase inhibitor properties. Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO. Foods containing large amounts of tyramine have also been implicated in this interaction. Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A. At recommended dosages, rasagiline, oral selegiline, and transdermal selegiline up to 6mg/day are selective for MAO-B; however, at higher dosages they have been shown to lose their selectivity. One or more of the drug pairs linked to this monograph have been included in a list of interactions that should be considered "high-priority" for inclusion and should not be inactivated in EHR systems. This DDI subset was vetted by an expert panel commissioned by the U.S. Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health Information Technology. |
AA 2%-D10W-CALCIUM, AA 2%-D10W-CALCIUM-HEPARIN, AA 2%-D10W-LOW CALCIUM-HEPARIN, AA 2%-D5W-CALCIUM-HEPARIN, AA 2.5%-D10W-CALCIUM-HEPARIN, AA 3%-D10W-CALCIUM, AA 3%-D10W-CALCIUM-HEPARIN, AA 3%-D10W-LOW CALCIUM-HEPARIN, AA 3%-D5W-CALCIUM, AA 3%-D5W-CALCIUM-HEPARIN, AA 3%-D5W-LOW CALCIUM-HEPARIN, AA 3.5%-D10W-CALCIUM, AA 3.5%-D10W-CALCIUM-HEPARIN, AA 3.5%-D10W-LO CALCIUM-HEPARN, AA 4%-D10W-CALCIUM-HEPARIN, AA 6%-D10W-CALCIUM-HEPARIN, ADDERALL, ADDERALL XR, ADIPEX-P, ADZENYS XR-ODT, AKOVAZ, AMINO ACID 3%-D10W, AMINO ACID 3.5%-D10W, AMINO ACID 3.5%-D10W-HEPARIN, AMINO ACID 4%-D10W, AMINO ACID 4.5%-D10W-HEPARIN, AMINO ACIDS 2.5%-D10W, AMINOSYN II, AMINOSYN-PF, AMPHETAMINE SULFATE, APTENSIO XR, AZSTARYS, BENZPHETAMINE HCL, BIORPHEN, BROMFED DM, BROMPHENIRAMINE-PSEUDOEPHED-DM, CLARINEX-D 12 HOUR, CLINIMIX, CLINIMIX E, CLINISOL, COCAINE HCL, CONCERTA, COTEMPLA XR-ODT, DAYTRANA, DESOXYN, DEXEDRINE, DEXMETHYLPHENIDATE HCL, DEXMETHYLPHENIDATE HCL ER, DEXTROAMPHETAMINE SULFATE, DEXTROAMPHETAMINE SULFATE ER, DEXTROAMPHETAMINE-AMPHET ER, DEXTROAMPHETAMINE-AMPHETAMINE, DIETHYLPROPION HCL, DIETHYLPROPION HCL ER, DOPAMINE HCL, DOPAMINE HCL IN 5% DEXTROSE, DYANAVEL XR, EMERPHED, EPHEDRINE HCL, EPHEDRINE SULFATE, EPHEDRINE SULFATE-0.9% NACL, EPHEDRINE SULFATE-NACL, EVEKEO, FOCALIN, FOCALIN XR, GOPRELTO, HYDROXYAMPHETAMINE HBR, IMMPHENTIV, ISOMETHEPTENE MUCATE, JORNAY PM, KABIVEN, LISDEXAMFETAMINE DIMESYLATE, LOMAIRA, METADATE CD, METADATE ER, METHAMPHETAMINE HCL, METHYLIN, METHYLPHENIDATE, METHYLPHENIDATE ER, METHYLPHENIDATE ER (LA), METHYLPHENIDATE HCL, METHYLPHENIDATE HCL CD, METHYLPHENIDATE HCL ER (CD), MYDAYIS, NUMBRINO, PERIKABIVEN, PHENDIMETRAZINE TARTRATE, PHENDIMETRAZINE TARTRATE ER, PHENTERMINE HCL, PHENTERMINE-TOPIRAMATE ER, PHENYLEPHRINE HCL, PHENYLEPHRINE HCL-0.9% NACL, PHENYLEPHRINE HCL-NACL, PHENYLEPHRINE HCL-WATER, PLENAMINE, PREMASOL, PROCENTRA, PROMETHAZINE VC, PROMETHAZINE-PHENYLEPHRINE HCL, PROSOL, PSEUDOEPHEDRINE HCL, QSYMIA, QUILLICHEW ER, QUILLIVANT XR, RELEXXII, RESPA A.R., REZIPRES, RITALIN, RITALIN LA, TRAVASOL, VAZCULEP, VYVANSE, XELSTRYM, ZENZEDI |
| Tricyclic; Tetracyclic Compounds/MAOIs SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Some MAO inhibitors may enhance the effects of tricyclic and tetracyclic compounds indirectly through inhibition of microsomal enzymes.(1) Tricyclic and tetracyclic compounds may sensitize post-synaptic receptors to amines that are accumulating extraneuronally as a result of MAO inhibition.(2) Similarity between cyclobenzaprine and TCAs warrants consideration of TCA interactions for cyclobenzaprine.(6) Mirtazapine, a tetracyclic antidepressant, should also be considered for this interaction.(7) Furazolidone is known to inhibit MAO. CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use may result in a severe reaction including hyperpyrexia, convulsions, excitability, fluctuations in blood pressure, convulsions, grand mal seizures, serotonin syndrome, coma, and death.(1,3-10) Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include tremor, agitation, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, clonus, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity.(11) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: High doses of tricyclics or tetracyclics, or concurrent use of multiple drugs which increase CNS serotonin levels may increase risk for serotonin syndrome. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The concurrent use of tricyclic antidepressants, cyclobenzaprine or mirtazapine and MAO inhibitors is contraindicated by the manufacturers of tricyclic antidepressants, cyclobenzaprine, mirtazapine, and tranylcypromine.(1,3-10) The manufacturers of tricyclic antidepressants, cyclobenzaprine and mirtazapine recommend at least 14 days between switching therapies.(1,3-9) The manufacturer of tranylcypromine recommends a medication-free interval of at least a week when initiating tranylcypromine in patients who have previously received a tricyclic antidepressant, then initiating tranylcypromine at a reduced dosage of 50% for one week.(10) The US manufacturer of phenelzine states that at least 14 days should elapse between the discontinuation of phenelzine and the initiation of another antidepressant. If phenelzine is used concurrently with or within 10 days of another antidepressant, the patient should be cautioned regarding the possibility of an adverse drug interaction.(8) The US manufacturer of selegiline states that at least 14 days should elapse between the discontinuation of selegiline and the initiation of a tricyclic antidepressant.(9) In emergency situations in patients maintained on tricyclics or tetracyclics, weigh the availability and safety of alternatives to methylene blue against the risk of serotonin syndrome. If methylene blue therapy is required, the patient's tricyclic, cyclobenzaprine or tetracyclic should be immediately discontinued. Patients should be monitored for serotonin syndrome for 2 weeks or until 24 hours after the last dose of methylene blue, whichever comes first.(12) In non-emergency situations in patients maintained on tricyclics, cyclobenzaprine or tetracyclics when methylene blue therapy is planned, discontinue the patient's tricyclic or tetracyclic at least 2 weeks in advance of methylene blue therapy. The patient's tricyclic or tetracyclic therapy may be resumed 24 hours after the last dose of linezolid or methylene blue.(12) Do not initiate tricyclic, cyclobenzaprine or tetracyclic therapy in patients receiving methylene blue until 24 hours after the last dose of these agents.(12) If concurrent therapy is warranted, patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Instruct patients to report muscle twitching, tremors, shivering and stiffness, fever, heavy sweating, heart palpitations, restlessness, confusion, agitation, trouble with coordination, or severe diarrhea. DISCUSSION: It should be noted that if this interaction occurs, the consequences will be immediate and severe. Effects may continue to be seen for several days after discontinuing the MAOI. The interaction has been reported with tricyclic antidepressants and selegiline.(9) Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A.(14,15) Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.(34,35) The FDA AERS contains reports of serotonin syndrome with concurrent injectable methylene blue and citalopram, clomipramine, escitalopram, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine. The risk of serotonin syndrome with other psychiatric drugs is unclear.(13) One or more of the drug pairs linked to this monograph have been included in a list of interactions that should be considered "high-priority" for inclusion and should not be inactivated in EHR systems. This DDI subset was vetted by an expert panel commissioned by the U.S. Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health Information Technology. |
AMITRIPTYLINE HCL, AMOXAPINE, AMRIX, ANAFRANIL, CHLORDIAZEPOXIDE-AMITRIPTYLINE, CLOMIPRAMINE HCL, CYCLOBENZAPRINE HCL, CYCLOBENZAPRINE HCL ER, CYCLOPAK, CYCLOTENS, DESIPRAMINE HCL, DOXEPIN HCL, FEXMID, IMIPRAMINE HCL, IMIPRAMINE PAMOATE, MIRTAZAPINE, MIRTAZAPINE ANHYDROUS, NORPRAMIN, NORTRIPTYLINE HCL, PAMELOR, PERPHENAZINE-AMITRIPTYLINE, PROTRIPTYLINE HCL, REMERON, SILENOR, TRIMIPRAMINE MALEATE |
| Foslevodopa; Levodopa/MAOIs SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: MAOIs inhibit the enzyme responsible for degradation of dopamine and norepinephrine which are formed by levodopa. Also, storage and release of dopamine and norepinephrine is increased. Foslevodopa is a prodrug of levodopa. CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of MAOIs may result in increased effects of levodopa, including tremor, hypertensive crisis, and postural hypotension. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of carbidopa/levodopa states that the concurrent use of nonselective MAO inhibitors is contraindicated. Carbidopa/Levodopa may be administered with recommended dosages of selective MAO-B inhibitors. The Canadian manufacturer of foslevodopa/foscarbidopa states that concurrent use of nonselective MAO inhibitors and selective MAO type A inhibitors is contraindicated. MAO inhibitors should be stopped at least 2 weeks prior to initiation of foslevodopa/foscarbidopa therapy. Foslevodopa/foscarbidopa may be administered with recommended dosages of selective MAO-B inhibitors. The addition of a decarboxylase inhibitor to the combination of a non-selective MAO inhibitor and levodopa may minimize risk of adverse effects. Phentolamine has been effective in treating hypertension caused by this interaction. DISCUSSION: Hypertensive reactions, flushing, and palpitations have been reported as a result of this interaction. This interaction may be possible for several weeks after the discontinuation of a MAO inhibitor. At the recommended dosage of 10 mg/day, oral selegiline is presumed to be a selective MAO B inhibitor and would thus not be expected to interact with levodopa. Oral selegiline is indicated as an adjunct agent with levodopa in the management of Parkinsonian patients. However, selegiline administered transdermally for the treatment of depression is not selective for MAO-B. Furazolidone has been shown to inhibit MAO. Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A. Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO. |
CARBIDOPA-LEVODOPA, CARBIDOPA-LEVODOPA ER, CREXONT, DHIVY, DUOPA, INBRIJA, LEVODOPA, RYTARY, SINEMET, VYALEV |
| Buspirone/MAOIs SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Combination of MAOIs, which decrease the breakdown of serotonin, and buspirone, a 5-HT1A and moderate D2 agonist, may cause an increase in endogenous serotonin and dopamine, which in addition to buspirone's agonist effect, could lead to hypertensive crisis.(1-3) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of buspirone and a MAOI may result in hypertensive crisis.(2,3) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of buspirone recommends that these drugs not be administered concomitantly. Use of MAOIs to treat depression with buspirone or within 14 days of stopping buspirone is contraindicated. Use of buspirone within 14 days of stopping an MAOI to treat depression is also contraindicated.(2) The US manufacturer of phenelzine states that concurrent use of buspirone is contraindicated. At least 14 days should elapse between the discontinuation of phenelzine and the initiation of buspirone.(3) In emergency situations in patients maintained on buspirone, weigh the availability and safety of alternatives to methylene blue against the risk of hypertensive crisis. If methylene blue therapy is required, the patient's buspirone should be immediately discontinued. Patients should be monitored for hypertensive crisis for 2 weeks or until 24 hours after the last dose of methylene blue, whichever comes first.(4) In non-emergency situations in patients maintained on buspirone when methylene blue therapy is planned, discontinue the patient's buspirone at least 2 weeks in advance of methylene blue therapy. The patient's buspirone therapy may be resumed 24 hours after the last dose of methylene blue.(4) Do not initiate buspirone therapy in patients receiving methylene blue until 24 hours after the last dose of these agents.(4) DISCUSSION: Several cases of elevated blood pressure have been reported in patients receiving MAOIs who were given buspirone.(2) No adverse sequelae have been reported in these patients. Furazolidone is known to inhibit monoamine oxidase. Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A.(5,6) Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.(7,8) |
BUCAPSOL, BUSPIRONE HCL |
| Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; SNRIs/Selected MAOIs SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Serotonin reuptake inhibitors and MAOIs may act synergistically to increase blood pressure and evoke behavioral excitation. CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use or switching between agents without a sufficient washout period may result in serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include tremor, agitation, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, clonus, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturers of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, the selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, nefazodone, and venlafaxine state that concurrent use with MAOIs is contraindicated. A minimum 5 week washout period should separate the switch of fluoxetine to a MAOI. A washout period of at least 21 days is recommended for the switch from vortioxetine to a MAOI. A washout period of at least 2 weeks is recommended for the switch of citalopram, escitalopram, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, or vilazodone to a MAOI. A washout period of 7 days is recommended for the switch of dapoxetine, levomilnacipran, nefazodone, desvenlafaxine, and venlafaxine to a MAOI. A washout period of 5 days is recommended for the switch of duloxetine or milnacipran to a MAOI. Prior to starting any selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, non-selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or duloxetine, allow a 2 week washout period after stopping MAOI therapy. These washout recommendations apply to the selective MAO-B inhibitors rasagiline and selegiline as well. If rasagiline is used in combination with fluvoxamine, patients should receive no more than 0.5mg of rasagiline daily. In emergency situations in patients maintained on SSRIs or SNRIs, weigh the availability and safety of alternatives to linezolid and methylene blue against the risk of serotonin syndrome. If linezolid or methylene blue therapy is required, the patient's SSRI or SNRI should be immediately discontinued. Patients should be monitored for serotonin syndrome for 2 weeks (5 weeks in the case of fluoxetine, 21 days in the case of vortioxetine, and 5 days in the case of duloxetine and milnacipran) or until 24 hours after the last dose of linezolid or methylene blue, whichever comes first. In non-emergency situations in patients maintained on SSRIs or SNRIs when linezolid or methylene blue therapy is planned, discontinue the patient's SSRI or SNRI at least 2 weeks (5 weeks in the case of fluoxetine, 21 days in the case of vortioxetine, and 5 days in the case of duloxetine and milnacipran) in advance of linezolid or methylene blue therapy. The patient's SSRI or SNRI therapy may be resumed 24 hours after the last dose of linezolid or methylene blue. Do not initiate SSRI or SNRI therapy in patients receiving linezolid or methylene blue until 24 hours after the last dose of these agents. DISCUSSION: This serious interaction (serotonin syndrome) has been reported with fluoxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine. Although this has been not been reported with the fluvoxamine, nefazodone, or paroxetine, current recommendations by their manufacturers indicate that the potential for this interaction should be assumed. Manufacturer's product information for fluoxetine, paroxetine, and venlafaxine state that concurrent administration of these agents with a MAOI is contraindicated. The other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and non-selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have shorter half-lives than fluoxetine. Therefore, the time frame during which the interaction would be expected to occur with agents and MAOIs would not be expected to be as prolonged as with fluoxetine. Furazolidone is also known to be a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. In a case report, a patient had stopped taking paroxetine 10 days prior to initiating St. John's wort. The evening after initiating St. John's wort, the patient took a paroxetine. At noon the next day, the patient was able to be awakened, but was incoherent, groggy, slow-moving, and almost unable to get up. Two hours later during an examination, she was groggy and lethargic, but able to respond appropriately. She complained of nausea, weakness, and fatigue. Her vital signs and physical exam were normal, except for a slow response time and limp muscle tone. She did not take any additional paroxetine and was normal the next day. The metabolism of rasagiline has been shown to be inhibited by CYP P-450-1A2 inhibitors such as fluvoxamine. Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A. Serotonin syndrome has been reported following administration of methylene blue in patients receiving selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO. The FDA AERS contains reports of serotonin syndrome with the concurrent use of linezolid and citalopram, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine as well as reports of serotonin syndrome with concurrent injectable methylene blue and citalopram, clomipramine, escitalopram, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine. One or more of the drug pairs linked to this monograph have been included in a list of interactions that should be considered "high-priority" for inclusion and should not be inactivated in EHR systems. This DDI subset was vetted by an expert panel commissioned by the U.S. Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health Information Technology. |
CELEXA, CITALOPRAM HBR, CYMBALTA, DESVENLAFAXINE ER, DESVENLAFAXINE SUCCINATE ER, DRIZALMA SPRINKLE, DULOXETINE HCL, DULOXICAINE, EFFEXOR XR, ESCITALOPRAM OXALATE, FETZIMA, FLUOXETINE DR, FLUOXETINE HCL, FLUVOXAMINE MALEATE, FLUVOXAMINE MALEATE ER, LEXAPRO, NEFAZODONE HCL, OLANZAPINE-FLUOXETINE HCL, PAROXETINE CR, PAROXETINE ER, PAROXETINE HCL, PAROXETINE MESYLATE, PAXIL, PAXIL CR, PRISTIQ, PROZAC, SAVELLA, SERTRALINE HCL, TRINTELLIX, VENLAFAXINE BESYLATE ER, VENLAFAXINE HCL, VENLAFAXINE HCL ER, VIIBRYD, VILAZODONE HCL, ZOLOFT |
| Apraclonidine/MAOIs SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Apraclonidine is an alpha-2-adrenergic agonist used to decrease intraocular pressure. The use of apraclonidine ophthalmic solution leads to systemic absorption.(1) As apraclonidine does not cross the blood brain barrier, peripheral alpha-2-adrenergic effects could potentially result in vasoconstriction.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Not described.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Unknown. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of apraclonidine states that concurrent administration of apraclonidine to patients on monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI's) is contraindicated.(1) DISCUSSION: There is no clinical documentation to support this interaction. The manufacturer of apraclonidine states that concurrent administration of apraclonidine to patients on MAOI's is contraindicated.(1) Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A. Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO. |
APRACLONIDINE HCL, IOPIDINE |
| Bupropion; Solriamfetol/MAO Inhibitors SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Bupropion and solriamfetol increase dopamine and norepinephrine concentrations via blockade of the dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake transporters.(1-4) Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) block the metabolism of norepinephrine and dopamine, also leading to increased neuronal concentrations of norepinephrine and dopamine.(5) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of bupropion or solriamfetol and MAOIs may increase the risk for hypertensive crisis, severe hypertension, or other adverse reactions,(3-4) including mania, psychosis or agitation with bupropion,(3) and headache, nausea, anorexia, or anxiety with solriamfetol.(4) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients with pre-existing hypertension may be more likely to experience treatment-emergent hypertension.(3) Patients with moderate to severe renal impairment may be at higher risk for increases in blood pressure and heart rate from solriamfetol due to prolonged drug exposure.(4) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturers of bupropion and solriamfetol state that concurrent use of bupropion or solriamfetol with a MAOI is contraindicated due to the risk for hypertensive reactions.(3,4) The US manufacturer of phenelzine states that concurrent use of bupropion is contraindicated.(5) At least 14 days should elapse between the discontinuation of a MAOI and the initiation of bupropion or solriamfetol,(3-5) except in the case of methylene blue.(6) Do not initiate bupropion or solriamfetol therapy in patients receiving methylene blue until 24 hours after the last dose of these agents.(3,6) In emergency situations in patients maintained on bupropion or solriamfetol, weigh the availability and safety of alternatives to methylene blue against the risk of acute hypertension. If methylene blue therapy is required, the patient's bupropion or solriamfetol should be immediately discontinued. Patients' blood pressure should be closely monitored for 2 weeks or until 24 hours after the last dose of methylene blue, whichever comes first.(3,6) In non-emergency situations in patients maintained on bupropion or solriamfetol when methylene blue therapy is planned, discontinue the patient's bupropion or solriamfetol at least 2 weeks in advance of methylene blue therapy. The patient's bupropion or solriamfetol therapy may be resumed 24 hours after the last dose of linezolid or methylene blue.(3,6) If concurrent therapy is warranted, patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of hypertensive crisis. DISCUSSION: The US manufacturers of bupropion and solriamfetol state that concurrent use of bupropion or solriamfetol with a MAOI is contraindicated.(3,4) The US manufacturer of phenelzine states that concurrent use of bupropion is contraindicated.(5) At least 14 days should elapse between the discontinuation of a MAOI and the initiation of bupropion or solriamfetol.(1-5) Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A.(6,7) Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.(8,9) FDA alerts in July 2011(6) described the risk for serotonin syndrome when bupropion is used concurrently with methylene blue or other MAOIs. In October 2011 FDA updated these alerts, describing the risk for serotonin syndrome when MAOIs are combined with bupropion (and selected other psychiatric agents not associated with case reports of serotonin syndrome) as unclear.(7) Subsequent bupropion and solriamfetol prescribing information describes an increased risk for hypertensive reactions when co-prescribed with MAOIs.(3,4) |
APLENZIN, AUVELITY, BUPROPION HCL, BUPROPION HCL SR, BUPROPION XL, CONTRAVE, FORFIVO XL, SUNOSI, WELLBUTRIN SR, WELLBUTRIN XL |
| MAO Inhibitors/Tryptophan SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use may result in additive effects on serotonin levels. MAOIs may potentiate the effects of tryptophan.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent administration of tryptophan with a MAO Inhibitor may result in serotonin syndrome and/or hypertensive crisis.(1) Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include tremor, agitation, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, clonus, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity.(15) In addition to these effects, disorientation, delirium, agitation, hypomania, shivering, ocular oscillation, and Babinski signs have been reported with concurrent tryptophan and phenelzine.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving MAO Inhibitors should not take agents such as tryptophan. If concurrent therapy is warranted, patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Instruct patients to report muscle twitching, tremors, shivering and stiffness, fever, heavy sweating, heart palpitations, restlessness, confusion, agitation, trouble with coordination, or severe diarrhea. DISCUSSION: In a study in nine subjects, the administration of a single intravenous dose of tryptophan with tranylcypromine significantly increased the normal prolactin response to tryptophan. Four of the nine subjects developed a distinctive neuromotor syndrome characterized by hyperreflexia, ankle clonus, nystagmus, incoordination, tremor, myoclonic jerks, and nausea.(2) Another set of authors reported eight cases of delirium, ranging from mild to severe, in patients who received concurrent tranylcypromine and tryptophan. Symptoms developed within two days to 4 weeks of beginning concurrent therapy.(3) In a case report, the addition of tryptophan to a tranylcypromine regimen resulted in hypomania.(4) In another report, a patient developed hyperventilation, shivering, hyperthermia, increased muscle tone, and hyperreflexia when tryptophan was added to tranylcypromine therapy.(5) There are two reports of fatalities following the concurrent administration of tryptophan and tranylcypromine. In the first report, a a patient had been receiving chlorpromazine, lithium, and tryptophan when phenelzine was initiated. Four weeks later, the patient developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome and expired despite resuscitation efforts.(6) In the second report, a patient had been receiving fluoxetine, levothyroxine, propranolol, quinidine, and hydroxyzine. Fluoxetine was discontinued and tranylcypromine, thioridazine, and tryptophan were initiated. The patient developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome two and one-half hours after the first tryptophan dose and expired 24 hours later. (7) In a case report, the addition of tryptophan to a regimen that included phenelzine resulted in an acute behavioral and neurologic syndrome. The patient's symptoms resolved 24 hours after the discontinuation of both agents.(8) In another report, a patient developed hypomania following the addition of tryptophan to phenelzine therapy.(4) Another report describes the development of delirium following the addition of tryptophan to phenelzine.(9) One set of authors reported three cases of myoclonus, hyperreflexia, and diaphoresis following the addition of tryptophan to phenelzine therapy.(10) Some studies have shown that the addition of tryptophan to MAO Inhibitor therapy may have beneficial results, including greater improvement in depression and faster onset of effects.(11,12) Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A.(13,14) Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.(16,17) |
AA 2%-D10W-CALCIUM, AA 2%-D10W-CALCIUM-HEPARIN, AA 2%-D10W-LOW CALCIUM-HEPARIN, AA 2%-D5W-CALCIUM-HEPARIN, AA 2.5%-D10W-CALCIUM-HEPARIN, AA 3%-D10W-CALCIUM, AA 3%-D10W-CALCIUM-HEPARIN, AA 3%-D10W-LOW CALCIUM-HEPARIN, AA 3%-D5W-CALCIUM, AA 3%-D5W-CALCIUM-HEPARIN, AA 3%-D5W-LOW CALCIUM-HEPARIN, AA 3.5%-D10W-CALCIUM, AA 3.5%-D10W-CALCIUM-HEPARIN, AA 3.5%-D10W-LO CALCIUM-HEPARN, AA 4%-D10W-CALCIUM-HEPARIN, AA 6%-D10W-CALCIUM-HEPARIN, AMINO ACID 3%-D10W, AMINO ACID 3.5%-D10W, AMINO ACID 3.5%-D10W-HEPARIN, AMINO ACID 4%-D10W, AMINO ACID 4.5%-D10W-HEPARIN, AMINO ACIDS 2.5%-D10W, AMINOSYN II, AMINOSYN-PF, CLINIMIX, CLINIMIX E, CLINISOL, KABIVEN, PERIKABIVEN, PLENAMINE, PREMASOL, PROSOL, TRAVASOL |
| Carbamazepine/Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Carbamazepine is structurally related to the tricyclic antidepressants, which may sensitize adrenergic receptors to amines that can accumulate extra neuronally as a result of MAO inhibition. CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of carbamazepine with a MAOI may result in serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include tremor, agitation, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, clonus, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity.(11) Possible increases in serum carbamazepine levels can be seen predisposing patients to carbamazepine toxicity. This may increase excitation, delirium, tremor, twitching, convulsions, coma, and circulatory collapse. It has also been suggested that the combination of carbamazepine and MAOIs may possibly lead to synergistic hepatotoxicity. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of carbamazepine states that MAOIs should be discontinued at least 14 days prior to initiation of carbamazepine therapy.(2) The US manufacturer of tranylcypromine states that concurrent use of dibenzazepine-related entities (such as carbamazepine) is contraindicated.(3) The US manufacturer of selegiline states that concurrent use of carbamazepine is contraindicated.(4) If concurrent therapy is warranted, patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Instruct patients to report muscle twitching, tremors, shivering and stiffness, fever, heavy sweating, heart palpitations, restlessness, confusion, agitation, trouble coordination, or severe diarrhea. DISCUSSION: Carbamazepine's chemical structure is similar to that of the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).(1,2) TCA serum levels have been elevated by coadministration of isoniazid, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Because of these similarities, it has been hypothesized that MAOIs could inhibit the metabolism of carbamazepine.(1,4) In a study(4) involving 10 patients, CBZ dosing, and subsequent serum levels, were compared to patients receiving phenelzine verses tranylcypromine. Results showed that the tranylcypromine group required a 2.3 times higher dose than the phenelzine group. In a related study,(1) 10 subjects were given a MAOI, with or without lithium, to examine changes in CBZ pharmacokinetics. Results showed no significant difference in CBZ level or dose when comparing the phenelzine and tranylcypromine group to baseline. There were also no differences in CBZ level or dose when comparing the phenelzine and tranylcypromine group to each other. In one case report,(5) a 52 year old woman on CBZ was started on tranylcypromine. Combination therapy was continued for 2 weeks, at which time the patient's mental state improved and tranylcypromine was discontinued. The patient experienced no adverse events. The same author reports another case(5) involving a 31 year-old woman on CBZ who was started on tranylcypromine. Subsequently, her serum CBZ level decreased 35% over following two weeks. In a related case,(6) a 24 year-old man on CBZ was started on tranylcypromine. CBZ levels were drawn on 15 separate occasions over 52 days, which resulted in no significant change in CBZ serum level from his baseline. This patient also experienced no adverse effects. Because these studies and case reports examined only a small group of patients and their results are conflicting, it is difficult to assess the clinical significance of this interaction. However, the manufacturer of carbamazepine states that MAOIs be discontinued for a minimum of 14 days before beginning carbamazepine therapy.(2) Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A. Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO. |
CARBAMAZEPINE, CARBAMAZEPINE ER, CARBATROL, EPITOL, EQUETRO, TEGRETOL, TEGRETOL XR |
| COMT Inhibitors/Selected MAOIs SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Since MAOI's and COMT are the two major enzymes responsible for the metabolism of catecholamines, the combination of entacapone, tolcapone, or opicapone and a non-selective MAOI may inhibit the majority of catecholamine metabolism pathways.(1-3) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent administration of entacapone, tolcapone, or opicapone with a non-selective MAOI may result in elevated levels of catecholamines, which may result in elevated heart rate and blood pressure. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The Canadian(4) and UK(1) manufacturers of entacapone state that concomitant use of either a non-selective MAOI or a selective MAO-A inhibitor with a selective MAO-B inhibitor with entacapone is contraindicated. Nonselective MAOI should be discontinued at least 2 weeks prior to initiating entacapone therapy.(4) The UK manufacturer of tolcapone states that tolcapone should not be coadministered with either a non-selective MAOI or a selective MAO-A inhibitor with a selective MAO-B inhibitor. (5) The US manufacturer of tolcapone states that patients should not ordinarily be treated concomitantly with tolcapone and a non-selective MAOI. Tolcapone may be concurrently administered with a selective MAO-B inhibitor.(2) The Middle East and US manufacturers of opicapone state that concomitant use of opicapone with MAO inhibitors other than those for the treatment of Parkinson's disease is contraindicated.(10,11) DISCUSSION: Monoamine oxidase (MAO) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) are the two major enzymes systems involved in the metabolism of catecholamines. Therefore, theoretically, the combination of either entacapone, tolcapone, or opicapone with a non-selective MAO inhibitor will result in inhibition of the majority of catecholamine metabolism pathways.(1,2) At daily oral doses of 10 mg, selegiline is primarily a selective MAO-B inhibitor; however, at higher doses, selegiline is capable of inhibiting MAO-A.(6) At dosages administered transdermally for the treatment of depression, selegiline is not selective for MAO-B.(7) Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A.(8,9) Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.(12,13) |
ENTACAPONE, ONGENTYS, TASMAR, TOLCAPONE |
| Dexfenfluramine; Fenfluramine/MAOIs SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of serotonergic drugs with MAOIs may result in serotonin syndrome. CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent therapy may result in serotonin syndrome, which may result in death. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include tremor, agitation, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, clonus, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity.(5) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Concurrent administration of these agents should be avoided. The manufacturer of dexfenfluramine recommends a two week wash-out period discontinuing a MAOI and initiating therapy with dexfenfluramine and a three week wash-out between discontinuing dexfenfluramine and initiating a MAOI. If concurrent therapy is warranted, patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Instruct patients to report muscle twitching, tremors, shivering and stiffness, fever, heavy sweating, heart palpitations, restlessness, confusion, agitation, trouble with coordination, or severe diarrhea. DISCUSSION: Although this interaction has not been reported with dexfenfluramine or fenfluramine, the manufacturer 's product information for dexfenfluramine states that concurrent therapy with MAOI's is contraindicated. Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A. Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO. |
FINTEPLA |
| Selected 5-HT1D Agonists/MAO Inhibitors SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: MAOIs inhibit the metabolism of rizatriptan,(1) sumatriptan,(2-9) and zolmitriptan.(10-11) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of MAOIs may result in increased levels and effects of rizatriptan, sumatriptan or zolmitriptan.(1-11) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, e.g., coronary artery disease (CAD), transient ischemic attack (TIA), stroke, cardiac conduction disorders or poorly controlled hypertension are not considered candidates for 5-HT1D agonist therapy and would be at greater risk for toxicity due to this interaction. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Concurrent administration of rizatriptan and a MAOI or administration of rizatriptan within two weeks of the discontinuation of a MAOI is contraindicated according to product labeling for rizatriptan.(1) Concurrent administration of sumatriptan and a MAOI or administration of sumatriptan within two weeks of the discontinuation of a MAOI is contraindicated according to the Australian, Canada, UK, and US product labeling for these agents.(2-9) Concurrent administration of zolmitriptan and a MAO-A inhibitor or the administration of zolmitriptan within two weeks of discontinuation of a MAO-A inhibitor is contraindicated according to US labeling.(10) The UK manufacturer states that a maximum of 7.5 mg of zolmitriptan should be administered within 24 hours of a MAO-A inhibitor.(11) Eletriptan and frovatriptan are not metabolized by MAO-A(12, 13) and may be an alternative in patients who require treatment with an MAO-A inhibitor. DISCUSSION: Rizatriptan is metabolized by the 'A' subtype of monoamine oxidase. In a study with 12 subjects, the concurrent administration of rizatriptan (10 mg) with moclobemide (450 mg daily, a selective, reversible MAO-A inhibitor) resulted in increases in the rizatriptan area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) by 119% and 41%, respectively. The AUC of the active metabolite, N-monodesmethyl rizatriptan, increased over 400%. Plasma concentrations of rizatriptan may be increased by selective MAO-A inhibitors or by nonselective MAO-A and MAO-B inhibitors, although the interaction is expected to be greater with selective MAO-A inhibitors. The manufacturer also states that no interaction is expected with selective MAO-B inhibitors.(1) Sumatriptan oral bioavailability is approximately 15%, primarily due to presystemic clearance by MAO-A in the gut and liver. A small study found an approximately 7-fold increase in systemic sumatriptan exposure when an MAO-A inhibitor was given prior to a 25 mg oral dose of sumatriptan.(4) In another study, pretreatment with an MAO-A inhibitor prior to administration of injectable sumatriptan resulted in a 2-fold increase in sumatriptan AUC and a 40% increase in elimination half-life.(8) Pretreatment with a MAO-B inhibitor did not produce any significant changes in sumatriptan pharmacokinetics. The effect of a MAOI on nasal sumatriptan systemic absorption is expected to be less than that seen with oral sumatriptan but greater than that seen with injectable sumatriptan.(6) Administration of moclobemide, a MAO-A inhibitor, for one week (150 mg twice daily) resulted in a 25% increase in zolmitriptan AUC and a three-fold increase in Cmax and AUC for zolmitriptan's active N-desmethyl metabolite.(10,11) Administration of selegiline for one week at a dosage of 10 mg daily had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of zolmitriptan or its metabolite.(10) At daily doses of 10 mg, selegiline is primarily a selective MAO-B inhibitor; however, at higher doses, selegiline is capable of inhibiting MAO-A. Hypertensive reactions to the addition of either tyramine or a sympathomimetic to recommended dosages of selegiline have been reported.(14) Therefore, patients receiving selegiline at dosages of greater than 10 mg daily should be considered to be receiving a MAO-A inhibitor. It would also be prudent to monitor patients receiving selegiline at recommended dosages for this interaction. Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A.(15) Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.(17,18) One or more of the drug pairs linked to this monograph have been included in a list of interactions that should be considered "high-priority" for inclusion and should not be inactivated in EHR systems. This DDI subset was vetted by an expert panel commissioned by the U.S. Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health Information Technology. |
IMITREX, MAXALT, MAXALT MLT, MIGRANOW, ONZETRA XSAIL, RIZATRIPTAN, SUMATRIPTAN, SUMATRIPTAN SUCC-NAPROXEN SOD, SUMATRIPTAN SUCCINATE, SYMBRAVO, TOSYMRA, TREXIMET, ZEMBRACE SYMTOUCH, ZOLMITRIPTAN, ZOLMITRIPTAN ODT, ZOMIG |
| Atomoxetine; Reboxetine; Viloxazine/Monoamine Oxidase Inhib SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Monoamine oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) block the enzymes that degrade monoamine neurotransmitters-norepinephrine and serotonin. Atomoxetine, reboxetine, and viloxazine inhibit the pre-synaptic norepinephrine transporter. Concomitant use of atomoxetine, reboxetine, or viloxazine with MAOIs may potentiate the release of norepinephrine and other monoamines from adrenergic nerve endings.(1-3) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use may result in serious and sometimes fatal reactions including hyperthermia, rigidity, myoclonus, autonomic instability with possible rapid fluctuations of vital signs, and mental status changes that include extreme agitation progressing to delirium and coma.(1-3) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturers of atomoxetine and viloxazine state that the concurrent use of atomoxetine or viloxazine with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) is contraindicated. At least a two-week washout period should occur between switching a patient from a MAOI to atomoxetine or viloxazine, or from atomoxetine to a MAOI.(1,3) The Australian manufacturer of reboxetine states that concurrent use with an MAOI is contraindicated.(2) DISCUSSION: Because the use of other drugs that affect brain monoamine concentrations with monoamine oxidase inhibitors has resulted in serious and sometimes fatal reactions, the manufacturer of atomoxetine states that the concurrent use of atomoxetine with a MAOI is contraindicated. At least a two-week washout period should occur between switching a patient from a MAOI to atomoxetine or from atomoxetine to a MAOI.(1) The Australian manufacturer of reboxetine and the US manufacturer of viloxazine state that concurrent use with an MAOI is contraindicated.(2-3) Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A.(4-5) Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.(8,9) One or more of the drug pairs linked to this monograph have been included in a list of interactions that should be considered "high-priority" for inclusion and should not be inactivated in EHR systems. This DDI subset was vetted by an expert panel commissioned by the U.S. Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health Information Technology. |
ATOMOXETINE HCL, QELBREE, STRATTERA |
| Deutetrabenazine; Tetrabenazine/MAOIs SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: The exact mechanism is unknown. CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of deutetrabenazine or tetrabenazine with an MAOI may result in restlessness, disorientation, and confusion.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Concurrent use of deutetrabenazine or tetrabenazine with a MAOI is contraindicated.(1-3) A two-week washout period should elapse between discontinuing a MAOI and the initiation of deutetrabenazine or tetrabenazine.(1-3) DISCUSSION: Because concurrent use of deutetrabenazine or tetrabenazine with an MAOI may result in restlessness, disorientation, and confusion, tetrabenazine should not be given after a course of any of the MAOI's.(1-3) Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A.(4,5) Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.(6,7) |
AUSTEDO, AUSTEDO XR, AUSTEDO XR TITRATION KT(WK1-4), TETRABENAZINE, XENAZINE |
| Methyldopa/MAOIs SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI's) may inhibit the antihypertensive effects of methyldopa.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of MAOI's and methyldopa may result in hypertensive crisis(2) and/or hallucinations.(3) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The Australian,(4) UK,(1) and US(5,6) manufacturers of methyldopa state that concurrent use of MAOI's is contraindicated. The US manufacturer of phenelzine states that concurrent use of methyldopa is contraindicated.(2) DISCUSSION: In a case report, a patient maintained on pargyline developed hallucinations following the increase of her methyldopa from 250 mg daily to 250 mg twice daily.(2) Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A.(7,8) Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.(9,10) |
METHYLDOPA, METHYLDOPA-HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE, METHYLDOPATE HCL |
| Guanethidine/MAOIs SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: In patients treated with MAOIs, guanethidine may result in the release of a large quantity of catecholamines.(1,2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Use of guanethidine in patients treated with a MAOI may result in hypertensive crisis.(1,2) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: At least 2 weeks should elapse between the discontinuation of an MAOI and the use of guanethidine.(1,2) DISCUSSION: In patients treated with MAOIs, guanethidine may result in the release of a large quantity of catecholamines, which may result in hypertensive crisis.(1,2) Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A.(3,4) Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.(5,6) |
GUANETHIDINE HEMISULFATE |
| Linezolid/MAOIs SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Linezolid is a reversible, nonselective inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (MAO).(1,2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of linezolid and other MAO inhibitors may result in additive effects and toxicity.(1,2) Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include tremor, agitation, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, clonus, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US and UK manufacturer of linezolid state that it should not be used within 2 weeks of another product which inhibits monoamine oxidase A or B.(1,2) In emergency situations in patients maintained on linezolid, weigh the availability and safety of alternatives to linezolid against the risk of serotonin syndrome. If therapy with linezolid is required, discontinue the MAOI immediately. Patients should be monitored for serotonin syndrome for 2 weeks or until 24 hours after the last dose of linezolid, whichever comes first.(3,4) In non-emergency situations in patients maintained on MAOIs when linezolid therapy is planned, discontinue the patient's MAOI at least 2 weeks in advance of linezolid therapy. The patient's MAOI therapy may be resumed 24 hours after the last dose of linezolid.(3) Do not initiate MAOI therapy in patients receiving linezolid until 24 hours after the last dose of the linezolid.(3,4) If concurrent therapy is warranted, patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Instruct patients to report muscle twitching, tremors, shivering and stiffness, fever, heavy sweating, heart palpitations, restlessness, confusion, agitation, trouble with coordination, or severe diarrhea. DISCUSSION: Linezolid is a reversible, nonselective inhibitor MAO. Concurrent use of linezolid and other MAO inhibitors may result in additive effects and toxicity. The US and UK manufacturer of linezolid state that it should not be used within 2 weeks of another product which inhibits monoamine oxidase A or B.(1,2) Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A.(5,6) Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.(7.8) The FDA AERS contains reports of serotonin syndrome with the concurrent use of linezolid and citalopram, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine as well as reports of serotonin syndrome with concurrent injectable methylene blue and citalopram, clomipramine, escitalopram, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine. The risk of serotonin syndrome with other psychiatric drugs is unclear.(9,10) |
LINEZOLID, LINEZOLID-0.9% NACL, LINEZOLID-D5W, ZYVOX |
| Methylene Blue Injection/MAOIs SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A.(1,2) Taking multiple MAOIs may result in serotonin syndrome.(3) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of methylene blue and other MAO inhibitors or use of methylene blue without a sufficient MAOI washout period may result in serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include tremor, agitation, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, clonus, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity.(4) Serotonin syndrome may result in death.(3) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: High doses of serotonin reuptake inhibitors or concurrent use of multiple drugs which increase CNS serotonin levels may increase risk for serotonin syndrome. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: In emergency situations in patients maintained on MAOIs, weigh the availability and safety of alternative agents against the risk of serotonin syndrome. If methylene blue therapy is required, the patient's MAOI should be immediately discontinued. Patients should be monitored for serotonin syndrome for 2 weeks or until 24 hours after the last dose of methylene blue, which ever comes first.(3) In non-emergency situations in patients maintained on MAOIs when methylene blue therapy is planned, discontinue the patient's MAOI at least 2 weeks in advance of methylene blue therapy. The patient's MAOI therapy may be resumed 24 hours after the last dose of methylene blue.(3) Do not initiate MAOI therapy in patients receiving methylene blue until 24 hours after the last dose of methylene blue.(3) If concurrent therapy is warranted, patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Instruct patients to report muscle twitching, tremors, shivering and stiffness, fever, heavy sweating, heart palpitations, restlessness, confusion, agitation, trouble with coordination, or severe diarrhea. DISCUSSION: Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A.(1,2) The FDA has received reports of CNS toxicity following the use of injectable methylene blue in patients maintained on psychiatric medications.(3) Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.(5,6) The FDA AERS contains reports of serotonin syndrome with the concurrent use of linezolid and citalopram, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine as well as reports of serotonin syndrome with concurrent injectable methylene blue and citalopram, clomipramine, escitalopram, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine. The risk of serotonin syndrome with other psychiatric drugs is unclear.(7,8) |
METHYLENE BLUE, PROVAYBLUE |
| Procarbazine/Selected MAOIs SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Procarbazine, although used therapeutically as an antineoplastic agent, is an inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (MAO).(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of procarbazine and other MAO inhibitors may result in additive effects and toxicity.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: While the Canadian manufacturer of procarbazine states that concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors should be avoided,(1) other monoamine oxidase inhibitors state that concurrent therapy is contraindicated.(2) DISCUSSION: Procarbazine, although used therapeutically as an antineoplastic agent, is an inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (MAO).(1) Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.(3,4) One or more of the drug pairs linked to this monograph have been included in a list of interactions that should be considered "high-priority" for inclusion and should not be inactivated in EHR systems. This DDI subset was vetted by an expert panel commissioned by the U.S. Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health Information Technology. |
MATULANE, PROCARBAZINE HCL |
| Carbidopa-Levodopa-Entacapone/Selected MAOIs SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Since monoamine oxidase (MAO) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) are the two major enzymes responsible for the metabolism of catecholamines, the combination of carbidopa-levodopa-entacapone and a non-selective MAOI may inhibit the majority of catecholamine metabolic pathways.(1-5) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent administration of carbidopa-levodopa-entacapone with a non-selective MAOI may result in elevated levels of catecholamines, which may result in elevated heart rate and blood pressure.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of carbidopa-levodopa-entacapone states that concomitant use with a non-selective MAOI is contraindicated. Nonselective MAOIs should be discontinued at least 2 weeks prior to initiating therapy with carbidopa-levodopa-entacapone.(1) The US manufacturer of carbidopa-levodopa states that the concurrent use of nonselective MAO inhibitors is contraindicated. Carbidopa-levodopa may be administered with recommended dosages of selective MAO-B inhibitors.(2) The addition of a decarboxylase inhibitor to the combination of a non-selective MAO inhibitor and levodopa may minimize risk of adverse effects. Phentolamine has been effective in treating hypertension caused by this interaction. The Canadian(5) and UK(3) manufacturers of entacapone state that concomitant use of entacapone with either a non-selective MAOI or a selective MAO-A inhibitor and a MAO-B inhibitor is contraindicated. Nonselective MAOI should be discontinued at least 2 weeks prior to initiating entacapone therapy.(6) DISCUSSION: Hypertensive reactions, flushing, and palpitations have been reported as a result of this interaction. This interaction may be possible for several weeks after the discontinuation of a MAO inhibitor. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) are the two major enzymes systems involved in the metabolism of catecholamines. Therefore, theoretically, the combination of either entacapone, tolcapone, or opicapone with a non-selective MAO inhibitor will result in inhibition of the majority of catecholamine metabolism pathways.(1-5) At daily oral doses of 10 mg, selegiline is primarily a selective MAO-B inhibitor; however, at higher doses, selegiline is capable of inhibiting MAO-A.(6) At dosages administered transdermally for the treatment of depression, selegiline is not selective for MAO-B.(7) Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A.(8,9) Furazolidone has been shown to inhibit MAO. Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.(10,11) |
CARBIDOPA-LEVODOPA-ENTACAPONE |
| Ozanimod/MAOIs SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Ozanimod is metabolized by CYP3A4 to RP101075 (a minor active metabolite), which is further metabolized by monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) to major active metabolites that make up the predominant circulating active species in the plasma. The major and minor active metabolites have similar activity as ozanimod. Inhibition of MAO-B may alter exposure to ozanimod and its metabolites.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ozanimod and MAO inhibitors may result in altered exposure to ozanimod and its active metabolites and may result in decreased efficacy.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The concurrent use of ozanimod with MAO inhibitors is contraindicated. At least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of ozanimod and initiation of MAO inhibitors.(1) DISCUSSION: The combination of ozanimod with MAO inhibitors has not been studied. The combination of steady state ozanimod 0.92 mg or 1.84 mg with tyramine, an MAO substrate, did not have an effect on tyramine plasma concentrations or tyramine-induced pressor response. However, MAO inhibitors may alter the exposure to ozanimod and its metabolites.(1) Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.(2,3) |
ZEPOSIA |
| Rasagiline; Oral Selegiline/Selected MAOIs SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Rasagiline and selegiline are monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. Rasagiline is a selective, irreversible MAO-B inhibitor. MAO-B selectivity decreases as dose increases.(1) Selegiline has greater affinity for MAO-B at lower doses and inhibits both MAO-A and MOA-B at higher antidepressant doses.(2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of rasagiline or selegiline and MAO inhibitors may result in additive MAO inhibition and toxicity, including hypertensive crisis and serotonin syndrome.(1) Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include tremor, agitation, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, clonus, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The concurrent use of rasagiline with MAO inhibitors is contraindicated. At least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of rasagiline and initiation of MAO inhibitors.(1) The concurrent use of selegiline with agents that affect MAO is contraindicated. At least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of selegiline and initiation of any drug that is contraindicated due to risk of hypertensive crisis and serotonin syndrome.(2) DISCUSSION: Rasagiline and selegiline are MAO inhibitors. Concurrent use with MAO inhibitors may result in a hypertensive crisis and serotonin syndrome.(1,2) Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.(3,4) |
AZILECT, RASAGILINE MESYLATE, SELEGILINE HCL, ZELAPAR |
| Slt Serotonergic Opioids (Extended Release)/Metaxalone SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of serotonergic opioids and metaxalone, a weak monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor, may result in additive CNS depression and additive serotonergic effects.(1-3) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of opioids and metaxalone may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and/or death.(1-3) The concurrent use of some opioids with serotonergic properties with metaxalone may result in serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include tremor, agitation, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, clonus, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants may increase the risk of adverse effects. Treatment with multiple medications which increase serotonin levels or inhibit the metabolism of serotonin are risk factors for serotonin syndrome. Higher opioid concentrations, as may occur due to inhibition of opioid clearance, patient specific genomic factors (e.g. poor metabolizer status for a P450 enzyme), or high opioid dosage may increase the risk for an interaction. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Use an alternative analgesic when possible. If concurrent therapy is unavoidable, patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Instruct patients to report muscle twitching, tremors, shivering and stiffness, fever, heavy sweating, heart palpitations, restlessness, confusion, agitation, trouble with coordination, or severe diarrhea. If concurrent use is necessary, limit the dosages and duration of each drug to the minimum possible while achieving the desired clinical effect. If starting a CNS depressant (for an indication other than epilepsy) with an opioid analgesic, prescribe a lower initial dose of the CNS depressant than indicated in the absence of an opioid and titrate based upon clinical response. If an opioid analgesic is indicated in a patient already taking a CNS depressant, prescribe a lower dose of the opioid and titrate based upon clinical response.(1,3) Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially during therapy initiation and following dosage increases. Consider this risk when using concurrently with other agents that may cause CNS depression.(4) Monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for unusual dizziness or lightheadedness, extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficult breathing, or unresponsiveness.(1,3) Discuss naloxone with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Consider prescribing naloxone to patients prescribed medicines to treat OUD or opioid analgesics (such as those taking CNS depressants) who are at increased risk of opioid overdose and when a patient has household members/close contacts at risk for accidental overdose.(5) DISCUSSION: Between 2002 and 2014, the number of patients receiving an opioid analgesic increased 8%, from 75 million to 81 million patients, and the number of patients receiving a benzodiazepine increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients. During this time, the proportion of patients receiving concurrent therapy increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients.(6) A retrospective cohort study compared the risk of opioid overdose associated with concomitant use of opioids and skeletal muscle relaxants versus opioid use alone. The study examined two types of opioid users (naive opioid use and prevalent opioid use) with and without exposure to skeletal muscle relaxants. The adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were 1.09 and 1.26 in the naive and prevalent opioid user cohorts, respectively, generating a combined estimate of 1.21. The risk increased with treatment duration (less than or equal to 14 days: 0.91; 15-60 days: 1.37; and greater than 60 days: 1.80) and for the use of baclofen and carisoprodol (HR 1.83 and 1.84, respectively). Elevated risk was associated with concomitant users with daily opioid dose greater than 50 mg and benzodiazepine use (HR 1.50 and 1.39, respectively).(7) From 2004 to 2011, the rate of nonmedical use-related emergency room visits involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 11 to 34.2 per 100,000 and drug overdose deaths involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 0.6 to 1.7 per 100,000. The proportion of prescription opioid analgesic deaths which also involved benzodiazepines increased from 18% to 31% during this time.(8) A prospective observational cohort study in North Carolina found that the rates of overdose death among patients co-dispensed opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines were 10 times higher than patients receiving opioid analgesics alone.(9) A case-cohort study of VA data from 2004-2009 found that the risk of death from overdose increased with concomitant opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines. Compared to patients with no history of benzodiazepines, patients with a history of benzodiazepine use (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.33) and patients with a current benzodiazepine prescription (HR=3.86) had an increased risk of fatal overdose.(10) A study found that opioid analgesics contributed to 77% of deaths in which benzodiazepines were determined to be a cause of death and that benzodiazepines contributed to 30% of deaths in which opioid analgesics were determined to be a cause of death. This study also found that other CNS depressants (including barbiturates, antipsychotic and neuroleptic drugs, antiepileptic and antiparkinsonian drugs, anesthetics, autonomic nervous system drugs, and muscle relaxants) were contributory to death in many cases where opioid analgesics were also implicated.(11) A study found that alcohol was involved in 18.5% of opioid analgesic abuse-related ED visits and 22.1 percent of opioid analgesic-related deaths.(12) Although documentation is lacking for some opioids, the FDA recommends health professionals monitor and advise patients to report symptoms of serotonin syndrome in patients receiving analgesic opioids and serotonergic agents.(3) Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.(2,13) |
CONZIP, FENTANYL, NUCYNTA ER, TRAMADOL HCL ER |
| Slt Serotonergic Opioids (Immediate Release)/Metaxalone SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of serotonergic opioids and metaxalone, a weak monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor, may result in additive CNS depression and additive serotonergic effects.(1,2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of opioids and metaxalone may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and/or death.(2) The concurrent use of some opioids with serotonergic properties with metaxalone may result in serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include tremor, agitation, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, clonus, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity.(2) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants may increase the risk of adverse effects. Treatment with multiple medications which increase serotonin levels or inhibit the metabolism of serotonin are risk factors for serotonin syndrome. Higher opioid concentrations, as may occur due to inhibition of opioid clearance, patient specific genomic factors (e.g. poor metabolizer status for a P450 enzyme), or high opioid dosage may increase the risk for an interaction. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Use an alternative analgesic when possible. If concurrent therapy is unavoidable, patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Instruct patients to report muscle twitching, tremors, shivering and stiffness, fever, heavy sweating, heart palpitations, restlessness, confusion, agitation, trouble with coordination, or severe diarrhea. If concurrent use is necessary, limit the dosages and duration of each drug to the minimum possible while achieving the desired clinical effect. If starting a CNS depressant (for an indication other than epilepsy) with an opioid analgesic, prescribe a lower initial dose of the CNS depressant than indicated in the absence of an opioid and titrate based upon clinical response. If an opioid analgesic is indicated in a patient already taking a CNS depressant, prescribe a lower dose of the opioid and titrate based upon clinical response.(2) Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially during therapy initiation and following dosage increases. Consider this risk when using concurrently with other agents that may cause CNS depression.(3) Monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for unusual dizziness or lightheadedness, extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficult breathing, or unresponsiveness.(2) Discuss naloxone with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Consider prescribing naloxone to patients prescribed medicines to treat OUD or opioid analgesics (such as those taking CNS depressants) who are at increased risk of opioid overdose and when a patient has household members/close contacts at risk for accidental overdose.(4) DISCUSSION: Between 2002 and 2014, the number of patients receiving an opioid analgesic increased 8%, from 75 million to 81 million patients, and the number of patients receiving a benzodiazepine increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients. During this time, the proportion of patients receiving concurrent therapy increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients.(5) A retrospective cohort study compared the risk of opioid overdose associated with concomitant use of opioids and skeletal muscle relaxants versus opioid use alone. The study examined two types of opioid users (naive opioid use and prevalent opioid use) with and without exposure to skeletal muscle relaxants. The adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were 1.09 and 1.26 in the naive and prevalent opioid user cohorts, respectively, generating a combined estimate of 1.21. The risk increased with treatment duration (less than or equal to 14 days: 0.91; 15-60 days: 1.37; and greater than 60 days: 1.80) and for the use of baclofen and carisoprodol (HR 1.83 and 1.84, respectively). Elevated risk was associated with concomitant users with daily opioid dose greater than 50 mg and benzodiazepine use (HR 1.50 and 1.39, respectively).(6) From 2004 to 2011, the rate of nonmedical use-related emergency room visits involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 11 to 34.2 per 100,000 and drug overdose deaths involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 0.6 to 1.7 per 100,000. The proportion of prescription opioid analgesic deaths which also involved benzodiazepines increased from 18% to 31% during this time.(7) A prospective observational cohort study in North Carolina found that the rates of overdose death among patients co-dispensed opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines were 10 times higher than patients receiving opioid analgesics alone.(8) A case-cohort study of VA data from 2004-2009 found that the risk of death from overdose increased with concomitant opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines. Compared to patients with no history of benzodiazepines, patients with a history of benzodiazepine use (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.33) and patients with a current benzodiazepine prescription (HR=3.86) had an increased risk of fatal overdose.(9) A study found that opioid analgesics contributed to 77% of deaths in which benzodiazepines were determined to be a cause of death and that benzodiazepines contributed to 30% of deaths in which opioid analgesics were determined to be a cause of death. This study also found that other CNS depressants (including barbiturates, antipsychotic and neuroleptic drugs, antiepileptic and antiparkinsonian drugs, anesthetics, autonomic nervous system drugs, and muscle relaxants) were contributory to death in many cases where opioid analgesics were also implicated.(10) A study found that alcohol was involved in 18.5% of opioid analgesic abuse-related ED visits and 22.1 percent of opioid analgesic-related deaths.(11) Although documentation is lacking for some opioids, the FDA recommends health professionals monitor and advise patients to report symptoms of serotonin syndrome in patients receiving analgesic opioids and serotonergic agents.(12) The interaction between meperidine and MAOIs has been well documented. There are two reports of potential interactions between MAOIs and dextromethorphan.(13,14) In another case report, the concurrent use of propoxyphene and phenylzine resulted in sedation and somnolence. The patient had previously taken both agents alone with no adverse effects.(15) Although some studies have shown that morphine does not interact with MAOIs,(16,17) other data indicates that MAOIs markedly potentiate the effect of morphine.(18) Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.(1,19) |
DEMEROL, FENTANYL CITRATE, FENTANYL CITRATE-0.9% NACL, FENTANYL CITRATE-D5W, FENTANYL CITRATE-STERILE WATER, FENTANYL CITRATE-WATER, FENTANYL-BUPIVACAINE-0.9% NACL, FENTANYL-BUPIVACAINE-NACL, FENTANYL-ROPIVACAINE-0.9% NACL, FENTANYL-ROPIVACAINE-NACL, MEPERIDINE HCL, MEPERIDINE HCL-0.9% NACL, NUCYNTA, QDOLO, TRAMADOL HCL, TRAMADOL HCL-ACETAMINOPHEN |
| Methadone (Immediate Release)/Metaxalone SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Methadone may inhibit neural reuptake of serotonin.(1-4) Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (MAO).(5,6) MAOIs increase neuronal serotonin concentrations via inhibition of MAO-A. Concurrent use of methadone and metaxalone may result in additive serotonergic effects(1-6) and additive CNS depression.(7,8) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of methadone with MAOIs like metaxalone has been associated with serotonin syndrome.(1-6) Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include tremor, agitation, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, clonus, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity.(9) Concurrent use of methadone and metaxalone may also result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and/or death.(7,8) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Treatment with multiple medications which increase serotonin levels or inhibit the metabolism of serotonin are risk factors for serotonin syndrome. Higher opioid concentrations as may occur due to high opioid dosage or inhibition of opioid clearance, patient specific genomic factors (e.g. poor metabolizer status for a specific P450 enzyme), and concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants may increase the risk for a severe interaction. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: When possible, avoid concomitant use of methadone and metaxalone. The US manufacturer of methadone states that methadone is not recommended during and within 14 days of therapy with MAOIs.(1,2) The Australian manufacturer of methadone states that methadone should not be administered to patients receiving MAOIs.(3) The UK manufacturer of methadone states that concurrent use and use within 2 weeks of discontinuation of MAOIs is contraindicated.(4) Use an alternative analgesic when possible. If concurrent therapy is unavoidable, patients should be monitored closely for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome and respiratory depression. Instruct patients to report muscle twitching, tremors, shivering and stiffness, fever, heavy sweating, heart palpitations, restlessness, confusion, agitation, trouble with coordination, or severe diarrhea. Limit prescribing methadone with CNS depressants such as muscle relaxants to patients for whom alternatives are inadequate.(7,8) If concurrent use is necessary, limit the dosages and duration of each drug to the minimum possible while achieving the desired clinical effect. If starting a CNS depressant (for an indication other than epilepsy) with an opioid analgesic, prescribe a lower initial dose of the CNS depressant than indicated in the absence of an opioid and titrate based upon clinical response. If an opioid analgesic is indicated in a patient already taking a CNS depressant, prescribe a lower dose of the opioid and titrate based upon clinical response.(7,8) Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially during therapy initiation and following dosage increases. Consider this risk when using concurrently with other agents that may cause CNS depression.(10) Monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for unusual dizziness or lightheadedness, extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficult breathing, or unresponsiveness.(7,8) Discuss naloxone with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Consider prescribing naloxone to patients prescribed medicines to treat OUD or opioid analgesics (such as those taking CNS depressants) who are at increased risk of opioid overdose and when a patient has household members/close contacts at risk for accidental overdose.(11) DISCUSSION: FDA performed a search of its adverse event database for cases of serotonin syndrome with selected opiates for the period of January 1, 1969 to June 12, 2013; 5 cases were associated with methadone use during this 43 year period.(8) Metaxalone is a weak MAO inhibitor.(5,6) Between 2002 and 2014, the number of patients receiving an opioid analgesic increased 8%, from 75 million to 81 million patients, and the number of patients receiving a benzodiazepine increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients. During this time, the proportion of patients receiving concurrent therapy increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients.(12) A retrospective cohort study compared the risk of opioid overdose associated with concomitant use of opioids and skeletal muscle relaxants versus opioid use alone. The study examined two types of opioid users (naive opioid use and prevalent opioid use) with and without exposure to skeletal muscle relaxants. The adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were 1.09 and 1.26 in the naive and prevalent opioid user cohorts, respectively, generating a combined estimate of 1.21. The risk increased with treatment duration (less than or equal to 14 days: 0.91; 15-60 days: 1.37; and greater than 60 days: 1.80) and for the use of baclofen and carisoprodol (HR 1.83 and 1.84, respectively). Elevated risk was associated with concomitant users with daily opioid dose greater than 50 mg and benzodiazepine use (HR 1.50 and 1.39, respectively).(13) From 2004 to 2011, the rate of nonmedical use-related emergency room visits involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 11 to 34.2 per 100,000 and drug overdose deaths involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 0.6 to 1.7 per 100,000. The proportion of prescription opioid analgesic deaths which also involved benzodiazepines increased from 18% to 31% during this time.(14) A prospective observational cohort study in North Carolina found that the rates of overdose death among patients co-dispensed opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines were 10 times higher than patients receiving opioid analgesics alone.(15) A case-cohort study of VA data from 2004-2009 found that the risk of death from overdose increased with concomitant opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines. Compared to patients with no history of benzodiazepines, patients with a history of benzodiazepine use (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.33) and patients with a current benzodiazepine prescription (HR=3.86) had an increased risk of fatal overdose.(16) A study found that opioid analgesics contributed to 77% of deaths in which benzodiazepines were determined to be a cause of death and that benzodiazepines contributed to 30% of deaths in which opioid analgesics were determined to be a cause of death. This study also found that other CNS depressants (including barbiturates, antipsychotic and neuroleptic drugs, antiepileptic and antiparkinsonian drugs, anesthetics, autonomic nervous system drugs, and muscle relaxants) were contributory to death in many cases where opioid analgesics were also implicated.(17) A study found that alcohol was involved in 18.5% of opioid analgesic abuse-related ED visits and 22.1 percent of opioid analgesic-related deaths.(18) |
METHADONE HCL, METHADONE HCL-0.9% NACL, METHADONE HCL-NACL |
| Selected Opioids for MAT/Metaxalone SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Serotonergic opioids such as diacetylmorphine and methadone may inhibit neural reuptake of serotonin.(1-5) Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (MAO).(6,7) MAOIs increase neuronal serotonin concentrations via inhibition of MAO-A. Concurrent use of methadone and metaxalone may result in additive serotonergic effects(1-7) and additive CNS depression.(8,9) Levomethadone is an enantiomer of methadone.(10) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of serotoninergic opioids such as diacetylmorphine or methadone with MAOIs like metaxalone has been associated with serotonin syndrome.(1-7) Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include tremor, agitation, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, clonus, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity.(11) Concurrent use of methadone and metaxalone may also result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and/or death.(8,9) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Treatment with multiple medications which increase serotonin levels or inhibit the metabolism of serotonin are risk factors for serotonin syndrome. Higher opioid concentrations as may occur due to high opioid dosage or inhibition of opioid clearance, patient specific genomic factors (e.g. poor metabolizer status for a specific P450 enzyme), and concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants may increase the risk for a severe interaction. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: When possible, avoid concomitant use of diacetylmorphine or methadone and metaxalone. The US manufacturer of methadone states that methadone is not recommended during and within 14 days of therapy with MAOIs.(1,2) The Australian manufacturer of methadone states that methadone should not be administered to patients receiving MAOIs.(3) The UK manufacturer of methadone states that concurrent use and use within 2 weeks of discontinuation of MAOIs is contraindicated.(4) The Canadian manufacturer of diacetylmorphine states that concurrent use and use within 2 weeks of discontinuation of MAOIs is contraindicated.(5) Use an alternative analgesic when possible. If concurrent therapy is unavoidable, patients should be monitored closely for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome and respiratory depression. Instruct patients to report muscle twitching, tremors, shivering and stiffness, fever, heavy sweating, heart palpitations, restlessness, confusion, agitation, trouble with coordination, or severe diarrhea. For patients on medication assisted treatment (MAT) with methadone, discontinuation of metaxalone is preferred in most cases. In some cases, monitoring at a higher level of care for tapering may be appropriate. In others, gradual tapering or decreasing to the lowest effective dose of the CNS depressant is appropriate. Ensure that other health care providers prescribing other CNS depressants are aware of the patient's methadone treatment.(12) Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially during therapy initiation and following dosage increases. Consider this risk when using concurrently with other agents that may cause CNS depression.(13) Monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for unusual dizziness or lightheadedness, extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficult breathing, or unresponsiveness.(8,9) Discuss naloxone with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Consider prescribing naloxone to patients prescribed medicines to treat OUD or opioid analgesics (such as those taking CNS depressants) who are at increased risk of opioid overdose and when a patient has household members/close contacts at risk for accidental overdose.(14) DISCUSSION: FDA performed a search of its adverse event database for cases of serotonin syndrome with selected opiates for the period of January 1, 1969 to June 12, 2013; 5 cases were associated with methadone use during this 43 year period.(9) Metaxalone is a weak MAO inhibitor.(6,7) Between 2002 and 2014, the number of patients receiving an opioid analgesic increased 8%, from 75 million to 81 million patients, and the number of patients receiving a benzodiazepine increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients. During this time, the proportion of patients receiving concurrent therapy increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients.(15) A retrospective cohort study compared the risk of opioid overdose associated with concomitant use of opioids and skeletal muscle relaxants versus opioid use alone. The study examined two types of opioid users (naive opioid use and prevalent opioid use) with and without exposure to skeletal muscle relaxants. The adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were 1.09 and 1.26 in the naive and prevalent opioid user cohorts, respectively, generating a combined estimate of 1.21. The risk increased with treatment duration (less than or equal to 14 days: 0.91; 15-60 days: 1.37; and greater than 60 days: 1.80) and for the use of baclofen and carisoprodol (HR 1.83 and 1.84, respectively). Elevated risk was associated with concomitant users with daily opioid dose greater than 50 mg and benzodiazepine use (HR 1.50 and 1.39, respectively).(16) From 2004 to 2011, the rate of nonmedical use-related emergency room visits involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 11 to 34.2 per 100,000 and drug overdose deaths involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 0.6 to 1.7 per 100,000. The proportion of prescription opioid analgesic deaths which also involved benzodiazepines increased from 18% to 31% during this time.(17) A prospective observational cohort study in North Carolina found that the rates of overdose death among patients co-dispensed opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines were 10 times higher than patients receiving opioid analgesics alone.(18) A case-cohort study of VA data from 2004-2009 found that the risk of death from overdose increased with concomitant opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines. Compared to patients with no history of benzodiazepines, patients with a history of benzodiazepine use (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.33) and patients with a current benzodiazepine prescription (HR=3.86) had an increased risk of fatal overdose.(19) A study found that opioid analgesics contributed to 77% of deaths in which benzodiazepines were determined to be a cause of death and that benzodiazepines contributed to 30% of deaths in which opioid analgesics were determined to be a cause of death. This study also found that other CNS depressants (including barbiturates, antipsychotic and neuroleptic drugs, antiepileptic and antiparkinsonian drugs, anesthetics, autonomic nervous system drugs, and muscle relaxants) were contributory to death in many cases where opioid analgesics were also implicated.(20) A study found that alcohol was involved in 18.5% of opioid analgesic abuse-related ED visits and 22.1 percent of opioid analgesic-related deaths.(21) |
DISKETS, METHADONE HCL, METHADONE INTENSOL, METHADOSE |
| Dextromethorphan/Metaxalone SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Dextromethorphan inhibits neural reuptake of serotonin. Metaxalone, a weak inhibitor of MAO, may increase neuronal serotonin concentrations.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of dextromethorphan with MAOIs may result in hypotension, hyperpyrexia, sedation, somnolence, and death. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include tremor, agitation, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, clonus, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Higher opioid concentrations as may occur due to inhibition of opioid clearance, patient specific genomic factors (e.g. poor metabolizer status for a P450 enzyme), or high opioid dosage may increase the risk for a severe interaction. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Dextromethorphan should not be used in patients taking MAOIs such as metaxalone. Use alternative agents for cough. The US manufacturer of Nuedexta (dextromethorphan-quinidine) states Nuedexta is contraindicated within 14 days of MAOI administration.(1) Quinidine increases systemic dextromethorphan concentrations 10 to 20-fold. DISCUSSION: Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.(2,3) There are at least two reports of potential interactions between MAOIs and dextromethorphan. Concomitant use of quinidine, a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor, increases systemic dextromethorphan concentrations 10 to 20-fold. Other strong CYP2D6 inhibitors such as bupropion, fluoxetine and paroxetine could similarly increase dextromethorphan levels and risk for serotonin toxicity in patients also receiving MAOIs.(4,5) |
AUVELITY, BROMFED DM, BROMPHENIRAMINE-PSEUDOEPHED-DM, DEXTROMETHORPHAN HBR, NUEDEXTA, PROMETHAZINE-DM |
| Ziprasidone/MAOIs SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Combination of MAOIs, which decrease the breakdown of serotonin, and ziprasidone, a 5-HT1A agonist and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, may cause an increase in endogenous serotonin.(1-2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ziprasidone and MAOIs may result in serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition with symptoms including altered mental status, hypertension, restlessness, myoclonus, hyperthermia, hyperreflexia, diaphoresis, shivering, and tremor.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Serotonin syndrome risk is dose-related. Higher systemic concentrations of either drug would be predicted to increase risk for serotonin toxicity.(2) Concomitant therapy with multiple agents which increase brain serotonin concentrations may also increase risk for serotonin syndrome.(2) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The concurrent use of ziprasidone with MAOIs is contraindicated. At least 14 days must elapse between discontinuation of an MAOI and initiation of therapy with ziprasidone. Conversely, at least 3 days must be allowed after stopping ziprasidone before starting an MAOI.(1) Do not initiate ziprasidone in a patient being treated with MAOIs such as intravenous methylene blue. If it is necessary to initiate treatment with an MAOI such as intravenous methylene blue in a patient taking ziprasidone, discontinue ziprasidone before initiating treatment with the MAOI. DISCUSSION: Several cases of serotonin syndrome have been reported in patients receiving ziprasidone.(4-6) Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A.(7,8) Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.(9,10) |
GEODON, ZIPRASIDONE HCL, ZIPRASIDONE MESYLATE |
There are 9 severe interactions.
These drug interactions can produce serious consequences in most patients. Actions required for severe interactions include, but are not limited to, discontinuing one or both agents, adjusting dosage, altering administration scheduling, and providing additional patient monitoring. Review the full interaction monograph for more information.
| Drug Interaction | Drug Names |
|---|---|
| MAOIs/Metoclopramide SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: In patients treated with MAOIs, metoclopramide may result in the release of a large quantity of catecholamines.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Use of metoclopramide in patients treated with a MAOI may result in hypertensive crisis.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid the concurrent use of metoclopramide and MAOIs. If concurrent use is warranted, monitor patients closely for hypertensive crisis.(1) DISCUSSION: In patients treated with MAOIs, metoclopramide may result in the release of a large quantity of catecholamines, which may result in hypertensive crisis.(1) Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.(2,3) |
GIMOTI, METOCLOPRAMIDE HCL, REGLAN |
| Sodium Oxybate/Agents that May Cause Respiratory Depression SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Oxybate by itself may be associated with severe somnolence or respiratory depression. Concurrent use with other CNS depressants may further increase the risk for respiratory depression or loss of consciousness.(1-3) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of sodium oxybate and sedative hypnotics or alcohol may further increase the risk for profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and/or death.(1,2) Fatalities have been reported.(3) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Based upon FDA evaluation of deaths in patients taking sodium oxybate, risk factors may include: use of multiple drugs which depress the CNS, more rapid than recommended oxybate dose titration, exceeding the maximum recommended oxybate dose, and prescribing for unapproved uses such as fibromyalgia, insomnia or migraine. Note that in oxybate clinical trials for narcolepsy 78% - 85% of patients were also receiving concomitant CNS stimulants.(1-3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid use of concomitant opioids, benzodiazepines, sedating antidepressants, sedating antipsychotics, general anesthetics, or muscle relaxants, particularly when predisposing risk factors are present. If combination use is required, dose reduction or discontinuation of one or more CNS depressants should be considered. If short term use of an opioid or general anesthetic is required, consider interruption of sodium oxybate treatment.(1,2) Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially during therapy initiation and following dosage increases. Consider this risk when using concurrently with other agents that may cause CNS depression.(4) Discuss naloxone with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Consider prescribing naloxone to patients prescribed medicines to treat OUD or opioid analgesics (such as those taking CNS depressants) who are at increased risk of opioid overdose and when a patient has household members/close contacts at risk for accidental overdose.(5) DISCUSSION: The FDA evaluated sodium oxybate postmarket fatal adverse event reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System(AERS)and from the manufacturer. Although report documentation was not always optimal or complete, useful information was obtained. Factors which may have contributed to fatal outcome: concomitant use of one or more drugs which depress the CNS, more rapid than recommended oxybate dose titration, exceeding the maximum recommended oxybate dose, and prescribing for unapproved uses such as fibromyalgia, insomnia or migraine. Many deaths occurred in patients with serious psychiatric disorders such as depression and substance abuse. Other concomitant diseases may have also contributed to respiratory and CNS depressant effects of oxybate.(3) |
LUMRYZ, LUMRYZ STARTER PACK, SODIUM OXYBATE, XYREM, XYWAV |
| Trazodone (Greater Than 100 mg)/MAOIs SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Trazodone is primarily an inhibitor of 5HT2A serotonin receptors, H1 histamine, and alpha-1 receptors.(1) At low doses, inhibition of serotonin reuptake is weak and estimated to be 1/20th of 5HT2A inhibiting activity. At high trazodone doses receptor specificity may be diminished and serotonin reuptake inhibition could be clinically important. In addition, one route of trazodone metabolism leads to formation of an active metabolite, m-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP) which is pharmacologically distinct from trazodone in that it is an agonist at a variety of serotonin receptors.(1) MCPP concentrations may be clinically important at antidepressant doses of trazodone. MCPP is converted to an inactive metabolite by CYP2D6.(3) MAO Inhibitors increase serotonin levels via inhibition of its metabolism. CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent administration could increase the risk for serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include tremor, agitation, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, clonus, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity.(2) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Serotonin syndrome risk is dose-related. Higher systemic concentrations of trazodone, mCPP or more potent MAO inhibitors would be predicted to increase risk for serotonin toxicity.(2) Concomitant therapy with multiple agents which increase brain serotonin concentrations may also increase risk for serotonin syndrome.(2) Concomitant treatment with inhibitors of CYP2D6 (e.g. bupropion, cinacalcet, dacomitinib, fluoxetine, paroxetine, quinidine, or systemic terbinafine)(4) may increase mCPP concentration, increasing the risk for serotonin toxicity. Patients who are poor metabolizers at CYP2D6 would be expected to have higher mCPP concentrations compared with extensive metabolizers. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Trazodone doses greater than 100 mg should not be prescribed in patients who require treatment with any MAOI and a strong inhibitor of CYP2D6 (e.g. bupropion, cinacalcet, dacomitinib, fluoxetine, paroxetine, quinidine, systemic terbinafine) or any other agent with serotonin-increasing effects (e.g. tramadol, meperidine, most antidepressants). Patients known to be poor metabolizers of CYP2D6 should not receive greater than 100 mg of trazodone per day if they require treatment with a MAOI. To minimize serotonin reuptake inhibition and accumulation of mCPP, limit dosage of trazodone to less than or equal to 100 mg daily in patients receiving MAO inhibitors. If the benefit of higher dose trazodone is judged to be greater than the risk for serotonin toxicities, assure that the patient and health care team are aware of and monitor for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome. If concurrent therapy is warranted, patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Instruct patients to report muscle twitching, tremors, shivering and stiffness, fever, heavy sweating, heart palpitations, restlessness, confusion, agitation, trouble with coordination, or severe diarrhea. DISCUSSION: In a case report, a 37 year-old male developed serotonin syndrome following the addition of linezolid to citalopram and trazodone.(5) In a case report, a patient developed serotonin syndrome with concurrent trazodone, isocarboxazid, and methylphenidate.(6) In a case report, a patient developed serotonin syndrome following the abrupt replacement of trazodone with moclobemide.(7) An open study evaluated the efficacy and safety of low dose trazodone for the treatment of MAOI-associated insomnia. Twenty-one patients successfully treated with a MAOI for unipolar or bipolar depression but with persistent insomnia participated in the study. Trazodone 25 to 75 mg was given at bedtime. Patients with a fair or good response to trazodone were monitored for a minimum of 4 months to assess efficacy and safety of treatment. Eleven patients had a resolution of insomnia, 9 had a partial response, and one had no benefit. Side effects noted were nausea in 2 patients, persistent morning grogginess in one patient and memory problems in one patient.(8) A small double-blind placebo controlled study evaluated the efficacy and safety of trazodone 50 mg to treat insomnia due to brofaromine, a MAO-A inhibitor. All seven patients had responded to brofaromine and had been in remission for at least 3 months. Three patients received trazodone on week 1, followed by placebo on week 2, while the other 4 patients received placebo on week 1 and trazodone on week 2. At the end of the trial 4 patients elected to continue trazodone and 3 patients discontinued therapy due to adverse effects (nausea, constipation, vertigo, dry mouth, palpitations, or heartburn). The authors stated no patients had symptoms suggestive of serotonin syndrome.(9) Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.(10,11) The FDA AERS contains reports of serotonin syndrome with the concurrent use of linezolid and citalopram, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine as well as reports of serotonin syndrome with concurrent injectable methylene blue and citalopram, clomipramine, escitalopram, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine. The risk of serotonin syndrome with linezolid and other psychiatric drugs is unclear.(12,13) |
RALDESY, TRAZODONE HCL |
| Droxidopa/MAOIs SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: MAOIs inhibit the enzyme responsible for degradation of norepinephrine which is formed by droxidopa. CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of MAOIs and droxidopa may result in increased effects of droxidopa, including headache, dizziness, nausea, and hypertensive crisis. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of droxidopa recommends concurrent use with non-selective MAOIs should be avoided. Selective MAO-B inhibitors, including rasagiline and selegiline, were used concurrently in clinical trials without an increase in risk of hypertensive crisis. If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patient closely for increases in blood pressure. DISCUSSION: Hypertensive reactions are possible as a result of this interaction. This interaction may be possible for several weeks after the discontinuation of a MAO inhibitor. Furazolidone and linezolid have been shown to inhibit MAO. Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO. |
DROXIDOPA, NORTHERA |
| Valbenazine/MAOIs SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Valbenazine inhibits the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) that regulates monoamine uptake from the cytoplasm to the synaptic vesicle for storage and release. Concomitant use with MAOIs may increase the concentration of monoamine neurotransmitters in synapses. CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of valbenazine with MAOIs may result in serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include tremor, agitation, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, clonus, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity. Concomitant use of MAOIs with valbenazine may reduce the effectiveness of valbenazine. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Treatment with multiple medications which increase serotonin levels or with medications which inhibit the metabolism of serotonin increasing drugs are risk factors for serotonin syndrome. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: This combination should be avoided if possible. If concurrent therapy is warranted, patients should be monitored for adverse effects. If concurrent therapy is warranted, patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Instruct patients to report muscle twitching, tremors, shivering and stiffness, fever, heavy sweating, heart palpitations, restlessness, confusion, agitation, trouble with coordination, or severe diarrhea. DISCUSSION: Concomitant use of valbenazine with MAOIs may increase the concentration of monoamine neurotransmitters in synapses. Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO. |
INGREZZA, INGREZZA INITIATION PK(TARDIV), INGREZZA SPRINKLE |
| Iobenguane I 123/Agents that Affect Catecholamines SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Many compounds that reduce catecholamine uptake or that deplete catecholamine stores may interfere with iobenguane uptake into cells.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Compounds that reduce catecholamine uptake or that deplete catecholamine stores may interfere with imaging completed with iobenguane.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Discuss the use of agents that affect catecholamines. Discontinue drugs that reduce catecholamine uptake or deplete catecholamine stores prior to imaging with iobenguane. Before imaging with iobenguane, discontinue agents that affect catecholamines for at least 5 biological half-lives, as clinically tolerated.(1) DISCUSSION: Many agents may reduce catecholamine uptake or deplete catecholamine stores.(1) Examples include: - CNS stimulants or amphetamines (e.g. cocaine, methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine) - norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (e.g. phentermine) - norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g. tramadol) - monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g. phenelzine, linezolid) - central monoamine depleting drugs (e.g. reserpine) - non-select beta adrenergic blocking drugs (e.g. labetalol) - alpha agonists or alpha/beta agonists (e.g. pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, ephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, naphazoline) - tricyclic antidepressants or norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (e.g. amitriptyline, bupropion, duloxetine, mirtazapine, venlafaxine) - botanicals that may inhibit reuptake of norepinephrine, serotonin or dopamine (e.g. ephedra, ma huang, St. John's Wort, yohimbine) |
ADREVIEW |
| Metaxalone/MAOIs SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (MAO).(1,2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of metaxalone and other MAO inhibitors may result in additive effects and toxicity.(1,2) Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include tremor, agitation, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, clonus, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of metaxalone states serotonin syndrome has resulted from concurrent use with other serotonergic drugs when metaxalone was used as doses within the recommended dosing range. If concurrent use is warranted, monitor the patient closely for signs or symptoms of serotonin syndrome, particularly during initiation or dose adjustment.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Instruct patients to report muscle twitching, tremors, shivering and stiffness, fever, heavy sweating, heart palpitations, restlessness, confusion, agitation, trouble with coordination, or severe diarrhea. DISCUSSION: In vitro analysis of metaxalone at concentrations ranging from 1.56 to 400 microM resulted in significant dose-related inhibition of MAO-A.(2) Case reports of suspected serotonin syndrome with metaxalone use at both therapeutic doses and in overdose have been reported.(3-5) |
FURAZOLIDONE, MARPLAN, NARDIL, PARNATE, PHENELZINE SULFATE, TRANYLCYPROMINE SULFATE, XADAGO |
| Selected Serotonergic Opioids/Metaxalone SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of serotonergic opioids and metaxalone, a weak monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor, may result in additive CNS depression and additive serotonergic effects.(1-4) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of opioids and metaxalone may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and/or death.(3,4) The concurrent use of some opioids with serotonergic properties with metaxalone may result in serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include tremor, agitation, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, clonus, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity.(1-2,5) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants may increase the risk of adverse effects. Treatment with multiple medications which increase serotonin levels or inhibit the metabolism of serotonin are risk factors for serotonin syndrome. Higher opioid concentrations, as may occur due to inhibition of opioid clearance, patient specific genomic factors (e.g. poor metabolizer status for a P450 enzyme), or high opioid dosage may increase the risk for an interaction. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Use an alternative analgesic when possible. If concurrent therapy is warranted, patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Instruct patients to report muscle twitching, tremors, shivering and stiffness, fever, heavy sweating, heart palpitations, restlessness, confusion, agitation, trouble with coordination, or severe diarrhea. If concurrent use is necessary, limit the dosages and duration of each drug to the minimum possible while achieving the desired clinical effect. If starting a CNS depressant (for an indication other than epilepsy) with an opioid analgesic, prescribe a lower initial dose of the CNS depressant than indicated in the absence of an opioid and titrate based upon clinical response. If an opioid analgesic is indicated in a patient already taking a CNS depressant, prescribe a lower dose of the opioid and titrate based upon clinical response.(3,4) Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially during therapy initiation and following dosage increases. Consider this risk when using concurrently with other agents that may cause CNS depression.(6) Monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for unusual dizziness or lightheadedness, extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficult breathing, or unresponsiveness.(3,4) Discuss naloxone with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Consider prescribing naloxone to patients prescribed medicines to treat OUD or opioid analgesics (such as those taking CNS depressants) who are at increased risk of opioid overdose and when a patient has household members/close contacts at risk for accidental overdose.(7) DISCUSSION: Although documentation is lacking for some opioids, the FDA recommends health professionals monitor and advise patients to report symptoms of serotonin syndrome in patients receiving analgesic opioids and serotonergic agents.(4) In a case report, the concurrent use of propoxyphene and phenelzine resulted in sedation and somnolence. The patient had previously taken both agents alone with no adverse effects.(8) Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.(1,2) |
DSUVIA, MOTOFEN, PENTAZOCINE-NALOXONE HCL, REMIFENTANIL HCL, SUFENTANIL CITRATE, ULTIVA |
| Selected Opioids (Cough and Cold)/Metaxalone SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of opioids and muscle relaxants may result in additive CNS depression.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of opioids and other CNS depressants, such as muscle relaxants, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and/or death.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants may increase the risk of adverse effects. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid prescribing opioid-including cough medications for patients taking CNS depressants such as muscle relaxants.(1) Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially during therapy initiation and following dosage increases. Consider this risk when using concurrently with other agents that may cause CNS depression.(2) If concurrent use is necessary, monitor patients for unusual dizziness or lightheadedness, extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficult breathing, or unresponsiveness.(1) Discuss naloxone with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Consider prescribing naloxone to patients prescribed medicines to treat OUD or opioid analgesics (such as those taking CNS depressants) who are at increased risk of opioid overdose and when a patient has household members/close contacts at risk for accidental overdose.(3) DISCUSSION: Between 2002 and 2014, the number of patients receiving an opioid analgesic increased 8%, from 75 million to 81 million patients, and the number of patients receiving a benzodiazepine increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients. During this time, the proportion of patients receiving concurrent therapy increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients.(4) A retrospective cohort study compared the risk of opioid overdose associated with concomitant use of opioids and skeletal muscle relaxants versus opioid use alone. The study examined two types of opioid users (naive opioid use and prevalent opioid use) with and without exposure to skeletal muscle relaxants. The adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were 1.09 and 1.26 in the naive and prevalent opioid user cohorts, respectively, generating a combined estimate of 1.21. The risk increased with treatment duration (less than or equal to 14 days: 0.91; 15-60 days: 1.37; and greater than 60 days: 1.80) and for the use of baclofen and carisoprodol (HR 1.83 and 1.84, respectively). Elevated risk was associated with concomitant users with daily opioid dose greater than 50 mg and benzodiazepine use (HR 1.50 and 1.39, respectively).(5) From 2004 to 2011, the rate of nonmedical use-related emergency room visits involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 11 to 34.2 per 100,000 and drug overdose deaths involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 0.6 to 1.7 per 100,000. The proportion of prescription opioid analgesic deaths which also involved benzodiazepines increased from 18% to 31% during this time.(6) A prospective observational cohort study in North Carolina found that the rates of overdose death among patients co-dispensed opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines were 10 times higher than patients receiving opioid analgesics alone.(7) A case-cohort study of VA data from 2004-2009 found that the risk of death from overdose increased with concomitant opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines. Compared to patients with no history of benzodiazepines, patients with a history of benzodiazepine use (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.33) and patients with a current benzodiazepine prescription (HR=3.86) had an increased risk of fatal overdose.(8) A study found that opioid analgesics contributed to 77% of deaths in which benzodiazepines were determined to be a cause of death and that benzodiazepines contributed to 30% of deaths in which opioid analgesics were determined to be a cause of death. This study also found that other CNS depressants (including barbiturates, antipsychotic and neuroleptic drugs, antiepileptic and antiparkinsonian drugs, anesthetics, autonomic nervous system drugs, and muscle relaxants) were contributory to death in many cases where opioid analgesics were also implicated.(9) A study found that alcohol was involved in 18.5% of opioid analgesic abuse-related ED visits and 22.1 percent of opioid analgesic-related deaths.(10) |
HYCODAN, HYDROCODONE-CHLORPHENIRAMNE ER, HYDROCODONE-HOMATROPINE MBR, HYDROMET, PROMETHAZINE-CODEINE, TUXARIN ER |
There are 5 moderate interactions.
The clinician should assess the patient’s characteristics and take action as needed. Actions required for moderate interactions include, but are not limited to, discontinuing one or both agents, adjusting dosage, altering administration.
| Drug Interaction | Drug Names |
|---|---|
| Selected Antidiabetics/MAOIs SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: The exact mechanism by which MAO inhibitors affect carbohydrate metabolism and subsequent enhancement of the hypoglycemic action of insulin is not clear. The adrenergic response to hypoglycemia may be blocked by insulin release caused by MAOI's. In vitro studies have shown that MAO inhibitors are capable of both potentiating and inhibiting insulin release, depending on their concentrations. Stimulation of glucose-mediated insulin secretion is believed to be related to the MAO inhibitory effects of the drugs. CLINICAL EFFECTS: The hypoglycemic response to both insulin and glucose lowering agents including alpha glucosidase inhibitors, meglitinides, and sulfonylurea may be increased. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Concurrent MAO inhibitor therapy for depression in a diabetic patient will often require reduction in dosage of the hypoglycemic agent because of enhanced hypoglycemic effects. Since the extent of the reaction is highly unpredictable, any diabetic patients receiving MAO inhibitors should be monitored for possible excessive hypoglycemia. DISCUSSION: This interaction is likely to occur. The interaction between MAOIs and insulin is well documented. Additional documentation is necessary to confirm the potential interaction of MAOI's with other glucose lowering agents including alpha glucosidase inhibitors, meglitinides, and sulfonylureas but is expected to occur based on pharmacologic similarity. It may take several weeks for the full hypoglycemic effect of the MAOI to occur. Conversely, it may take several weeks for the effect to dissipate after stopping the MAOI. Furazolidone is known to be a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A. Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO. |
ACARBOSE, ADMELOG, ADMELOG SOLOSTAR, AFREZZA, APIDRA, APIDRA SOLOSTAR, BASAGLAR KWIKPEN U-100, BASAGLAR TEMPO PEN U-100, DUETACT, FIASP, FIASP FLEXTOUCH, FIASP PENFILL, FIASP PUMPCART, GLIMEPIRIDE, GLIPIZIDE, GLIPIZIDE ER, GLIPIZIDE XL, GLIPIZIDE-METFORMIN, GLUCOTROL XL, GLYBURIDE, GLYBURIDE MICRONIZED, GLYBURIDE-METFORMIN HCL, HUMALOG, HUMALOG JUNIOR KWIKPEN, HUMALOG KWIKPEN U-100, HUMALOG KWIKPEN U-200, HUMALOG MIX 50-50 KWIKPEN, HUMALOG MIX 75-25, HUMALOG MIX 75-25 KWIKPEN, HUMALOG TEMPO PEN U-100, HUMULIN R U-500, HUMULIN R U-500 KWIKPEN, INSULIN ASPART, INSULIN ASPART FLEXPEN, INSULIN ASPART PENFILL, INSULIN ASPART PROT MIX 70-30, INSULIN DEGLUDEC, INSULIN DEGLUDEC PEN (U-100), INSULIN DEGLUDEC PEN (U-200), INSULIN GLARGINE MAX SOLOSTAR, INSULIN GLARGINE SOLOSTAR, INSULIN GLARGINE-YFGN, INSULIN LISPRO, INSULIN LISPRO JUNIOR KWIKPEN, INSULIN LISPRO KWIKPEN U-100, INSULIN LISPRO PROTAMINE MIX, LANTUS, LANTUS SOLOSTAR, LYUMJEV, LYUMJEV KWIKPEN U-100, LYUMJEV KWIKPEN U-200, LYUMJEV TEMPO PEN U-100, MIGLITOL, MYXREDLIN, NATEGLINIDE, NOVOLOG, NOVOLOG FLEXPEN, NOVOLOG MIX 70-30, NOVOLOG MIX 70-30 FLEXPEN, NOVOLOG PENFILL, PIOGLITAZONE-GLIMEPIRIDE, PRECOSE, REZVOGLAR KWIKPEN, SEMGLEE (YFGN), SEMGLEE (YFGN) PEN, SOLIQUA 100-33, TOUJEO MAX SOLOSTAR, TOUJEO SOLOSTAR, TRESIBA, TRESIBA FLEXTOUCH U-100, TRESIBA FLEXTOUCH U-200, XULTOPHY 100-3.6 |
| Trazodone (Less Than or Equal To 100 mg)/MAOIs SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Trazodone is primarily an inhibitor of 5HT2A serotonin receptors, H1 histamine, and alpha-1 receptors.(1) Inhibition of serotonin reuptake is weak and estimated to be 1/20th of 5HT2A inhibiting activity. Metabolism of trazodone leads to formation of an active metabolite, m-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP) which is an agonist at a variety of serotonin receptors.(1) MCPP is further converted to an inactive metabolite by CYP2D6.(3) MAO Inhibitors increase serotonin levels via inhibition of its metabolism. CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent administration could increase the risk for serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include tremor, agitation, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, clonus, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity.(2) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Serotonin syndrome risk is dose-related. Higher systemic concentrations of trazodone, mCPP or more potent MAO inhibitors would be predicted to increase risk for serotonin toxicity.(2) Concomitant therapy with multiple agents which increase brain serotonin concentrations may also increase risk for serotonin syndrome.(2) Concomitant treatment with inhibitors of CYP2D6 (e.g. bupropion, cinacalcet, dacomitinib, fluoxetine, paroxetine, quinidine, or systemic terbinafine)(4) may increase mCPP concentration, increasing the risk for serotonin toxicity. Patients who are poor metabolizers at CYP2D6 would be expected to have higher mCPP concentrations compared with extensive metabolizers. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: It would be prudent to seek trazodone alternatives in patients who require treatment with a MAOI and a strong inhibitor of CYP2D6 (e.g. bupropion, cinacalcet, dacomitinib, fluoxetine, paroxetine, quinidine, systemic terbinafine) or another serotonergic agent. Assess patient for additional predisposing risk factors then change/adjust medications or monitor accordingly. To minimize accumulation of mCPP, limit dosage of trazodone to less than or equal to 100 mg daily. Assure careful monitoring for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome when the dose of either agent is increased. If concurrent therapy is warranted, patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Instruct patients to report muscle twitching, tremors, shivering and stiffness, fever, heavy sweating, heart palpitations, restlessness, confusion, agitation, trouble with coordination, or severe diarrhea. DISCUSSION: In a case report, a 37 year-old male developed serotonin syndrome following the addition of linezolid to citalopram and trazodone.(5) In a case report, a patient developed serotonin syndrome with concurrent trazodone, isocarboxazid, and methylphenidate.(6) In a case report, a patient developed serotonin syndrome following the abrupt replacement of trazodone with moclobemide.(7) An open study evaluated the efficacy and safety of low dose trazodone for the treatment of MAOI-associated insomnia. Twenty-one patients successfully treated with a MAOI for unipolar or bipolar depression but with persistent insomnia participated in the study. Trazodone 25 to 75 mg was given at bedtime. Patients with a fair or good response to trazodone were monitored for a minimum of 4 months to assess efficacy and safety of treatment. Eleven patients had a resolution of insomnia, 9 had a partial response, and one had no benefit. Side effects noted were nausea in 2 patients, persistent morning grogginess in one patient and memory problems in one patient.(8) A small double-blind placebo controlled study evaluated the efficacy and safety of trazodone 50 mg to treat insomnia due to brofaromine, a MAO-A inhibitor. All seven patients had responded to brofaromine and had been in remission for at least 3 months. Three patients received trazodone on week 1, followed by placebo on week 2, while the other 4 patients received placebo on week 1 and trazodone on week 2. At the end of the trial 4 patients elected to continue trazodone and 3 patients discontinued therapy due to adverse effects (nausea, constipation, vertigo, dry mouth, palpitations, or heartburn). The authors stated no patients had symptoms suggestive of serotonin syndrome.(9) Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO.(10,11) The FDA AERS contains reports of serotonin syndrome with the concurrent use of linezolid and citalopram, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine as well as reports of serotonin syndrome with concurrent injectable methylene blue and citalopram, clomipramine, escitalopram, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine. The risk of serotonin syndrome with other psychiatric drugs is unclear.(12,13) |
TRAZODONE HCL |
| Buprenorphine for MAT/Muscle Relaxants SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of buprenorphine and muscle relaxants may result in additive CNS depression.(1,2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of buprenorphine and other CNS depressants, such as muscle relaxants, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and/or death.(1,2) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants may increase the risk of adverse effects. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Medication assisted treatment (MAT) with buprenorphine is not contraindicated in patients taking CNS depressants; however, discontinuation of CNS depressants is preferred in most cases. In some cases, monitoring at a higher level of care for tapering may be appropriate. In others, gradual tapering or decreasing to the lowest effective dose of the CNS depressant is appropriate. Ensure that other health care providers prescribing other CNS depressants are aware of the patient's buprenorphine treatment.(2) Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially during therapy initiation and following dosage increases. Consider this risk when using concurrently with other agents that may cause CNS depression.(3) Monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for unusual dizziness or lightheadedness, extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficult breathing, or unresponsiveness.(1) Discuss naloxone with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Consider prescribing naloxone to patients prescribed medicines to treat OUD or opioid analgesics (such as those taking CNS depressants) who are at increased risk of opioid overdose and when a patient has household members/close contacts at risk for accidental overdose.(4) DISCUSSION: Between 2002 and 2014, the number of patients receiving an opioid analgesic increased 8%, from 75 million to 81 million patients, and the number of patients receiving a benzodiazepine increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients. During this time, the proportion of patients receiving concurrent therapy increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients.(5) A retrospective cohort study compared the risk of opioid overdose associated with concomitant use of opioids and skeletal muscle relaxants versus opioid use alone. The study examined two types of opioid users (naive opioid use and prevalent opioid use) with and without exposure to skeletal muscle relaxants. The adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were 1.09 and 1.26 in the naive and prevalent opioid user cohorts, respectively, generating a combined estimate of 1.21. The risk increased with treatment duration (less than or equal to 14 days: 0.91; 15-60 days: 1.37; and greater than 60 days: 1.80) and for the use of baclofen and carisoprodol (HR 1.83 and 1.84, respectively). Elevated risk was associated with concomitant users with daily opioid dose greater than 50 mg and benzodiazepine use (HR 1.50 and 1.39, respectively).(6) From 2004 to 2011, the rate of nonmedical use-related emergency room visits involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 11 to 34.2 per 100,000 and drug overdose deaths involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 0.6 to 1.7 per 100,000. The proportion of prescription opioid analgesic deaths which also involved benzodiazepines increased from 18% to 31% during this time.(7) A prospective observational cohort study in North Carolina found that the rates of overdose death among patients co-dispensed opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines were 10 times higher than patients receiving opioid analgesics alone.(8) A case-cohort study of VA data from 2004-2009 found that the risk of death from overdose increased with concomitant opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines. Compared to patients with no history of benzodiazepines, patients with a history of benzodiazepine use (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.33) and patients with a current benzodiazepine prescription (HR=3.86) had an increased risk of fatal overdose.(9) A study found that opioid analgesics contributed to 77% of deaths in which benzodiazepines were determined to be a cause of death and that benzodiazepines contributed to 30% of deaths in which opioid analgesics were determined to be a cause of death. This study also found that other CNS depressants (including barbiturates, antipsychotic and neuroleptic drugs, antiepileptic and antiparkinsonian drugs, anesthetics, autonomic nervous system drugs, and muscle relaxants) were contributory to death in many cases where opioid analgesics were also implicated.(10) A study found that alcohol was involved in 18.5% of opioid analgesic abuse-related ED visits and 22.1 percent of opioid analgesic-related deaths.(11) While concomitant use of MAT with CNS depressants increases the risk of adverse reactions, barriers to MAT can pose a greater risk of morbidity and mortality due to opioid use disorder.(2) |
BRIXADI, BUPRENORPHINE HCL, BUPRENORPHINE-NALOXONE, SUBLOCADE, SUBOXONE, ZUBSOLV |
| Selected Opioids (Extended Release)/Metaxalone SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of opioids and metaxalone may result in additive CNS depression.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of opioids and other CNS depressants, such as the muscle relaxant metaxalone, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and/or death.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants may increase the risk of adverse effects. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Limit prescribing opioid analgesics with CNS depressants such as the muscle relaxant metaxalone to patients for whom alternatives are inadequate.(1) If concurrent use is necessary, limit the dosages and duration of each drug to the minimum possible while achieving the desired clinical effect. If starting a CNS depressant (for an indication other than epilepsy) with an opioid analgesic, prescribe a lower initial dose of the CNS depressant than indicated in the absence of an opioid and titrate based upon clinical response. If an opioid analgesic is indicated in a patient already taking a CNS depressant, prescribe a lower dose of the opioid and titrate based upon clinical response.(1) Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially during therapy initiation and following dosage increases. Consider this risk when using concurrently with other agents that may cause CNS depression.(2) Monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for unusual dizziness or lightheadedness, extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficult breathing, or unresponsiveness.(1) Discuss naloxone with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Consider prescribing naloxone to patients prescribed medicines to treat OUD or opioid analgesics (such as those taking CNS depressants) who are at increased risk of opioid overdose and when a patient has household members/close contacts at risk for accidental overdose.(3) DISCUSSION: Between 2002 and 2014, the number of patients receiving an opioid analgesic increased 8%, from 75 million to 81 million patients, and the number of patients receiving a benzodiazepine increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients. During this time, the proportion of patients receiving concurrent therapy increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients.(4) A retrospective cohort study compared the risk of opioid overdose associated with concomitant use of opioids and skeletal muscle relaxants versus opioid use alone. The study examined two types of opioid users (naive opioid use and prevalent opioid use) with and without exposure to skeletal muscle relaxants. The adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were 1.09 and 1.26 in the naive and prevalent opioid user cohorts, respectively, generating a combined estimate of 1.21. The risk increased with treatment duration (less than or equal to 14 days: 0.91; 15-60 days: 1.37; and greater than 60 days: 1.80) and for the use of baclofen and carisoprodol (HR 1.83 and 1.84, respectively). Elevated risk was associated with concomitant users with daily opioid dose greater than 50 mg and benzodiazepine use (HR 1.50 and 1.39, respectively).(5) From 2004 to 2011, the rate of nonmedical use-related emergency room visits involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 11 to 34.2 per 100,000 and drug overdose deaths involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 0.6 to 1.7 per 100,000. The proportion of prescription opioid analgesic deaths which also involved benzodiazepines increased from 18% to 31% during this time.(6) A prospective observational cohort study in North Carolina found that the rates of overdose death among patients co-dispensed opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines were 10 times higher than patients receiving opioid analgesics alone.(7) A case-cohort study of VA data from 2004-2009 found that the risk of death from overdose increased with concomitant opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines. Compared to patients with no history of benzodiazepines, patients with a history of benzodiazepine use (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.33) and patients with a current benzodiazepine prescription (HR=3.86) had an increased risk of fatal overdose.(8) A study found that opioid analgesics contributed to 77% of deaths in which benzodiazepines were determined to be a cause of death and that benzodiazepines contributed to 30% of deaths in which opioid analgesics were determined to be a cause of death. This study also found that other CNS depressants (including barbiturates, antipsychotic and neuroleptic drugs, antiepileptic and antiparkinsonian drugs, anesthetics, autonomic nervous system drugs, and muscle relaxants) were contributory to death in many cases where opioid analgesics were also implicated.(9) A study found that alcohol was involved in 18.5% of opioid analgesic abuse-related ED visits and 22.1 percent of opioid analgesic-related deaths.(10) |
BUPRENORPHINE, BUTRANS, HYDROCODONE BITARTRATE ER, HYDROMORPHONE ER, HYSINGLA ER, MORPHINE SULFATE ER, MS CONTIN, OXYCODONE HCL ER, OXYCONTIN, OXYMORPHONE HCL ER, XTAMPZA ER |
| Selected Opioids (Immediate Release)/Metaxalone SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of opioids and metaxalone may result in additive CNS depression.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of opioids and other CNS depressants, such as the muscle relaxant metaxalone, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and/or death.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants may increase the risk of adverse effects. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Limit prescribing opioid analgesics with CNS depressants such as the muscle relaxant metaxalone to patients for whom alternatives are inadequate.(1) If concurrent use is necessary, limit the dosages and duration of each drug to the minimum possible while achieving the desired clinical effect. If starting a CNS depressant (for an indication other than epilepsy) with an opioid analgesic, prescribe a lower initial dose of the CNS depressant than indicated in the absence of an opioid and titrate based upon clinical response. If an opioid analgesic is indicated in a patient already taking a CNS depressant, prescribe a lower dose of the opioid and titrate based upon clinical response.(1) Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially during therapy initiation and following dosage increases. Consider this risk when using concurrently with other agents that may cause CNS depression.(2) Monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for unusual dizziness or lightheadedness, extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficult breathing, or unresponsiveness.(1) Discuss naloxone with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Consider prescribing naloxone to patients prescribed medicines to treat OUD or opioid analgesics (such as those taking CNS depressants) who are at increased risk of opioid overdose and when a patient has household members/close contacts at risk for accidental overdose.(3) DISCUSSION: Between 2002 and 2014, the number of patients receiving an opioid analgesic increased 8%, from 75 million to 81 million patients, and the number of patients receiving a benzodiazepine increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients. During this time, the proportion of patients receiving concurrent therapy increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients.(4) A retrospective cohort study compared the risk of opioid overdose associated with concomitant use of opioids and skeletal muscle relaxants versus opioid use alone. The study examined two types of opioid users (naive opioid use and prevalent opioid use) with and without exposure to skeletal muscle relaxants. The adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were 1.09 and 1.26 in the naive and prevalent opioid user cohorts, respectively, generating a combined estimate of 1.21. The risk increased with treatment duration (less than or equal to 14 days: 0.91; 15-60 days: 1.37; and greater than 60 days: 1.80) and for the use of baclofen and carisoprodol (HR 1.83 and 1.84, respectively). Elevated risk was associated with concomitant users with daily opioid dose greater than 50 mg and benzodiazepine use (HR 1.50 and 1.39, respectively).(5) From 2004 to 2011, the rate of nonmedical use-related emergency room visits involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 11 to 34.2 per 100,000 and drug overdose deaths involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 0.6 to 1.7 per 100,000. The proportion of prescription opioid analgesic deaths which also involved benzodiazepines increased from 18% to 31% during this time.(6) A prospective observational cohort study in North Carolina found that the rates of overdose death among patients co-dispensed opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines were 10 times higher than patients receiving opioid analgesics alone.(7) A case-cohort study of VA data from 2004-2009 found that the risk of death from overdose increased with concomitant opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines. Compared to patients with no history of benzodiazepines, patients with a history of benzodiazepine use (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.33) and patients with a current benzodiazepine prescription (HR=3.86) had an increased risk of fatal overdose.(8) A study found that opioid analgesics contributed to 77% of deaths in which benzodiazepines were determined to be a cause of death and that benzodiazepines contributed to 30% of deaths in which opioid analgesics were determined to be a cause of death. This study also found that other CNS depressants (including barbiturates, antipsychotic and neuroleptic drugs, antiepileptic and antiparkinsonian drugs, anesthetics, autonomic nervous system drugs, and muscle relaxants) were contributory to death in many cases where opioid analgesics were also implicated.(9) A study found that alcohol was involved in 18.5% of opioid analgesic abuse-related ED visits and 22.1 percent of opioid analgesic-related deaths.(10) |
ACETAMIN-CAFF-DIHYDROCODEINE, ACETAMINOPHEN-CODEINE, APADAZ, ASA-BUTALB-CAFFEINE-CODEINE, ASCOMP WITH CODEINE, BELBUCA, BELLADONNA-OPIUM, BENZHYDROCODONE-ACETAMINOPHEN, BUPRENORPHINE HCL, BUTALB-ACETAMINOPH-CAFF-CODEIN, BUTORPHANOL TARTRATE, CARISOPRODOL-ASPIRIN-CODEINE, CODEINE SULFATE, DILAUDID, DURAMORPH, ENDOCET, FIORICET WITH CODEINE, HYDROCODONE-ACETAMINOPHEN, HYDROCODONE-IBUPROFEN, HYDROMORPHONE HCL, HYDROMORPHONE HCL-0.9% NACL, HYDROMORPHONE HCL-D5W, HYDROMORPHONE HCL-NACL, HYDROMORPHONE HCL-WATER, INFUMORPH, LEVORPHANOL TARTRATE, MITIGO, MORPHINE SULFATE, MORPHINE SULFATE-0.9% NACL, MORPHINE SULFATE-NACL, NALBUPHINE HCL, NALOCET, OLINVYK, OXYCODONE HCL, OXYCODONE-ACETAMINOPHEN, OXYMORPHONE HCL, PERCOCET, PRIMLEV, PROLATE, ROXICODONE, ROXYBOND, TREZIX |
The following contraindication information is available for METAXALONE (metaxalone):
Drug contraindication overview.
No enhanced Contraindications information available for this drug.
No enhanced Contraindications information available for this drug.
There are 2 contraindications.
Absolute contraindication.
| Contraindication List |
|---|
| Hemolytic anemia |
| Serotonin syndrome |
There are 0 severe contraindications.
There are 0 moderate contraindications.
The following adverse reaction information is available for METAXALONE (metaxalone):
Adverse reaction overview.
No enhanced Common Adverse Effects information available for this drug.
No enhanced Common Adverse Effects information available for this drug.
There are 13 severe adverse reactions.
| More Frequent | Less Frequent |
|---|---|
| None. |
Syncope |
| Rare/Very Rare |
|---|
|
Allergic dermatitis Anaphylaxis Drug-induced hepatitis Dyspnea Hemolytic anemia Hypersensitivity drug reaction Jaundice Leukopenia Pruritus of skin Serotonin syndrome Skin rash Urticaria |
There are 9 less severe adverse reactions.
| More Frequent | Less Frequent |
|---|---|
|
Dizziness Drowsy Headache disorder Nausea Nervousness Vomiting |
Insomnia |
| Rare/Very Rare |
|---|
|
Accidental fall Dyspepsia |
The following precautions are available for METAXALONE (metaxalone):
No enhanced Pediatric Use information available for this drug.
Contraindicated
Severe Precaution
Management or Monitoring Precaution
Contraindicated
| None |
Severe Precaution
| None |
Management or Monitoring Precaution
| None |
Safe use of metaxalone during pregnancy has not been established. Reproduction studies in rats have not revealed evidence of harm to the fetus. Although postmarketing surveillance has not revealed evidence of fetal injury in humans, the reported experience to date cannot exclude the possibility of adverse fetal effects of the drug. Therefore, metaxalone should not be used in women who are or may become pregnant unless the possible benefits outweigh the potential risks.
It is not known whether metaxalone is distributed into milk. In general, the drug should not be used in nursing women.
No enhanced Geriatric Use information available for this drug.
The following prioritized warning is available for METAXALONE (metaxalone):
No warning message for this drug.
No warning message for this drug.
The following icd codes are available for METAXALONE (metaxalone)'s list of indications:
| Muscle spasm | |
| M62.83 | Muscle spasm |
| M62.830 | Muscle spasm of back |
| M62.831 | Muscle spasm of calf |
| M62.838 | Other muscle spasm |
| R25.2 | Cramp and spasm |
Formulary Reference Tool