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Drug overview for VERSACLOZ (clozapine):
Generic name: clozapine (KLOE-za-peen)
Drug class: Antipsychotics
Therapeutic class: Central Nervous System Agents
Clozapine has been referred to as an atypical or second-generation antipsychotic agent.
No enhanced Uses information available for this drug.
Generic name: clozapine (KLOE-za-peen)
Drug class: Antipsychotics
Therapeutic class: Central Nervous System Agents
Clozapine has been referred to as an atypical or second-generation antipsychotic agent.
No enhanced Uses information available for this drug.
DRUG IMAGES
VERSACLOZ 50 MG/ML SUSPENSION
The following indications for VERSACLOZ (clozapine) have been approved by the FDA:
Indications:
Suicidal behavior in schizoaffective disorder
Suicidal behavior in schizophrenia
Treatment-resistant schizophrenia
Professional Synonyms:
Refractory schizophrenia
Suicidal behavior in dementia praecox
Suicidal behavior in parergasia
Suicidal ideation in schizoaffective disorder
Suicidal ideation in schizophrenia
Suicidal risk in schizoaffective disorder
Suicidal risk in schizophrenia
Suicidal tendencies in schizoaffective disorder
Suicidal tendencies in schizophrenia
Indications:
Suicidal behavior in schizoaffective disorder
Suicidal behavior in schizophrenia
Treatment-resistant schizophrenia
Professional Synonyms:
Refractory schizophrenia
Suicidal behavior in dementia praecox
Suicidal behavior in parergasia
Suicidal ideation in schizoaffective disorder
Suicidal ideation in schizophrenia
Suicidal risk in schizoaffective disorder
Suicidal risk in schizophrenia
Suicidal tendencies in schizoaffective disorder
Suicidal tendencies in schizophrenia
The following dosing information is available for VERSACLOZ (clozapine):
Cautious dosage titration and administration of clozapine in divided doses are necessary to minimize the risk of certain adverse effects such as orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, syncope, seizures, and sedation.
For the management of treatment-resistant schizophrenia, the usual initial adult dosage of clozapine is 12.5 mg given orally once or twice daily. If the drug is well tolerated, dosage may be increased in increments of 25-50 mg daily over a 2-week period until a target dosage of 300-450 mg daily (administered in divided doses) is achieved.
Subsequent dosage increases can be made once or twice weekly in increments of up to 100 mg. The manufacturers state that use of a low initial daily dosage, a gradual titration schedule, and administration of the drug in divided doses are necessary to minimize the risks of orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, syncope, seizures, and sedation.
Daily administration of clozapine in divided doses should continue until an effective and tolerable dosage is reached, usually within 2-5 weeks. Although many patients may respond adequately to dosages between 200-600 mg daily, a dosage of 600-900 mg daily may be required in some patients. In the multicenter study that provides the principal support for the effectiveness of clozapine in patients resistant to standard antipsychotic therapy, the maximum dosage of clozapine was 900 mg daily, which was given in 3 divided doses.
The mean and median clozapine dosages in this study both were approximately 600 mg daily. Although some clinicians suggest that dosages exceeding 450-500 mg daily have not been shown to be associated with increased therapeutic benefit, others state that added response is observed at higher dosages in some patients and stress the need for individualized therapy. The manufacturers and most clinicians recommend that the maximum daily dosage of clozapine not exceed 900 mg.
Because of the possibility that high dosages of clozapine may be associated with an increased risk of adverse reactions, particularly seizures, patients generally should be given adequate time to respond to a given dosage before dosage escalation is considered.
The dosage of clozapine for the management of schizophrenia in children and adolescents+ has not been established. However, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) protocol used an initial dosage of 6.25-25 mg given orally daily depending on the patient's weight.
Dosages could be increased in this study every 3-4 days by 1-2 times the initial dose on an individual basis up to a maximum of 525 mg daily.
The manufacturers state that dosage reduction of clozapine may be necessary in patients who are known poor metabolizers of cytochrome P-450 isoenzyme 2D6 (CYP2D6). (See Pharmacokinetics: Absorption.)
For the management of treatment-resistant schizophrenia, the usual initial adult dosage of clozapine is 12.5 mg given orally once or twice daily. If the drug is well tolerated, dosage may be increased in increments of 25-50 mg daily over a 2-week period until a target dosage of 300-450 mg daily (administered in divided doses) is achieved.
Subsequent dosage increases can be made once or twice weekly in increments of up to 100 mg. The manufacturers state that use of a low initial daily dosage, a gradual titration schedule, and administration of the drug in divided doses are necessary to minimize the risks of orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, syncope, seizures, and sedation.
Daily administration of clozapine in divided doses should continue until an effective and tolerable dosage is reached, usually within 2-5 weeks. Although many patients may respond adequately to dosages between 200-600 mg daily, a dosage of 600-900 mg daily may be required in some patients. In the multicenter study that provides the principal support for the effectiveness of clozapine in patients resistant to standard antipsychotic therapy, the maximum dosage of clozapine was 900 mg daily, which was given in 3 divided doses.
The mean and median clozapine dosages in this study both were approximately 600 mg daily. Although some clinicians suggest that dosages exceeding 450-500 mg daily have not been shown to be associated with increased therapeutic benefit, others state that added response is observed at higher dosages in some patients and stress the need for individualized therapy. The manufacturers and most clinicians recommend that the maximum daily dosage of clozapine not exceed 900 mg.
Because of the possibility that high dosages of clozapine may be associated with an increased risk of adverse reactions, particularly seizures, patients generally should be given adequate time to respond to a given dosage before dosage escalation is considered.
The dosage of clozapine for the management of schizophrenia in children and adolescents+ has not been established. However, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) protocol used an initial dosage of 6.25-25 mg given orally daily depending on the patient's weight.
Dosages could be increased in this study every 3-4 days by 1-2 times the initial dose on an individual basis up to a maximum of 525 mg daily.
The manufacturers state that dosage reduction of clozapine may be necessary in patients who are known poor metabolizers of cytochrome P-450 isoenzyme 2D6 (CYP2D6). (See Pharmacokinetics: Absorption.)
Clozapine is administered orally as conventional tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, or as an oral suspension without regard to meals; administration in divided doses may help minimize the risk of certain adverse effects. If daytime sleepiness occurs during therapy, bedtime administration may be helpful. The orally disintegrating tablets and conventional tablets of clozapine are bioequivalent; the oral suspension and conventional tablets of the drug also are bioequivalent. Clozapine also has been administered IM+, but a parenteral preparation currently is not commercially available in the US.
| DRUG LABEL | DOSING TYPE | DOSING INSTRUCTIONS |
|---|---|---|
| VERSACLOZ 50 MG/ML SUSPENSION | Maintenance | Adults take 3 milliliters (150 mg) by oral route 2 times per day |
No generic dosing information available.
The following drug interaction information is available for VERSACLOZ (clozapine):
There are 1 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 |
|---|---|
| Iomeprol/Neuroleptics 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: Neuroleptics may lower seizure threshold.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Use of iomeprol in a patient receiving a neuroleptic may increase the risk of seizure.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of iomeprol states that neuroleptics should be discontinued 48 hours before iomeprol use. Treatment with a neuroleptic should not be resumed until 24 hours post-procedure.(1) DISCUSSION: Because neuroleptics may lower seizure threshold, neuroleptics should be discontinued 48 hours before iomeprol use. Treatment with a neuroleptic should not be resumed until 24 hours post-procedure.(1) |
IOMERON 350 |
There are 35 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 |
|---|---|
| Clozapine/Selected Dual CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 Inducers SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: While clozapine is primarily metabolized by CYP1A2, CYP3A4 also plays a role.(1) Barbiturates, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone and rifampin induce both of these metabolic pathways. CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concomitant administration may result in decreased concentration and effectiveness of clozapine.(1-3) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Induction effects may be more likely with regular use of the inducer for longer than 1-2 weeks. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If concurrent treatment of clozapine with barbiturates, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone or rifampin is required, then close monitoring for decreased clozapine efficacy is needed. The onset of induction is gradual. Depending upon the inducing agent, it may take as little as one week to more than 4 weeks to see maximal induction effects. In stable clozapine patients beginning treatment with an enzyme inducer, consider measurement of clozapine levels prior to start of concomitant therapy with an inducer. The magnitude of this interaction can be large; combined CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 enzyme inducers may decrease clozapine levels = or > 50%. Adjust clozapine dose accordingly. After stabilization on concomitant therapy, if the enzyme inducer is subsequently discontinued, then the clozapine dosage will need to be gradually decreased to the original dose as the effects of enzyme induction wane over approximately 2-3 weeks. DISCUSSION: A case report describes a clozapine patient with schizophrenia and a history of smoking 20-30 cigarettes(an inducer of CYP1A2 metabolism) per day who was stable on a clozapine dosage of 400 mg per day. Clozapine concentrations were approximately 250 micrograms/L. Due to suspected mycobacteria infection he was started on rifampin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide. Three and one-half weeks later his clozapine level was rechecked due to signs of decompensation. Clozapine levels had fallen approximately 80%. An increase of the clozapine dose to 600 mg per day led to minimal improvement in clozapine levels (to approximately 80 micrograms/L). Simultaneous discontinuation of rifampin and initiation of ciprofloxacin (a CYP1A2 inhibitor) led to a rapid increase in clozapine concentrations.(2) |
ASA-BUTALB-CAFFEINE-CODEINE, ASCOMP WITH CODEINE, BUTALB-ACETAMINOPH-CAFF-CODEIN, BUTALBITAL, BUTALBITAL-ACETAMINOPHEN, BUTALBITAL-ACETAMINOPHEN-CAFFE, BUTALBITAL-ASPIRIN-CAFFEINE, CEREBYX, DILANTIN, DILANTIN-125, DONNATAL, FIORICET, FIORICET WITH CODEINE, FOSPHENYTOIN SODIUM, MYSOLINE, PENTOBARBITAL SODIUM, PHENOBARBITAL, PHENOBARBITAL SODIUM, PHENOBARBITAL-BELLADONNA, PHENOBARBITAL-HYOSC-ATROP-SCOP, PHENOHYTRO, PHENYTEK, PHENYTOIN, PHENYTOIN SODIUM, PHENYTOIN SODIUM EXTENDED, PRIFTIN, PRIMIDONE, RIFADIN, RIFAMPIN, SEZABY, TENCON |
| Clozapine/Ciprofloxacin SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Ciprofloxacin may inhibit the metabolism of clozapine by CYP1A2.(1) Both agents have been shown to prolong the QT interval.(2,3) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ciprofloxacin and clozapine may result in elevated levels of clozapine and possible toxicity including orthostatic hypotension, syncope, QT prolongation, profound sedation and seizures. Concurrent use may also result in QT prolongation, which may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(2) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(4) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(4) The risk of anticholinergic toxicities including cognitive decline, delirium, falls and fractures is increased in geriatric patients using more than one medicine with anticholinergic properties.(5) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends reducing the clozapine dose to one-third the original dose with concurrent ciprofloxacin. When ciprofloxacin is discontinued, the clozapine dose should be increased to original clozapine dose. Clozapine levels should be monitored in patients receiving concurrent therapy with ciprofloxacin. Patients receiving concurrent therapy should be monitored for adverse clozapine effects and QT prolongation. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: A randomized, double-blind study in seven patients examined the effects of ciprofloxacin (250 mg twice daily for 7 days) on clozapine (the patients' usual dosages). Concurrent ciprofloxacin increased the concentration of clozapine and N-desmethylclozapine by 29% and 31%, respectively.(1,6) There are also several case reports of toxicity with concurrent therapy.(7-11) Ciprofloxacin is a moderate to strong CYP1A2 inhibitor.(12) |
CIPRO, CIPROFLOXACIN, CIPROFLOXACIN HCL, CIPROFLOXACIN-D5W |
| Clozapine/Benzodiazepines SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: The exact mechanism is unknown. Some benzodiazepines may increase clozapine levels.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent administration of clozapine with a benzodiazepine may result in orthostatic hypotension, delirium, collapse, profound sedation, respiratory arrest, and/or cardiac arrest.(2-3) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients with preexisting cardiovascular, liver, organic brain disease(1) or sleep apnea may be predisposed to the interaction. The interaction may be more likely when initiating clozapine therapy, when restarting clozapine after a brief clozapine-free interval, or when adding clozapine to benzodiazepine therapy.(1,2) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The concurrent use of clozapine with benzodiazepines should be approached with caution, especially in patients who have recently started or restarted clozapine therapy. Monitor patients for excessive sedation, decreased respiratory rate, and ataxia.(3) DISCUSSION: Collapse has been reported in a patients in whom clozapine and clonazepam were initiated simultaneously.(4) Somnolence, confusion, ataxia, and disorientation were reported in a patient following the addition of clozapine to clonazepam therapy.(5) Collapse has been reported in three patients maintained on diazepam in whom clozapine was initiated.(6,7) Cardiac arrest and death during sleep were reported in a patient in whom clozapine and oxazepam were initiated simultaneously.(4) Delirium has been reported in four clozapine-treated patients in whom lorazepam was initiated.(5,8) Respiratory arrest and death were reported in one patient in whom clozapine was initiated who had been maintained on oral lorazepam. The patient received three supplemental doses of intravenous lorazepam for increased psychosis and was found dead 12 hours later.(9) |
ALPRAZOLAM, ALPRAZOLAM ER, ALPRAZOLAM INTENSOL, ALPRAZOLAM ODT, ALPRAZOLAM XR, ATIVAN, BYFAVO, CHLORDIAZEPOXIDE HCL, CHLORDIAZEPOXIDE-AMITRIPTYLINE, CHLORDIAZEPOXIDE-CLIDINIUM, CLOBAZAM, CLONAZEPAM, CLORAZEPATE DIPOTASSIUM, DIAZEPAM, DORAL, ESTAZOLAM, FLURAZEPAM HCL, HALCION, KLONOPIN, LIBRAX, LORAZEPAM, LORAZEPAM INTENSOL, LOREEV XR, MEPROBAMATE, MIDAZOLAM, MIDAZOLAM HCL, MIDAZOLAM HCL-0.8% NACL, MIDAZOLAM HCL-0.9% NACL, MIDAZOLAM HCL-D5W, MIDAZOLAM HCL-NACL, MIDAZOLAM-0.9% NACL, MIDAZOLAM-NACL, MKO (MIDAZOLAM-KETAMINE-ONDAN), NAYZILAM, ONFI, OXAZEPAM, QUAZEPAM, RESTORIL, SYMPAZAN, TEMAZEPAM, TRIAZOLAM, VALIUM, VALTOCO, XANAX, XANAX XR |
| Pimozide/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Pimozide has shown to prolong the QTc interval. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of pimozide with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of pimozide states that the use of pimozide is contraindicated in patients taking other drugs which prolong the QT interval.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Agents that are linked to this monograph may have been associated with torsades de pointes and/or QT prolongation but at this time lack substantial evidence for causing torsades de pointes.(2) 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. |
PIMOZIDE |
| Droperidol/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Droperidol has been shown to prolong the QTc interval. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of droperidol with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Congestive heart failure, bradycardia, use of a diuretic, cardiac hypertrophy, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, age over 65 years, alcohol abuse, and the use of agents such as benzodiazepines, volatile anesthetics, and intravenous opiates may predispose patients to the development of prolonged QT syndrome.(1) The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may also be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypocalcemia, or female gender.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of droperidol states under precautions/drug interactions that drugs known to have the potential to prolong the QT interval should not be used together with droperidol.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Agents that are linked to this monograph may have been associated with torsades de pointes and/or QT prolongation but at this time lack substantial evidence for causing torsades de pointes.(2) 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. |
DROPERIDOL |
| Ziprasidone/Selected QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Ziprasidone has been shown to prolong the QTc interval. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of ziprasidone with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(1,3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of ziprasidone states under contraindications that ziprasidone should not be used with other drugs that prolong the QT interval such as dofetilide, sotalol, quinidine, other Class Ia and III anti-arrhythmics, mesoridazine, thioridazine, chlorpromazine, droperidol, pimozide, sparfloxacin, gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin, halofantrine, mefloquine, pentamidine, arsenic trioxide, levomethadyl acetate, dolasetron mesylate, probucol or tacrolimus.(1) It would be prudent to avoid the use of ziprasidone with medicines suspected of prolonging the QT interval. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(2) |
GEODON, ZIPRASIDONE HCL, ZIPRASIDONE MESYLATE |
| Artemether-Lumefantrine/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of artemether-lumefantrine and agents known to prolong the QT interval may result in additive or synergistic effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent administration may result in prolongation of the QTc interval and life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(4) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(4) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The UK manufacturer of artemether-lumefantrine states that the use of artemether-lumefantrine in patients taking drugs that are known to prolong the QTc interval is contraindicated. These agents include class IA and III antiarrhythmics; neuroleptics; antidepressive agents; some macrolides, fluoroquinolones, imidazole and triazole antifungals; terfenadine; astemizole; and cisapride.(1) The US manufacturer of artemether-lumefantrine states that the use of artemether-lumefantrine should be avoided in patients taking drugs that are known to prolong the QTc interval. These agents include class IA and III antiarrhythmics; neuroleptics; antidepressive agents; some macrolides, fluoroquinolones, imidazole and triazole antifungals; terfenadine; astemizole; and cisapride.(2) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(3) |
COARTEM |
| Dronedarone/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of dronedarone and agents known to prolong the QT interval may result in additive or synergistic effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent administration of dronedarone and QT prolonging agents may result in prolongation of the QTc interval and life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of dronedarone states that the use of drugs or herbal products that are known to prolong the QTc interval is contraindicated. These agents include phenothiazine anti-psychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, certain oral macrolide antibiotics, and Class IA and III antiarrhythmics.(1) When concurrent therapy of dronedarone and possible QT prolonging agents is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(2) 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. |
MULTAQ |
| Metoclopramide/Antipsychotics; Phenothiazines; Rivastigmine SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: These agents block dopamine (D2) receptors. D2 blockade can cause extrapyramidal reactions, such acute dystonic reactions, pseudoparkinsonian tremors, akathisia, or tardive dyskinesia. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome may also occur in patients receiving D2 blockers. The risk of these adverse effects may be increased by concurrent use.(1-3) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use may increase the risk of extrapyramidal reactions (e.g. acute dystonic reactions, pseudoparkinsonian tremors, akathisia, or tardive dyskinesia) and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Tardive dyskinesia, which may be permanent, typically affects the facial muscles and may result in uncontrollable lip smacking, chewing, puckering of the mouth, frowning or scowling, sticking out the tongue, blinking and moving the eyes, and shaking of the arms and/or legs.(1-3) Symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome include hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, an autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure, tachycardia, diaphoresis, and cardiac arrhythmias), elevated creatine phosphokinase, myoglobinuria (rhabdomyolysis), and acute renal failure.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients with Parkinson's or Lewy Body Disease may be more likely to have extrapyramidal reactions or unmasking of their primary disease symptoms. The risk of extrapyramidal symptoms is also increased in patients on metoclopramide for longer than 12 weeks. Elderly patients, especially elderly women, and diabetics are at higher risk of developing tardive dyskinesia. Other extrapyramidal symptoms, like acute dystonia, have occurred more frequently in patients younger than 30 years old.(1) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The concurrent use of metoclopramide and agents likely to cause extrapyramidal reactions should be avoided.(1) If concurrent use is warranted, monitor patients closely for extrapyramidal reactions and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. The manufacturer of metoclopramide says to avoid treatment with metoclopramide for longer than 12 weeks, and to use the lowest possible dose.(1) Discontinue therapy if symptoms occur. Instruct patients to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop. Symptoms of extrapyramidal reactions, including tardive dyskinesia, include involuntary movements of limbs and facial grimacing, torticollis, oculogyric crisis, rhythmic protrusion of the tongue, bulbar type of speech, trismus, and/or dystonic reactions resembling tetanus/stridor/dyspnea.(3) DISCUSSION: Both metoclopramide and phenothiazines can cause extrapyramidal reactions, such as tardive dyskinesia, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. The risk may be increased by concurrent use.(1,2) Extrapyramidal symptoms have been reported with concurrent metoclopramide and neuroleptics, prochlorperazine, and chlorpromazine.(4-6) |
GIMOTI, METOCLOPRAMIDE HCL, REGLAN |
| Clozapine/Strong CYP1A2 Inhibitors SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: The metabolism of clozapine may be inhibited by CYP1A2 inhibitors.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of clozapine with strong CYP1A2 inhibitors may result in elevated levels of clozapine and an increase in clozapine related side effects such as orthostatic hypotension, syncope, QT prolongation, profound sedation and seizures. This interaction may be noted with even low doses of CYP1A2 inhibitors and the onset of this interaction may be rapid.(1-7) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(8) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(8) The risk of anticholinergic toxicities including cognitive decline, delirium, falls and fractures is increased in geriatric patients using more than one medicine with anticholinergic properties.(9) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends reducing the clozapine dose to one-third the original dose with concurrent strong CYP1A2 inhibitors. Close monitoring is required to prevent clozapine toxicity. Clozapine levels should be monitored in patients receiving concurrent therapy with strong CYP1A2 inhibitors. Patients should be monitored for adverse clozapine effects and QT prolongation.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted in patients receiving clozapine, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. When the strong CYP1A2 inhibitor is discontinued, the clozapine dose should be increased based on clinical response. Serum clozapine measurements may be useful. DISCUSSION: Several case reports have documented increased levels of clozapine when fluvoxamine was added to therapy.(2-5) The increases in clozapine levels ranged from 231% to 780%. Several case reports describe increased clozapine-related side effects following the addition of fluvoxamine to clozapine therapy.(3,6-7) In a study in 16 subjects(1,10), the addition of fluvoxamine to patients receiving clozapine resulted in 3-fold increases in clozapine, N-desmethylclozapine, and clozapine N-oxide. The half-life of clozapine increased from 17 hours to 50 hours. Another study (11) compared patients receiving clozapine monotherapy to patients receiving concurrent therapy with clozapine and fluvoxamine and found that the dose-normalized clozapine concentration increased by a factor of 5-10 when fluvoxamine was added. Strong CYP1A2 inhibitors linked include: enasidenib and fluvoxamine.(13) |
FLUVOXAMINE MALEATE, FLUVOXAMINE MALEATE ER, IDHIFA |
| 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 |
| Clozapine/Selected Myelosuppressive Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Clozapine and other myelosuppressive agents may be associated with neutropenia or agranulocytosis.(2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Moderate neutropenia, even if due to combination therapy, may require abrupt discontinuation of clozapine resulting in decompensation of the patient's psychiatric disorder (e.g. schizophrenia). The disease treated by the myelosuppressive agent may be compromised if myelosuppression requires dose reduction, delay, or discontinuation of the myelosuppressive agent. Undetected severe neutropenia or agranulocytosis may be fatal. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Low white blood counts prior to initiation of the myelosuppressive agent may increase risk for clinically significant neutropenia. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If a patient stabilized on clozapine therapy requires treatment with a myelosuppressive agent, the clozapine prescriber should consult with prescriber of the myelosuppressive agent (e.g. oncologist) to discuss treatment and monitoring options.(2) More frequent ANC monitoring or treatment alternatives secondary to neutropenic episodes may need to be considered. Clozapine is only available through a restricted distribution system which requires documentation of the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) prior to dispensing.(1-2) For most clozapine patients, clozapine treatment must be interrupted for a suspected clozapine-induced ANC < 1000 cells/microliter. For patients with benign ethnic neutropenia (BEN), treatment must be interrupted for suspected clozapine-induced neutropenia < 500 cells/microliter.(2) DISCUSSION: Clozapine is only available through a restricted distribution system which requires documentation of the ANC prior to dispensing.(1) Agents linked to this interaction generally have > 5% risk for neutropenia and/or warnings describing risk for myelosuppression in manufacturer prescribing information.(3-26) |
2,3-DIMERCAPTOSUCCINIC ACID, ABECMA, ABELCET, ABRAXANE, ABRILADA(CF), ABRILADA(CF) PEN, ABRILADA(CF) PEN (2 PACK), ACTEMRA, ACTEMRA ACTPEN, ACTIMMUNE, ADALIMUMAB-AACF(CF), ADALIMUMAB-AACF(CF) (2 PK), ADALIMUMAB-AACF(CF) PEN (2 PK), ADALIMUMAB-AACF(CF) PEN CROHNS, ADALIMUMAB-AACF(CF) PEN PS-UV, ADALIMUMAB-AATY(CF) (2 PACK), ADALIMUMAB-AATY(CF) (2 PK), ADALIMUMAB-AATY(CF) AI CROHNS, ADALIMUMAB-AATY(CF) AUTOINJ(2), ADALIMUMAB-AATY(CF) AUTOINJECT, ADALIMUMAB-ADAZ(CF), ADALIMUMAB-ADAZ(CF) PEN, ADALIMUMAB-ADBM(CF), ADALIMUMAB-ADBM(CF) PEN, ADALIMUMAB-ADBM(CF) PEN CROHNS, ADALIMUMAB-ADBM(CF) PEN PS-UV, ADALIMUMAB-ADBM(CF)PEN, ADALIMUMAB-FKJP(CF), ADALIMUMAB-FKJP(CF) PEN, ADALIMUMAB-RYVK(CF), ADALIMUMAB-RYVK(CF) AUTOINJECT, ADCETRIS, ADRIAMYCIN, ADRUCIL, AFINITOR, AFINITOR DISPERZ, AKEEGA, ALFERON N, ALIMTA, ALIQOPA, ALKERAN, ALUNBRIG, ALYMSYS, AMBISOME, AMJEVITA(CF), AMJEVITA(CF) AUTOINJECTOR, AMPHOTERICIN B, AMPHOTERICIN B LIPOSOME, AMTAGVI, ANASTROZOLE, ANCOBON, APONVIE, APREPITANT, ARAVA, ARIMIDEX, ARRANON, ARZERRA, ATGAM, AUBAGIO, AUCATZYL, AUGTYRO, AURANOFIN, AVASTIN, AVONEX, AVONEX (4 PACK), AVONEX PEN, AVONEX PEN (4 PACK), AVSOLA, AXTLE, AYVAKIT, AZACITIDINE, AZASAN, AZATHIOPRINE, AZATHIOPRINE SODIUM, AZULFIDINE, BALVERSA, BAVENCIO, BELRAPZO, BENDAMUSTINE HCL, BENDEKA, BESREMI, BETASERON, BEXAROTENE, BICNU, BLINCYTO, BORTEZOMIB, BORUZU, BOSULIF, BREYANZI, BREYANZI CD4 COMPONENT, BREYANZI CD8 COMPONENT, BRIUMVI, BRUKINSA, BUSULFAN, BUSULFEX, CAELYX, CALQUENCE, CAMPATH, CAMPTOSAR, CAPECITABINE, CARBIMAZOLE, CARBOPLATIN, CARMUSTINE, CARVYKTI, CELLCEPT, CHEMET, CHLORAMBUCIL, CIDOFOVIR, CINVANTI, CISPLATIN, CLADRIBINE, CLOFARABINE, COLUMVI, COPIKTRA, COSMEGEN, CUPRIMINE, CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE, CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE MONOHYDRATE, CYLTEZO(CF), CYLTEZO(CF) PEN, CYLTEZO(CF) PEN CROHN'S-UC-HS, CYLTEZO(CF) PEN PSORIASIS-UV, CYTARABINE, D-PENAMINE, DACARBAZINE, DACTINOMYCIN, DANYELZA, DARAPRIM, DARZALEX, DARZALEX FASPRO, DAUNORUBICIN HCL, DECITABINE, DEFERIPRONE, DEFERIPRONE (3 TIMES A DAY), DEPEN, DEXRAZOXANE, DMSA, DOCETAXEL, DOCIVYX, DOXIL, DOXORUBICIN HCL, DOXORUBICIN HCL LIPOSOME, DROXIA, EFLORNITHINE HCL, ELAHERE, ELREXFIO, EMEND, ENHERTU, ENSPRYNG, EPKINLY, ETOPOPHOS, ETOPOSIDE, EVEROLIMUS, EVOMELA, FERRIPROX, FERRIPROX (2 TIMES A DAY), FERRIPROX (3 TIMES A DAY), FLUCYTOSINE, FLUDARABINE PHOSPHATE, FLUOROURACIL, FOCINVEZ, FOLOTYN, FOSAPREPITANT DIMEGLUMINE, FOSCARNET SODIUM, FOSCAVIR, FRINDOVYX, FYARRO, GANCICLOVIR SODIUM, GAVRETO, GAZYVA, GEMCITABINE HCL, GLEEVEC, GLEOSTINE, GLIADEL, GRAFAPEX, HADLIMA, HADLIMA PUSHTOUCH, HADLIMA(CF), HADLIMA(CF) PUSHTOUCH, HEPZATO, HERCEPTIN, HERCEPTIN HYLECTA, HERCESSI, HERZUMA, HULIO(CF), HULIO(CF) PEN, HUMIRA, HUMIRA PEN, HUMIRA(CF), HUMIRA(CF) PEN, HUMIRA(CF) PEN CROHN'S-UC-HS, HUMIRA(CF) PEN PSOR-UV-ADOL HS, HYCAMTIN, HYDREA, HYDROXYUREA, HYRIMOZ(CF), HYRIMOZ(CF) PEDIATRIC CROHN'S, HYRIMOZ(CF) PEN, HYRIMOZ(CF) PEN CROHN-UC START, HYRIMOZ(CF) PEN PSORIASIS, IBRANCE, ICLUSIG, IDAMYCIN PFS, IDARUBICIN HCL, IFEX, IFOSFAMIDE, ILARIS, IMATINIB MESYLATE, IMBRUVICA, IMDELLTRA, IMFINZI, IMKELDI, IMLYGIC, IMURAN, INFLECTRA, INFLIXIMAB, INFUGEM, INQOVI, INREBIC, IRINOTECAN HCL, IVRA, IWILFIN, IXEMPRA, JAKAFI, JAYPIRCA, JEMPERLI, JEVTANA, JOENJA, JYLAMVO, KADCYLA, KANJINTI, KEMOPLAT, KESIMPTA PEN, KEVZARA, KEYTRUDA, KYMRIAH, KYPROLIS, LAMIVUDINE-ZIDOVUDINE, LEFLUNICLO, LEFLUNOMIDE, LEMTRADA, LENALIDOMIDE, LEUKERAN, LEVAMISOLE HCL, LINEZOLID, LINEZOLID-0.9% NACL, LINEZOLID-D5W, LONSURF, LOQTORZI, LUNSUMIO, LUTATHERA, LYNPARZA, MATULANE, MAVENCLAD, MECHLORETHAMINE HCL, MEKINIST, MEKTOVI, MELPHALAN HCL, MERCAPTOPURINE, METHIMAZOLE, METHOTREXATE, METHOTREXATE SODIUM, MITOMYCIN, MITOXANTRONE HCL, MONJUVI, MUTAMYCIN, MVASI, MYCOPHENOLATE MOFETIL, MYCOPHENOLIC ACID, MYFORTIC, MYHIBBIN, MYLERAN, MYLOTARG, NELARABINE, NEPHROSCAN, NIPENT, NULOJIX, OCREVUS, OCREVUS ZUNOVO, OGIVRI, OJJAARA, ONIVYDE, ONTRUZANT, ONUREG, OPDIVO, OPDIVO QVANTIG, OPDUALAG, OTREXUP, PACLITAXEL, PACLITAXEL PROTEIN-BOUND, PADCEV, PARAPLATIN, PEGASYS, PEMETREXED, PEMETREXED DISODIUM, PEMFEXY, PEMRYDI RTU, PENICILLAMINE, PENICILLAMINE(D-), PERJETA, PHESGO, PLEGRIDY, PLEGRIDY PEN, PLUVICTO, POLIVY, POMALYST, POTELIGEO, PRALATREXATE, PROCARBAZINE HCL, PURIXAN, PYRIMETHAMINE, RASUVO, REBIF, REBIF REBIDOSE, REMICADE, RENFLEXIS, RETHYMIC, RETROVIR, REVLIMID, REZUROCK, RIABNI, RIBAVIRIN, RIDAURA, RITUXAN, RITUXAN HYCELA, ROTOP-DMSA, RUXIENCE, RYTELO, SARCLISA, SCEMBLIX, SIKLOS, SIMLANDI(CF), SIMLANDI(CF) AUTOINJECTOR, SIMULECT, SIROLIMUS, SUCCIMER DMSA, SULFASALAZINE, SULFASALAZINE DR, SYLVANT, TABLOID, TALVEY, TALZENNA, TARGRETIN, TAVALISSE, TECARTUS, TECELRA, TECENTRIQ, TECENTRIQ HYBREZA, TECVAYLI, TEMODAR, TEMOZOLOMIDE, TEMSIROLIMUS, TEPADINA, TEPYLUTE, TERBINAFINE HCL, TERIFLUNOMIDE, TESTOSTERONE-ANASTROZOLE, TEVIMBRA, THIOGUANINE, THIOTEPA, THYMOGLOBULIN, TOFIDENCE, TOPOTECAN HCL, TORISEL, TORPENZ, TRAMETINIB, TRAZIMERA, TREANDA, TREXALL, TRIFLURIDINE, TRODELVY, TRUQAP, TRUXIMA, TYENNE, TYENNE AUTOINJECTOR, TYSABRI, TZIELD, UNITUXIN, UPLIZNA, VALCYTE, VALGANCICLOVIR HCL, VEGZELMA, VELCADE, VENCLEXTA, VENCLEXTA STARTING PACK, VERZENIO, VIDAZA, VINBLASTINE SULFATE, VINCASAR PFS, VINCRISTINE SULFATE, VINORELBINE TARTRATE, VITRAKVI, VIVIMUSTA, VYXEOS, XATMEP, XELODA, XOFIGO, XPOVIO, XROMI, YESCARTA, YONDELIS, YUFLYMA(CF) (2 PACK), YUFLYMA(CF) AI CROHN'S-UC-HS, YUFLYMA(CF) AUTOINJECT (2 PCK), YUFLYMA(CF) AUTOINJECTOR, YUSIMRY(CF) PEN, ZALTRAP, ZEJULA, ZEPZELCA, ZEVALIN, ZIDOVUDINE, ZIRABEV, ZORTRESS, ZYMFENTRA, ZYMFENTRA (2 PACK), ZYMFENTRA PEN (2 PACK), ZYNLONTA, ZYNYZ, ZYVOX |
| Anagrelide/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of anagrelide with agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of anagrelide with agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of anagrelide states that anagrelide should not be used in patients taking medications known to prolong the QT interval.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: In a thorough QT study, dose-related QT changes were observed with anagrelide. The maximum mean change in QTcI (95% CI) in comparison to placebo was 7.0 (9.8) ms and 13.0 (15.7) msec following doses of 0.5 mg and 2.5mg, respectively.(1) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(3) 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. |
AGRYLIN, ANAGRELIDE HCL |
| Opioids (Cough and Cold)/Antipsychotics; Phenothiazines SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of opioids and antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, may result in additive CNS depression.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of opioids and other CNS depressants, such as antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, 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 antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives.(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: A nested case-control study looked at the relationship between antipsychotic use and risk of acute respiratory failure. Current use of antipsychotics was associated with a 2.33-fold increase in risk of respiratory failure compared to no use of antipsychotics. The risk was also significantly increased in patients with recent use of antipsychotics (within the past 15-30 days, OR = 1.79) and recent past use (within 31-90 days OR = 1.41). The risk increased with higher doses and longer duration of use.(4) 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) 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 |
| Clozapine/Vemurafenib SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Vemurafenib is a moderate inhibitor of CYP1A2. The FDA defines moderate inhibition as an increase in drug area-under-curve (AUC) greater than two fold, but less than 5 fold.(1) Clozapine has a narrow therapeutic window and is primarily metabolized by CYP1A2.(2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of clozapine with vemurafenib may result in elevated levels of clozapine and an increase in clozapine related side effects such as orthostatic hypotension, syncope, QT prolongation, profound sedation and seizures.(1,2) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction). PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If coadministration cannot be avoided, the manufacturer of vemurafenib recommends close monitoring and possible dose reduction of the affected drug. Steady-state levels of vemurafenib are not attained for approximately 15 days and so extended monitoring for interaction onset and severity may be required. Clozapine levels may be considered in patients receiving concurrent therapy with vemurafenib. Patients receiving concurrent therapy should be monitored for adverse clozapine effects. If concurrent therapy is warranted in patients receiving clozapine, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: An interaction study was performed in cancer patients treated with vemurafenib 960 mg twice daily for 15 days. The AUC of caffeine, a sensitive substrate for CYP1A2, was increased 2.6-fold.(1) Coadministration with tizanidine (2 mg, a sensitive CYP1A2 substrate) on day 21 with vemurafenib (960 mg twice daily for 21 days) increased tizanidine AUC and Cmax by 4.7-fold and 2.2-fold in 16 cancer patients.(1) |
ZELBORAF |
| Methadone for MAT/Selected Antipsychotics that Prolong QT SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Methadone has been shown to prolong the QTc interval. Concurrent use with selected antipsychotics may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1-3) Concurrent use of methadone and antipsychotics may result in additive CNS depression.(1-3) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of methadone with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1,2) Concurrent use of opioids and other CNS depressants such as antipsychotics may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and/or death.(1-3) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(4) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(4) Concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants may increase the risk of adverse effects. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Concurrent use of methadone with other agents known to prolong the QT interval should be approached with extreme caution.(1,2) Limit prescribing methadone with CNS depressants such as antipsychotics to patients for whom alternatives are inadequate.(3) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. Medication assisted treatment (MAT) with methadone is not contraindicated in patients taking CNS depressants; however, gradual tapering or decreasing to the lowest effective dose of antipsychotics may be appropriate. Ensure that other health care providers prescribing other CNS depressants are aware of the patient's methadone treatment.(5) 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) 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) 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: Most cases of methadone-induced QT prolongation are associated with, but not limited to, higher dose treatment (greater than 200 mg daily) and most involve patients being treated for pain with large, multiple daily doses. Cases have been reported in patients treated with doses commonly used for maintenance treatment of opioid addiction.(2) Levomethadone should be used with caution in patients with a history of QT prolongation, advanced heart disease, concomitant CYP3A4 inhibitors, or electrolyte abnormalities. Cases of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes have been reported, most commonly with high doses.(1) A nested case-control study looked at the relationship between antipsychotic use and risk of acute respiratory failure. Current use of antipsychotics was associated with a 2.33-fold increase in risk of respiratory failure compared to no use of antipsychotics. The risk was also significantly increased in patients with recent use of antipsychotics (within the past 15-30 days, OR = 1.79) and recent past use (within 31-90 days OR = 1.41). The risk increased with higher doses and longer duration of use.(8) 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.(9) 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.(10) 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.(11) 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.(12) 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.(13) 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.(14) Selected antipsychotics that prolong QT include: amsulpride, chlorpromazine, chlorprothixene, clozapine, haloperidol, iloperidone, mesoridazine, paliperidone, pimavanserin, pipamperone, promethazine, quetiapine, sulpiride, sultopride, thioridazine, ziprasidone, and zuclopenthixol. |
DISKETS, METHADONE HCL, METHADONE INTENSOL, METHADOSE |
| Methadone (non MAT)/Selected Antipsychotics that Prolong QT SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Methadone has been shown to prolong the QTc interval. Concurrent use with selected antipsychotics may result in additive effects on the QTc interval. Concurrent use of methadone and antipsychotics may result in additive CNS depression.(1,2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of methadone with antipsychotics may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) Concurrent use of methadone and other CNS depressants such as antipsychotics may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and/or death.(1,2) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) Concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants may increase the risk of adverse effects. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Concurrent use of methadone with agents known to prolong the QT interval should be approached with extreme caution.(1) Limit prescribing methadone with CNS depressants such as antipsychotics to patients for whom alternatives are inadequate.(2) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. 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.(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: Most cases of methadone-induced QT prolongation are associated with, but not limited to, higher dose treatment (greater than 200 mg daily) and most involve patients being treated for pain with large, multiple daily doses. Cases have been reported in patients treated with doses commonly used for maintenance treatment of opioid addiction.(1) A nested case-control study looked at the relationship between antipsychotic use and risk of acute respiratory failure. Current use of antipsychotics was associated with a 2.33-fold increase in risk of respiratory failure compared to no use of antipsychotics. The risk was also significantly increased in patients with recent use of antipsychotics (within the past 15-30 days, OR = 1.79) and recent past use (within 31-90 days OR = 1.41). The risk increased with higher doses and longer duration of use.(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.(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) Selected antipsychotics linked include: amsulpride, chlorpromazine, chlorprothixene, clozapine, iloperidone, mesoridazine, paliperidone, perphenazine, pimavanserin, pipamperone, promethazine, quetiapine, sulpiride, sultopride, thioridazine, ziprasidone, and zuclopenthixol. |
METHADONE HCL, METHADONE HCL-0.9% NACL, METHADONE HCL-NACL |
| Clozapine/Myelosuppressive Agents that Prolong QT SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of clozapine with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1-3) Clozapine and concurrent use with other myelosuppressive agents may be associated with additive risk of neutropenia or agranulocytosis.(4) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The use of clozapine in patients maintained on other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1-3) Moderate neutropenia, even if due to combination therapy, may require abrupt discontinuation of clozapine resulting in decompensation of the patient's psychiatric disorder (e.g. schizophrenia). The disease treated by other agents may be compromised if myelosuppression requires dose reduction, delay, or discontinuation of the myelosuppressive agent. Undetected severe neutropenia or agranulocytosis may be fatal. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) Low white blood counts prior to initiation of the myelosuppressive agent may increase risk for clinically significant neutropenia.(2) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Approach the concurrent use of clozapine and other agents that prolong the QTc interval with caution.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. If a patient stabilized on clozapine therapy requires treatment with other myelosuppressive agents the clozapine prescriber should consult with the prescriber of the myelosuppressive agent to discuss treatment and monitoring options. More frequent ANC monitoring or treatment alternatives secondary to neutropenic episodes may need to be considered. Clozapine is only available through a restricted distribution system which requires documentation of the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) prior to dispensing. For most clozapine patients, clozapine treatment must be interrupted for a suspected clozapine-induced ANC < 1000 cells/microliter. For patients with benign ethnic neutropenia (BEN), treatment must be interrupted for suspected clozapine-induced neutropenia < 500 cells/microliter.(1) DISCUSSION: Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation as well as ventricular arrhythmia, torsades de pointes, cardiac arrest, and sudden death.(1) Clozapine is only available through a restricted distribution system which requires documentation of the ANC prior to dispensing.(1) Myelosuppressive agents that prolong QT linked to this monograph include: arsenic, crizotinib, dasatinib, encorafenib, entrectinib, epirubicin, eribulin, fexinidazole, glasdegib, inotuzumab, lenvatinib, midostaurin, nilotinib, osimertinib, oxaliplatin, pacritinib, panobinostat, pazopanib, pentamidine, quinine, quizartinib, revumenib, ribociclib, romidepsin, rucaparib, sorafenib, tacrolimus, and vinflunine. |
ARSENIC TRIOXIDE, ASTAGRAF XL, BESPONSA, BRAFTOVI, DANZITEN, DASATINIB, DAURISMO, ELLENCE, ENVARSUS XR, EPIRUBICIN HCL, ERIBULIN MESYLATE, FARYDAK, HALAVEN, ISTODAX, NEBUPENT, NEXAVAR, NILOTINIB HCL, NILOTINIB TARTRATE, OXALIPLATIN, PAZOPANIB HCL, PENTAM 300, PENTAMIDINE ISETHIONATE, PROGRAF, QUALAQUIN, QUININE HCL, QUININE SULFATE, REVUFORJ, ROMIDEPSIN, ROZLYTREK, RUBRACA, RYDAPT, SORAFENIB, SPRYCEL, SUNITINIB MALATE, SUTENT, TACROLIMUS, TACROLIMUS XL, TAGRISSO, TASIGNA, TRISENOX, VANFLYTA, VOTRIENT, XALKORI |
| Clozapine/Anticholinergics SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Clozapine has potent anticholinergic properties and inhibits serotonin receptors, including 5-HT3.(1-4) Both of these properties may cause inhibition of gastrointestinal (GI) smooth muscle contraction, resulting in decreased peristalsis.(3,4) These effects may be compounded by concurrent use of anticholinergic agents.(1-6) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of clozapine with other anticholinergic agents may increase the risk of constipation (common) and serious bowel complications (uncommon), including complete bowel obstruction, fecal impaction, paralytic ileus and intestinal ischemia or infarction.(1-6) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for serious bowel complications is higher with increasing age, higher frequency of constipation, and in patients on higher doses of clozapine or multiple anticholinergic agents.(1,5) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid the use of other anticholinergic agents with clozapine.(1-6) If concurrent use is necessary, evaluate the patient's bowel function regularly. Monitor for symptoms of constipation and GI hypomotility, including having bowel movements less than three times weekly or less than usual, difficulty having a bowel movement or passing gas, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain or distention.(2) Consider a prophylactic laxative in those with a history of constipation or bowel obstruction.(2) Review patient medication list for other anticholinergic agents. When possible, decrease the dosage or number of prescribed anticholinergic agents, particularly in the elderly. Counsel the patient about the importance of maintaining adequate hydration. Encourage regular exercise and eating a high-fiber diet.(2) DISCUSSION: In a prospective cohort study of 26,720 schizophrenic patients in the Danish Central Psychiatric Research Registry, the odds ratio (OR) for ileus was 1.99 with clozapine and 1.48 with anticholinergics. The OR for fatal ileus was 6.73 with clozapine and 5.88 with anticholinergics. Use of anticholinergics with 1st generation antipsychotics (FGA) increased the risk of ileus compare to FGA alone, but this analysis was not done with clozapine.(5) A retrospective cohort study of 24,970 schizophrenic patients from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database found that the hazard ratio (HR) for clozapine-induced constipation increased from 1.64 when clozapine is used alone, to 2.15 when used concomitantly with anticholinergics. However, there was no significant difference in the HR for ileus when clozapine is used with and without anticholinergics (1.95 and 2.02, respectively).(6) In the French Pharmacovigilance Database, 7 of 38 cases of antipsychotic-associated ischemic colitis or intestinal necrosis involved clozapine, and 5 of these cases involved use of concomitant anticholinergic agents. Three patients died, one of whom was on concomitant anticholinergics.(3) In a case series, 4 of 9 cases of fatal clozapine-associated GI dysfunction involved concurrent anticholinergic agents.(4) |
ADASUVE, AMITRIPTYLINE HCL, AMOXAPINE, AMRIX, ANAFRANIL, ANASPAZ, ANTIVERT, ATROPEN, ATROPINE SULFATE, ATROVENT HFA, BELLADONNA, BELLADONNA LEAF POWDER, BELLADONNA-OPIUM, BENZTROPINE MESYLATE, BEVESPI AEROSPHERE, BONJESTA, BREZTRI AEROSPHERE, BROMFED DM, BROMPHENIRAMINE MALEATE, BROMPHENIRAMINE-PSEUDOEPHED-DM, CARBINOXAMINE MALEATE, CARBINOXAMINE MALEATE ER, CARBZAH, CHLORDIAZEPOXIDE-AMITRIPTYLINE, CHLORDIAZEPOXIDE-CLIDINIUM, CHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE, CIMETIDINE, CLEMASTINE FUMARATE, CLIDINIUM BROMIDE, CLOMIPRAMINE HCL, COBENFY, COBENFY STARTER PACK, COMBIVENT RESPIMAT, CUVPOSA, CYCLOBENZAPRINE HCL, CYCLOBENZAPRINE HCL ER, CYCLOPAK, CYCLOPENTOLATE HCL, CYCLOTENS, CYPROHEPTADINE HCL, DARIFENACIN ER, DARTISLA, DESIPRAMINE HCL, DEXCHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE, DICLEGIS, DICYCLOMINE HCL, DIMENHYDRINATE, DIPHEN, DIPHENHYDRAMINE HCL, DIPHENHYDRAMINE-0.9% NACL, DIPHENOXYLATE-ATROPINE, DONNATAL, DOXEPIN HCL, DOXYLAMINE SUCC-PYRIDOXINE HCL, DOXYLAMINE SUCCINATE, DUODOTE, ED-SPAZ, FESOTERODINE FUMARATE ER, FEXMID, FLAVOXATE HCL, GLYCATE, GLYCOPYRROLATE, GLYCOPYRROLATE-STERILE WATER, GLYCOPYRROLATE-WATER, GLYRX-PF, HOMATROPINE METHYLBROMIDE, HYCODAN, HYDROCODONE-CHLORPHENIRAMNE ER, HYDROCODONE-HOMATROPINE MBR, HYDROMET, HYOSCYAMINE SULFATE, HYOSCYAMINE SULFATE ER, HYOSCYAMINE SULFATE SR, HYOSYNE, IMIPRAMINE HCL, IMIPRAMINE PAMOATE, IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE, IPRATROPIUM-ALBUTEROL, ISOPROPAMIDE IODIDE, KARBINAL ER, LEVBID, LEVSIN, LEVSIN-SL, LIBRAX, LOMOTIL, LOXAPINE, MB CAPS, ME-NAPHOS-MB-HYO 1, MECLIZINE HCL, METHSCOPOLAMINE BROMIDE, MOTOFEN, NORGESIC, NORGESIC FORTE, NORPRAMIN, NORTRIPTYLINE HCL, NULEV, ORPHENADRINE CITRATE, ORPHENADRINE CITRATE ER, ORPHENADRINE-ASPIRIN-CAFFEINE, ORPHENGESIC FORTE, OSCIMIN, OSCIMIN SL, OXCARBAZEPINE, OXCARBAZEPINE ER, OXTELLAR XR, OXYBUTYNIN CHLORIDE, OXYBUTYNIN CHLORIDE ER, OXYTROL, PAMELOR, PERPHENAZINE-AMITRIPTYLINE, PHENERGAN, PHENOBARBITAL-BELLADONNA, PHENOBARBITAL-HYOSC-ATROP-SCOP, PHENOHYTRO, PREVDUO, PROMETHAZINE HCL, PROMETHAZINE HCL-0.9% NACL, PROMETHAZINE VC, PROMETHAZINE-CODEINE, PROMETHAZINE-DM, PROMETHAZINE-PHENYLEPHRINE HCL, PROMETHEGAN, PROPANTHELINE BROMIDE, PROTRIPTYLINE HCL, PYRILAMINE MALEATE, RESPA A.R., ROBINUL, ROBINUL FORTE, RYCLORA, RYVENT, SCOPOLAMINE, SCOPOLAMINE HYDROBROMIDE, SCOPOLAMINE METHYL NITRATE, SILENOR, SOLIFENACIN SUCCINATE, SPIRIVA HANDIHALER, SPIRIVA RESPIMAT, STIOLTO RESPIMAT, SYMAX, SYMAX DUOTAB, SYMAX-SL, SYMAX-SR, TIOTROPIUM BROMIDE, TOVIAZ, TRANSDERM-SCOP, TRIFLUOPERAZINE HCL, TRIHEXYPHENIDYL HCL, TRILEPTAL, TRIMIPRAMINE MALEATE, TRIPROLIDINE HCL, TROPICAMIDE, TROSPIUM CHLORIDE, TROSPIUM CHLORIDE ER, TUXARIN ER, URELLE, URETRON D-S, URIBEL TABS, URIMAR-T, URNEVA, URO-MP, URO-SP, UROGESIC-BLUE, URYL, VESICARE, VESICARE LS |
| Clozapine/Anticholinergics that Prolong QT SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of clozapine with anticholinergic agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval and increased risk of anticholinergic toxicity.(1) In particular, the anticholinergic agents may compound the anticholinergic and anti-serotonergic effects of clozapine to inhibit gastrointestinal (GI) smooth muscle contraction, resulting in decreased peristalsis.(1-6) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The use of clozapine in patients maintained on agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) Concurrent use of clozapine with anticholinergic agents may increase the risk of constipation (common) and serious bowel complications (uncommon), including complete bowel obstruction, fecal impaction, paralytic ileus and intestinal ischemia or infarction.(1-6) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(7) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(7) The risk for serious bowel complications is higher with increasing age and in patients on multiple anticholinergic agents.(5) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid the use of other QT-prolonging anticholinergic agents with clozapine. If concurrent therapy is necessary, approach the use of this combination with caution.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. In addition, evaluate the patient's bowel function regularly. Monitor for symptoms of constipation and GI hypomotility, including having bowel movements less than three times weekly or less than usual, difficulty having a bowel movement or passing gas, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain or distention.(2) Consider a prophylactic laxative in those with a history of constipation or bowel obstruction.(2) Review patient medication list for other anticholinergic agents. When possible, decrease the dosage or number of prescribed anticholinergic agents, particularly in the elderly. Counsel the patient about the importance of maintaining adequate hydration. Encourage regular exercise and eating a high-fiber diet.(2) DISCUSSION: Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation as well as ventricular arrythmia, Torsades de Pointes, cardiac arrest, and sudden death.(1) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval but are generally accepted to have a risk of causing Torsades de Pointes. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or Torsades de Pointes in clinical trials and/or post-marketing reports.(8) In a prospective cohort study of 26,720 schizophrenic patients in the Danish Central Psychiatric Research Registry, the odds ratio (OR) for ileus was 1.99 with clozapine and 1.48 with anticholinergics. The OR for fatal ileus was 6.73 with clozapine and 5.88 with anticholinergics. Use of anticholinergics with 1st generation antipsychotics (FGA) increased the risk of ileus compare to FGA alone, but this analysis was not done with clozapine.(5) A retrospective cohort study of 24,970 schizophrenic patients from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database found that the hazard ratio (HR) for clozapine-induced constipation increased from 1.64 when clozapine is used alone, to 2.15 when used concomitantly with anticholinergics. However, there was no significant difference in the HR for ileus when clozapine is used with and without anticholinergics (1.95 and 2.02, respectively).(6) In the French Pharmacovigilance Database, 7 of 38 cases of antipsychotic-associated ischemic colitis or intestinal necrosis involved clozapine, and 5 of these cases involved use of concomitant anticholinergic agents. Three patients died, one of whom was on concomitant anticholinergics.(3) In a case series, 4 of 9 cases of fatal clozapine-associated GI dysfunction involved concurrent anticholinergic agents.(4) |
CHLORPROMAZINE HCL, DISOPYRAMIDE PHOSPHATE, HYDROXYZINE HCL, HYDROXYZINE PAMOATE, NORPACE, NORPACE CR, THIORIDAZINE HCL, THIORIDAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE, TOLTERODINE TARTRATE, TOLTERODINE TARTRATE ER |
| Clozapine/Carbamazepine SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: While clozapine is primarily metabolized by CYP1A2, CYP3A4 also plays a role. Carbamazepine induces both of these metabolic pathways. In addition, due to its anticholinergic activity, carbamazepine may compound the anticholinergic and anti-serotonergic effects of clozapine to inhibit gastrointestinal (GI) smooth muscle contraction, resulting in decreased peristalsis.(1-6) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concomitant administration may result in decreased concentration and effectiveness of clozapine. Additionally, concomitant administration of carbamazepine and clozapine may increase the risk for neutropenia or agranulocytosis,(7) as well as the risk of constipation (common) and serious bowel complications (uncommon), including complete bowel obstruction, fecal impaction, paralytic ileus and intestinal ischemia or infarction.(1-6) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Low white blood counts prior to initiation of the myelosuppressive agents may increase risk for clinically significant neutropenia. The risk for serious bowel complications is higher with increasing age and in patients on multiple anticholinergic agents.(5) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of clozapine states that clozapine should not be used concurrently with agents known to cause agranulocytosis because of the possibility of synergistic effects on the risk and/or severity of bone marrow suppression.(1) If concurrent therapy of clozapine with carbamazepine is required, close monitoring for increased clozapine toxicity and decreased clozapine efficacy is needed. Hematological effects: More frequent ANC monitoring or treatment alternatives secondary to neutropenic episodes may need to be considered. Clozapine is only available through a restricted distribution system which requires documentation of the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) prior to dispensing.(1,8) For most clozapine patients, clozapine treatment must be interrupted for a suspected clozapine-induced ANC < 1,000 cells/microliter. For patients with benign ethnic neutropenia (BEN), treatment must be interrupted for suspected clozapine-induced neutropenia < 500 cells/microliter.(1) Gastrointestinal effects: Evaluate the patient's bowel function regularly. Monitor for symptoms of constipation and GI hypomotility, including having bowel movements less than three times weekly or less than usual, difficulty having a bowel movement or passing gas, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain or distention.(2) Consider a prophylactic laxative in those with a history of constipation or bowel obstruction.(2) Review patient medication list for other anticholinergic agents. When possible, decrease the dosage or number of prescribed anticholinergic agents, particularly in the elderly. Counsel the patient about the importance of maintaining adequate hydration. Encourage regular exercise and eating a high-fiber diet.(2) Pharmacokinetic effects: The onset of induction is gradual. It may take as little as one week to more than 4 weeks to see maximal induction effects. In stable clozapine patients beginning treatment with carbamazepine, consider measurement of clozapine levels prior to start of concomitant therapy. The magnitude of this interaction can be large; combined CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 enzyme inducers may decrease clozapine levels = or > 50%. Adjust clozapine dose accordingly. After stabilization on concomitant therapy, if carbamazepine is subsequently discontinued, then the clozapine dosage will need to be gradually decreased to the original dose as the effects of enzyme induction wane over approximately 2-3 weeks. DISCUSSION: Hematological effects: There is one published case report of fatal agranulocytosis during concurrent administration of carbamazepine and clozapine. The patient died ten weeks after the addition of clozapine to therapy with carbamazepine, lithium, benztropine, and clonazepam. Lithium was withdrawn from therapy one week prior to the patient's death.(7) There is one case report of neuroleptic malignant syndrome which developed three days after the addition of clozapine to therapy with carbamazepine. Symptoms resolved following the discontinuation of clozapine.(9) Gastrointestinal effects: In a prospective cohort study of 26,720 schizophrenic patients in the Danish Central Psychiatric Research Registry, the odds ratio (OR) for ileus was 1.99 with clozapine and 1.48 with anticholinergics. The OR for fatal ileus was 6.73 with clozapine and 5.88 with anticholinergics. Use of anticholinergics with 1st generation antipsychotics (FGA) increased the risk of ileus compare to FGA alone, but this analysis was not done with clozapine.(5) A retrospective cohort study of 24,970 schizophrenic patients from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database found that the hazard ratio (HR) for clozapine-induced constipation increased from 1.64 when clozapine is used alone, to 2.15 when used concomitantly with anticholinergics. However, there was no significant difference in the HR for ileus when clozapine is used with and without anticholinergics (1.95 and 2.02, respectively).(6) In the French Pharmacovigilance Database, 7 of 38 cases of antipsychotic-associated ischemic colitis or intestinal necrosis involved clozapine, and 5 of these cases involved use of concomitant anticholinergic agents. Three patients died, one of whom was on concomitant anticholinergics.(3) In a case series, 4 of 9 cases of fatal clozapine-associated GI dysfunction involved concurrent anticholinergic agents.(4) Pharmacokinetic effects: In two case reports, the discontinuation of carbamazepine from concurrent therapy with clozapine resulted in increased clozapine levels within two weeks of carbamazepine withdrawal. Clozapine levels increased from 1.4 to 2.4 mcg-mol/L and from 1.5 to 3.0 mcg-mol/L.(10) In three case reports, clozapine levels increased following the switch of carbamazepine to oxcarbazepine.(11) A retrospective chart review of eight patients found a decrease of 50% in the clozapine level-to-dose ratio during concurrent therapy with carbamazepine when compared to levels before concurrent therapy with carbamazepine.(12) |
CARBAMAZEPINE, CARBAMAZEPINE ER, CARBATROL, EPITOL, EQUETRO, TEGRETOL, TEGRETOL XR |
| Clozapine/Paroxetine SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: The metabolism of clozapine may be inhibited at CYP2D6 by paroxetine. In addition, due to its anticholinergic activity, paroxetine may compound the anticholinergic and anti-serotonergic effects of clozapine to inhibit gastrointestinal (GI) smooth muscle contraction, resulting in decreased peristalsis.(1-6) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of clozapine with paroxetine may result in elevated levels of clozapine and an increase in clozapine related side effects, orthostatic hypotension, syncope, QT prolongation, profound sedation and seizures. Concurrent use may also increase the risk of constipation (common) and serious bowel complications (uncommon), including complete bowel obstruction, fecal impaction, paralytic ileus and intestinal ischemia or infarction.(1-6) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(7) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(7) The risk for serious bowel complications is higher with increasing age and in patients on multiple anticholinergic agents.(5) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Clozapine levels should be monitored in patients receiving concurrent therapy with clozapine and paroxetine. Patients should be monitored for signs of clozapine toxicity. The dosage of either clozapine or paroxetine may need to be adjusted or one or both agents may need to be discontinued. Clozapine levels should also be monitored following the discontinuation of paroxetine from concurrent therapy. If concurrent therapy is warranted in patients receiving clozapine, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. In addition, evaluate the patient's bowel function regularly. Monitor for symptoms of constipation and GI hypomotility, including having bowel movements less than three times weekly or less than usual, difficulty having a bowel movement or passing gas, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain or distention.(2) Consider a prophylactic laxative in those with a history of constipation or bowel obstruction.(2) Review patient medication list for other anticholinergic agents. When possible, decrease the dosage or number of prescribed anticholinergic agents, particularly in the elderly. Counsel the patient about the importance of maintaining adequate hydration. Encourage regular exercise and eating a high-fiber diet.(2) DISCUSSION: A study(8) in 16 subjects found that the concurrent administration of paroxetine and clozapine resulted in clozapine and norclozapine levels that were 57.4% and 50% higher, respectively, than levels seen in similar patients receiving clozapine alone. In a case report(9), a patient developed anticholinergic syndrome and her clozapine level had doubled into the toxic range 19 days after the addition of paroxetine to her therapy. In contrast, two studies(10,11) found no significant changes in clozapine levels following the addition of paroxetine. Gastrointestinal effects with paroxetine coadministration: In a prospective cohort study of 26,720 schizophrenic patients in the Danish Central Psychiatric Research Registry, the odds ratio (OR) for ileus was 1.99 with clozapine and 1.48 with anticholinergics. The OR for fatal ileus was 6.73 with clozapine and 5.88 with anticholinergics. Use of anticholinergics with 1st generation antipsychotics (FGA) increased the risk of ileus compare to FGA alone, but this analysis was not done with clozapine.(5) A retrospective cohort study of 24,970 schizophrenic patients from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database found that the hazard ratio (HR) for clozapine-induced constipation increased from 1.64 when clozapine is used alone, to 2.15 when used concomitantly with anticholinergics. However, there was no significant difference in the HR for ileus when clozapine is used with and without anticholinergics (1.95 and 2.02, respectively).(6) In the French Pharmacovigilance Database, 7 of 38 cases of antipsychotic-associated ischemic colitis or intestinal necrosis involved clozapine, and 5 of these cases involved use of concomitant anticholinergic agents. Three patients died, one of whom was on concomitant anticholinergics.(3) In a case series, 4 of 9 cases of fatal clozapine-associated GI dysfunction involved concurrent anticholinergic agents.(4) |
PAROXETINE CR, PAROXETINE ER, PAROXETINE HCL, PAROXETINE MESYLATE, PAXIL, PAXIL CR |
| Clozapine/Capmatinib SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Capmatinib may inhibit the metabolism of clozapine via CYP1A2.(1,2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use may result in higher levels of clozapine and increased risk of side effects including neutropenia and QT prolongation.(2) Moderate neutropenia, even if due to combination therapy, may require abrupt discontinuation of clozapine resulting in decompensation of the patient's psychiatric disorder (e.g. schizophrenia). Undetected severe neutropenia or agranulocytosis may be fatal.(2,3) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(4) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(4) Low white blood counts prior to initiation of the myelosuppressive agent may increase risk for clinically significant neutropenia.(2,3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of capmatinib recommends avoiding coadministration of narrow therapeutic index CYP1A2 substrates with capmatinib.(1) The manufacturer of clozapine recommends monitoring patients for adverse reactions of clozapine and lowering the dose of clozapine if necessary.(2) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. If a patient stabilized on clozapine therapy requires treatment with capmatinib, the clozapine prescriber should consult with the prescriber of capmatinib to discuss treatment and monitoring options. More frequent ANC monitoring or treatment alternatives secondary to neutropenic episodes may need to be considered. Clozapine is only available through a restricted distribution system which requires documentation of the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) prior to dispensing. For most clozapine patients, clozapine treatment must be interrupted for a suspected clozapine-induced ANC < 1000 cells/microliter. For patients with benign ethnic neutropenia (BEN), treatment must be interrupted for suspected clozapine-induced neutropenia < 500 cells/microliter.(3) DISCUSSION: Coadministration of capmatinib increased caffeine (a CYP1A2 substrate) area-under-curve (AUC) by 134% with no change in its maximum concentration (Cmax). Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation as well as ventricular arrhythmia, torsades de pointes, cardiac arrest, and sudden death.(2) Clozapine is only available through a restricted distribution system which requires documentation of the ANC prior to dispensing.(3) |
TABRECTA |
| Clozapine/Viloxazine SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Viloxazine is a strong inhibitor of CYP1A2 and may increase the total exposure of sensitive CYP1A2 substrates like clozapine.(1-2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of clozapine with viloxazine may result in elevated levels of clozapine and an increase in clozapine related side effects such as orthostatic hypotension, syncope, QT prolongation, profound sedation and seizures.(2) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction). PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends reducing the clozapine dose to one-third the original dose with concurrent strong CYP1A2 inhibitors like viloxazine. Close monitoring is required to prevent clozapine toxicity. Clozapine levels should be monitored in patients receiving concurrent therapy with viloxazine. Patients should also be monitored for adverse clozapine effects and QT prolongation.(2) If concurrent therapy is warranted in patients receiving clozapine, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. If viloxazine is discontinued, the clozapine dose should be increased based on clinical response.(2) Serum clozapine measurements may be useful. DISCUSSION: Concomitant use of viloxazine significantly increases the total exposure, but not peak exposure, of sensitive CYP1A2 substrates like clozapine, which may increase the risk of adverse reactions. In a study, viloxazine increased the AUC of caffeine (a sensitive CYP1A2 substrate) by almost 6-fold.(1) Several case reports have documented increased levels of clozapine when fluvoxamine (a strong CYP1A2 inhibitor) was added to therapy.(4-7) The increases in clozapine levels ranged from 231% to 780%. Several case reports describe increased clozapine-related side effects following the addition of fluvoxamine to clozapine therapy.(5,8-9) In a study in 16 subjects(2,10), the addition of fluvoxamine to patients receiving clozapine resulted in 3-fold increases in clozapine, N-desmethylclozapine, and clozapine N-oxide. The half-life of clozapine increased from 17 hours to 50 hours. Another study (11) compared patients receiving clozapine monotherapy to patients receiving concurrent therapy with clozapine and fluvoxamine and found that the dose-normalized clozapine concentration increased by a factor of 5-10 when fluvoxamine was added. |
QELBREE |
| Sodium Iodide I 131/Myelosuppressives; Immunomodulators SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Sodium iodide I 131 can cause depression of the hematopoetic system. Myelosuppressives and immunomodulators also suppress the immune system.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of sodium iodide I 131 with agents that cause bone marrow depression, including myelosuppressives or immunomodulators, may result in an enhanced risk of hematologic disorders, including anemia, blood dyscrasias, bone marrow depression, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow depression may increase the risk of serious infections and bleeding.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of sodium iodide I 131 states that concurrent use with bone marrow depressants may enhance the depression of the hematopoetic system caused by large doses of sodium iodide I 131.(1) Sodium iodide I 131 causes a dose-dependent bone marrow suppression, including neutropenia or thrombocytopenia, in the 3 to 5 weeks following administration. Patients may be at increased risk of infections or bleeding during this time. Monitor complete blood counts within one month of therapy. If results indicate leukopenia or thrombocytopenia, dosimetry should be used to determine a safe sodium iodide I 131 activity.(1) DISCUSSION: Hematologic disorders including death have been reported with sodium iodide I 131. The most common hematologic disorders reported include anemia, blood dyscrasias, bone marrow depression, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia.(1) |
HICON, SODIUM IODIDE I-131 |
| Clozapine/Fingolimod SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of clozapine with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) Initiation of fingolimod has a negative chronotropic effect and may cause bradycardia, which may increase the risk of QT prolongation.(2-4) Clozapine and concurrent use with other myelosuppressive agents, including fingolimod, may be associated with additive risk of neutropenia or agranulocytosis.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of clozapine with agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.(1) Fingolimod causes a biphasic lowering of the heart rate (HR), initially within 6 hours, and then at 12-24 hours after the first dose. Symptomatic bradycardia and heart block, including third degree block, have been observed. Bradycardia may be associated with an increase in the QTc interval, increasing the risk for torsade de pointes. There is no consistent signal of increased incidence of QTc outliers, either absolute or change from baseline, associated with fingolimod treatment.(2-4) Moderate neutropenia may require abrupt discontinuation of clozapine resulting in decompensation of the patient's psychiatric disorder (e.g. schizophrenia). Fingolimod therapy may be compromised if myelosuppression requires dose reduction, delay, or discontinuation of fingolimod. Undetected severe neutropenia or agranulocytosis may be fatal. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(5) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of the QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(5) Low white blood counts prior to initiation of the myelosuppressive agent may increase risk for clinically significant neutropenia.(1) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Approach the concurrent use of clozapine and other agents that prolong the QTc interval with caution.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. If a patient stabilized on clozapine therapy requires treatment with other myelosuppressive agents the clozapine prescriber should consult with the prescriber of the myelosuppressive agent to discuss treatment and monitoring options. More frequent ANC monitoring or treatment alternatives secondary to neutropenic episodes may need to be considered. Clozapine is only available through a restricted distribution system which requires documentation of the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) prior to dispensing. For most clozapine patients, clozapine treatment must be interrupted for a suspected clozapine-induced ANC < 1000 cells/microliter. For patients with benign ethnic neutropenia (BEN), treatment must be interrupted for suspected clozapine-induced neutropenia < 500 cells/microliter.(1) Patients receiving concurrent treatment with a QT prolonging agent at the time fingolimod is initiated or resumed should be referred to a cardiologist. Consult the prescribing information for recommendations regarding cardiac monitoring.(2-4) DISCUSSION: Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation as well as ventricular arrhythmia, torsades de pointes, cardiac arrest, and sudden death.(1) Clozapine is only available through a restricted distribution system which requires documentation of the ANC prior to dispensing.(1,7) After the first dose of fingolimod, heart rate decrease may begin within an hour. Decline is usually maximal at approximately 6 hours followed by a second decrease 12 to 24 hours after the first dose. The second dose may further decrease heart rate, but the magnitude of change is smaller than the first dose. With continued, chronic dosing, heart rate gradually returns to baseline in about one month.(2,3) In a thorough QT interval study of doses of 1.25 or 2.5 mg fingolimod at steady-state, when a negative chronotropic effect of fingolimod was still present, fingolimod treatment resulted in a prolongation of QTc, with the upper boundary of the 90% confidence interval (CI) of 14.0 msec. The cause of death in a patient who died within 24 hour after taking the first dose of fingolimod was not conclusive; however a link to fingolimod or a drug interaction with fingolimod could not be ruled out.(2) |
FINGOLIMOD, GILENYA, TASCENSO ODT |
| Clozapine/Siponimod SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of clozapine with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) Initiation of siponimod has a negative chronotropic effect and may cause bradycardia, which may increase the risk of QT prolongation.(2-3) Clozapine and concurrent use with other myelosuppressive agents, including siponimod, may be associated with additive risk of neutropenia or agranulocytosis.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of clozapine with agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.(1) Siponimod lowers heart rate within an hour of the 1st dose, and the Day 1 decline is maximal at 3-4 hours. This leads to a mean decrease in heart rate of 5-6 beats per minute after the first dose. The first dose has also been associated with heart block. With continued up-titration, further heart rate decreases are seen, with maximal decrease from Day 1-baseline reached on Day 5-6. Symptomatic bradycardia has been observed. Bradycardia may be associated with an increase in the QTc interval.(2,3) Moderate neutropenia may require abrupt discontinuation of clozapine resulting in decompensation of the patient's psychiatric disorder. Siponimod therapy may be compromised if myelosuppression requires dose reduction, delay, or discontinuation of siponimod. Undetected severe neutropenia or agranulocytosis may be fatal. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(4) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of the QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(4) Low white blood counts prior to initiation of the myelosuppressive agent may increase risk for clinically significant neutropenia.(1) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Approach the concurrent use of clozapine and other agents that prolong the QTc interval with caution.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. If a patient stabilized on clozapine therapy requires treatment with other myelosuppressive agents the clozapine prescriber should consult with the prescriber of the myelosuppressive agent to discuss treatment and monitoring options. More frequent ANC monitoring or treatment alternatives secondary to neutropenic episodes may need to be considered. Clozapine is only available through a restricted distribution system which requires documentation of the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) prior to dispensing. For most clozapine patients, clozapine treatment must be interrupted for a suspected clozapine-induced ANC < 1000 cells/microliter. For patients with benign ethnic neutropenia (BEN), treatment must be interrupted for suspected clozapine-induced neutropenia < 500 cells/microliter.(1) Patients receiving concurrent treatment with a QT prolonging agent at the time siponimod is initiated or resumed should be referred to a cardiologist. Consult the prescribing information for recommendations regarding cardiac monitoring.(2-3) DISCUSSION: Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation as well as ventricular arrhythmia, torsades de pointes, cardiac arrest, and sudden death.(1) After the first dose of siponimod, heart rate decrease may begin within an hour. Decline is usually maximal at approximately 3-4 hours. With continued, chronic dosing, heart rate gradually returns to baseline in about 10 days.(2,3) A transient, dose-dependent decrease in heart rate was observed during the initial dosing phase of siponimod, which plateaued at doses greater than or equal to 5 mg, and bradyarrhythmic events (AV blocks and sinus pauses) were detected at a higher incidence under siponimod treatment than placebo. AV blocks and sinus pauses occurred above the recommended dose of 2 mg, with notably higher incidence under non-titrated conditions compared to dose titration conditions.(2) Clozapine is only available through a restricted distribution system which requires documentation of the ANC prior to dispensing.(1,6) |
MAYZENT |
| Clozapine/Ponesimod SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of clozapine with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) Initiation of ponesimod has a negative chronotropic effect and may cause bradycardia, which may increase the risk of QT prolongation.(2) Clozapine and concurrent use with other myelosuppressive agents, including ponesimod, may be associated with additive risk of neutropenia or agranulocytosis.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of clozapine with agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.(1) Ponesimod lowers heart rate (HR) within 1 hour of the 1st dose. HR reaches its nadir within 2-4 hours and typically recovers to baseline levels 4-5 hours after dose. The conduction abnormalities typically were transient, asymptomatic, and resolved within 24 hours. With up-titration after Day 1, the post-dose decrease in heart rate is less pronounced. Bradycardia may be associated with an increase in the QTc interval.(2) Moderate neutropenia may require abrupt discontinuation of clozapine resulting in decompensation of the patient's psychiatric disorder. Ponesimod therapy may be compromised if myelosuppression requires dose reduction, delay, or discontinuation of ponesimod. Undetected severe neutropenia or agranulocytosis may be fatal. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of the QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) Low white blood counts prior to initiation of the myelosuppressive agent may increase risk for clinically significant neutropenia.(1) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Approach the concurrent use of clozapine and other agents that prolong the QTc interval with caution.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. If a patient stabilized on clozapine therapy requires treatment with other myelosuppressive agents the clozapine prescriber should consult with the prescriber of the myelosuppressive agent to discuss treatment and monitoring options. More frequent ANC monitoring or treatment alternatives secondary to neutropenic episodes may need to be considered. Clozapine is only available through a restricted distribution system which requires documentation of the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) prior to dispensing. For most clozapine patients, clozapine treatment must be interrupted for a suspected clozapine-induced ANC < 1000 cells/microliter. For patients with benign ethnic neutropenia (BEN), treatment must be interrupted for suspected clozapine-induced neutropenia < 500 cells/microliter.(1) Patients receiving concurrent treatment with a QT prolonging agent at the time ponesimod is initiated or resumed should be referred to a cardiologist. Consult the prescribing information for recommendations regarding cardiac monitoring.(2) DISCUSSION: Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation as well as ventricular arrhythmia, torsades de pointes, cardiac arrest, and sudden death.(1) After the first dose of ponesimod, heart rate decrease may begin within the first hour. Decline is usually maximal at approximately 4 hours. With continued, chronic dosing, post-dose decrease in heart rate is less pronounced. Heart rate gradually returns to baseline in about 4-5 hours.(2) Clozapine is only available through a restricted distribution system which requires documentation of the ANC prior to dispensing.(1,5) |
PONVORY |
| Clozapine/Ozanimod SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of clozapine with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) Initiation of ozanimod has a negative chronotropic effect and may cause bradycardia, which may increase the risk of QT prolongation.(2-3) Clozapine and concurrent use with other myelosuppressive agents, including ozanimod, may be associated with additive risk of neutropenia or agranulocytosis.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of clozapine with agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.(1) Ozanimod lowers heart rate (HR) within 5 hours of the 1st dose. With continued up-titration, the maximal heart rate effect of ozanimod occurred on Day 8. Symptomatic bradycardia and heart block, including third degree block, have been observed. Bradycardia may be associated with an increase in the QTc interval.(2,3) Moderate neutropenia may require abrupt discontinuation of clozapine resulting in decompensation of the patient's psychiatric disorder. Ozanimod therapy may be compromised if myelosuppression requires dose reduction, delay, or discontinuation of ozanimod. Undetected severe neutropenia or agranulocytosis may be fatal. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(4) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of the QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(4) Low white blood counts prior to initiation of the myelosuppressive agent may increase risk for clinically significant neutropenia.(1) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Approach the concurrent use of clozapine and other agents that prolong the QTc interval with caution.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. If a patient stabilized on clozapine therapy requires treatment with other myelosuppressive agents the clozapine prescriber should consult with the prescriber of the myelosuppressive agent to discuss treatment and monitoring options. More frequent ANC monitoring or treatment alternatives secondary to neutropenic episodes may need to be considered. Clozapine is only available through a restricted distribution system which requires documentation of the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) prior to dispensing. For most clozapine patients, clozapine treatment must be interrupted for a suspected clozapine-induced ANC < 1000 cells/microliter. For patients with benign ethnic neutropenia (BEN), treatment must be interrupted for suspected clozapine-induced neutropenia < 500 cells/microliter.(1) Patients receiving concurrent treatment with a QT prolonging agent at the time ozanimod is initiated or resumed should be referred to a cardiologist. Consult the prescribing information for recommendations regarding cardiac monitoring.(2-3) DISCUSSION: Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation as well as ventricular arrhythmia, torsades de pointes, cardiac arrest, and sudden death.(1) After the first dose of ozanimod heart rate decline is usually maximal at approximately 5 hours, returning to baseline at 6 hours. With continued, chronic dosing, max heart rate effect occurred on day 8.(2,3) Clozapine is only available through a restricted distribution system which requires documentation of the ANC prior to dispensing.(1,6) |
ZEPOSIA |
| Clozapine/Selected Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: CYP3A4 inhibitors may inhibit the metabolism of clozapine.(1,2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of clozapine with CYP3A4 inhibitors may result in elevated levels of clozapine and an increase in clozapine related side effects such as orthostatic hypotension, syncope, QT prolongation, profound sedation and seizures.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) The risk of anticholinergic toxicities including cognitive decline, delirium, falls and fractures is increased in geriatric patients using more than one medicine with anticholinergic properties.(4) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Clozapine levels should be monitored in patients receiving concurrent therapy with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. Patients should be monitored for signs of clozapine toxicity. The dosage of clozapine may need to be adjusted, or one or both agents may need to be discontinued. Clozapine levels should also be monitored following the discontinuation of of the CYP3A4 inhibitor from concurrent therapy.(1) The Australian manufacturer of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir contraindicates co-administration with clozapine.(5) If concurrent therapy is warranted in patients receiving clozapine, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: In a study in 92 psychiatric patients maintained on clozapine, the ratio of clozapine levels/dose was found to correlate with expression of CYP3A4.(1) Clozapine is a substrate of CYP1A2, CYP2D6, and CYP3AA4.(2) |
APTIVUS, EVOTAZ, GENVOYA, ITRACONAZOLE, ITRACONAZOLE MICRONIZED, KETOCONAZOLE, KORLYM, MIFEPREX, MIFEPRISTONE, NEFAZODONE HCL, PAXLOVID, PREZCOBIX, SPORANOX, STRIBILD, SYMTUZA, TOLSURA, TUKYSA, TYBOST, VIRACEPT |
| Clozapine/Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors that Prolong QT SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: CYP3A4 inhibitors may inhibit the metabolism of clozapine.(1,2) Concurrent use of clozapine with agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of clozapine with CYP3A4 inhibitors may result in elevated levels of clozapine and an increase in clozapine related side effects such as orthostatic hypotension, syncope, QT prolongation, profound sedation and seizures.(1) The use of clozapine in patients maintained on agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) The risk of anticholinergic toxicities including cognitive decline, delirium, falls and fractures is increased in geriatric patients using more than one medicine with anticholinergic properties.(4) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Clozapine levels should be monitored in patients receiving concurrent therapy with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. Patients should be monitored for signs of clozapine toxicity, including QT prolongation. The dosage of clozapine may need to be adjusted, or one or both agents may need to be discontinued. Clozapine levels should also be monitored following the discontinuation of of the CYP3A4 inhibitor from concurrent therapy.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted in patients receiving clozapine, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: In a study in 92 psychiatric patients maintained on clozapine, the ratio of clozapine levels/dose was found to correlate with expression of CYP3A4.(1) Clozapine is a substrate of CYP1A2, CYP2D6, and CYP3AA4.(2) |
CLARITHROMYCIN, CLARITHROMYCIN ER, KALETRA, LANSOPRAZOL-AMOXICIL-CLARITHRO, LOPINAVIR-RITONAVIR, NOXAFIL, OMECLAMOX-PAK, POSACONAZOLE, RECORLEV, VFEND, VFEND IV, VOQUEZNA TRIPLE PAK, VORICONAZOLE, ZYKADIA |
| Clozapine/Myelosuppressive Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: CYP3A4 inhibitors may inhibit the metabolism of clozapine.(1,2) Clozapine and concurrent use with other myelosuppressive agents may be associated with additive risk of neutropenia or agranulocytosis.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of clozapine with CYP3A4 inhibitors may result in elevated levels of clozapine and an increase in clozapine related side effects such as orthostatic hypotension, syncope, QT prolongation, profound sedation and seizures.(1) Moderate neutropenia, even if due to combination therapy, may require abrupt discontinuation of clozapine resulting in decompensation of the patient's psychiatric disorder (e.g. schizophrenia). The disease treated by the myelosuppressive agent may be compromised if myelosuppression requires dose reduction, delay, or discontinuation of the myelosuppressive agent. Undetected severe neutropenia or agranulocytosis may be fatal. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) Low white blood counts prior to initiation of the myelosuppressive agent may increase risk for clinically significant neutropenia. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Clozapine levels should be monitored in patients receiving concurrent therapy with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. Patients should be monitored for signs of clozapine toxicity, including QT prolongation and myelosuppression. The dosage of clozapine may need to be adjusted, or one or both agents may need to be discontinued. Clozapine levels should also be monitored following the discontinuation of of the CYP3A4 inhibitor from concurrent therapy.(1) If a patient stabilized on clozapine therapy requires treatment with a myelosuppressive agent, the clozapine prescriber should consult with prescriber of the myelosuppressive agent (e.g. oncologist) to discuss treatment and monitoring options.(2) More frequent ANC monitoring or treatment alternatives secondary to neutropenic episodes may need to be considered. Clozapine is only available through a restricted distribution system which requires documentation of the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) prior to dispensing.(1-2) For most clozapine patients, clozapine treatment must be interrupted for a suspected clozapine-induced ANC < 1000 cells/microliter. For patients with benign ethnic neutropenia (BEN), treatment must be interrupted for suspected clozapine-induced neutropenia < 500 cells/microliter.(2) If concurrent therapy is warranted in patients receiving clozapine, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: In a study in 92 psychiatric patients maintained on clozapine, the ratio of clozapine levels/dose was found to correlate with expression of CYP3A4.(1) Clozapine is a substrate of CYP1A2, CYP2D6, and CYP3AA4.(2) Clozapine is only available through a restricted distribution system which requires documentation of the ANC prior to dispensing.(1) |
ZYDELIG |
| Clozapine/Myelosuppressive CYP3A4 Inhibitors that Prolong QT SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: CYP3A4 inhibitors may inhibit the metabolism of clozapine.(1,2) Concurrent use of clozapine with agents that prolong the QTc interval and cause myelosuppression may result in additive effects on both the QTc interval and blood counts.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of clozapine with CYP3A4 inhibitors may result in elevated levels of clozapine and an increase in clozapine related side effects such as orthostatic hypotension, syncope, QT prolongation, profound sedation and seizures.(1) The use of clozapine in patients maintained on agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) Moderate neutropenia, even if due to combination therapy, may require abrupt discontinuation of clozapine resulting in decompensation of the patient's psychiatric disorder (e.g. schizophrenia). The disease treated by the myelosuppressive agent may be compromised if myelosuppression requires dose reduction, delay, or discontinuation of the myelosuppressive agent. Undetected severe neutropenia or agranulocytosis may be fatal. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) Low white blood counts prior to initiation of the myelosuppressive agent may increase risk for clinically significant neutropenia. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Clozapine levels should be monitored in patients receiving concurrent therapy with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. Patients should be monitored for signs of clozapine toxicity, including QT prolongation and myelosuppression. The dosage of clozapine may need to be adjusted, or one or both agents may need to be discontinued. Clozapine levels should also be monitored following the discontinuation of of the CYP3A4 inhibitor from concurrent therapy.(1) If a patient stabilized on clozapine therapy requires treatment with a myelosuppressive agent, the clozapine prescriber should consult with prescriber of the myelosuppressive agent (e.g. oncologist) to discuss treatment and monitoring options.(2) More frequent ANC monitoring or treatment alternatives secondary to neutropenic episodes may need to be considered. Clozapine is only available through a restricted distribution system which requires documentation of the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) prior to dispensing.(1-2) For most clozapine patients, clozapine treatment must be interrupted for a suspected clozapine-induced ANC < 1000 cells/microliter. For patients with benign ethnic neutropenia (BEN), treatment must be interrupted for suspected clozapine-induced neutropenia < 500 cells/microliter.(2) If concurrent therapy is warranted in patients receiving clozapine, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: In a study in 92 psychiatric patients maintained on clozapine, the ratio of clozapine levels/dose was found to correlate with expression of CYP3A4.(1) Clozapine is a substrate of CYP1A2, CYP2D6, and CYP3AA4.(2) Clozapine is only available through a restricted distribution system which requires documentation of the ANC prior to dispensing.(1) Myelosuppressive CYP3A4 inhibitors that prolong QT linked to this monograph include: adagrasib, lonafarnib, and ribociclib. |
KISQALI, KRAZATI, ZOKINVY |
| Clozapine/Etrasimod SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of clozapine with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) Initiation of etrasimod has a negative chronotropic effect leading to a mean decrease in heart rate of 7 beats per minute (bpm) after the first dose.(1) This may increase the risk of QT prolongation.(1-4) Etrasimod causes reversible sequestration of lymphocytes in lymphoid tissues, resulting in a mean 55% decrease in peripheral blood lymphocyte count at 52 weeks.(1) Clozapine may be associated with additive risk of neutropenia or agranulocytosis. CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of clozapine with agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.(2) Initiation of etrasimod may result in a transient decrease in heart rate. A mean decrease in heart rate of 7.2 beats per minute was seen 2 to 3 hours after the first dose. The first dose has also been associated with heart block. Symptomatic bradycardia has been observed. Bradycardia may be associated with an increase in the QTc interval, increasing the risk for torsades des pointes.(1,3,4) Concurrent use of etrasimod and clozapine may result in an increased risk of fatal infections, such as disseminated herpetic infection, cryptococcal infection, or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).(1,2) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(4) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of the QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(4) Incomplete washout of previously prescribed immunosuppressive or immune-modulating medications may increase the risk from this interaction.(1) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Approach the concurrent use of clozapine and other agents that prolong the QTc interval with caution.(2) Prior to initiation of etrasimod, obtain an ECG to determine if preexisting conduction abnormalities are present.(1) The prescribing information for etrasimod treatment states that advice from a cardiologist should be sought before initiating etrasimod treatment in patients currently taking additional agents that cause bradycardia, such as clozapine, or in patients with preexisting heart and cerebrovascular conditions, with resting heart rate of less than 50 bpm, history of symptomatic bradycardia, recurrent cardiogenic syncope, severe untreated sleep apnea, or history of Mobitz type 1 second-degree AV block (unless has functioning pacemaker).(1) If concurrent therapy is unavoidable, obtain an ECG to determine if preexisting conduction abnormalities are present prior to initiation of etrasimod. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. The etrasimod US prescribing information states etrasimod has not been studied in combination with anti-neoplastic, immune-modulating, or immunosuppressive therapies. Concomitant administration of these therapies with etrasimod should be avoided because of the risk of additive immune effects during therapy and in the weeks following administration. Etrasimod's effect on peripheral lymphocytes may persist for up to 5 weeks after discontinuation.(1) When switching from drugs with prolonged immune effects, the half-life and mode of action of these drugs must be considered in order to avoid unintended additive immunosuppressive effects.(1) DISCUSSION: Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation as well as ventricular arrhythmia, torsades de pointes, cardiac arrest, and sudden death.(2) Initiation of etrasimod may result in a transient decrease in heart rate or transient AV conduction delays.(1) Initiation of etrasimod treatment has been associated with transient atrioventricular (AV) conduction delays. The AV conduction delays manifested as first or second degree AV block (prolonged PR interval on ECG), which occurred in 0.7% of etrasimod treated patients in UC-1 and in 0.8% of patients in UC-2 and UC-3 compared to 0% for placebo in all studies.(1) Fatal disseminated herpes zoster and herpes simplex infections, cryptococcal meningitis, disseminated cryptococcal infections, and cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have been reported in patients treated with other sphingosine-1 phosphate receptor modulators.(1) |
VELSIPITY |
| Glucagon (Diagnostic)/Anticholinergics SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Glucagon and anticholinergic agents may have additive effects on inhibition of gastrointestinal motility.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of glucagon with anticholinergic agents may increase the risk of gastrointestinal hypomotility, including constipation and bowel complications.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Concurrent use of glucagon as a diagnotic aid is not recommended with the use of anticholinergic agents.(1) If concurrent use is necessary, evaluate the patient's bowel function. Monitor for symptoms of constipation and gastrointestinal hypomotility. DISCUSSION: Both glucagon and anticholinergic agents may have additive effects on inhibition of gastrointestinal motility and increase the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects.(1) |
GLUCAGON HCL |
There are 58 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 Antipsychotics/Lithium SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: The exact mechanism of the interaction is unknown. Neurotoxicity symptoms (confusion, delirium, seizures, encephalopathy, and EEG changes) may be due to potentiation or an additive effect of the antipsychotic agent and lithium. CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of lithium and selected antipsychotic agents may produce neurotoxic symptoms, including extrapyramidal symptoms, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and encephalopathic syndrome. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Large doses of either drug, pre-existing brain damage or other conditions (e.g. infection, dehydration) may increase the risk for neurotoxicity. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Lithium and antipsychotic agents are commonly co-prescribed for the acute management of manic or mixed manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Concurrent use should be approached with caution. Consider additional clinical monitoring for signs and symptoms of neurotoxicity, including confusion, fever, lethargy, tremors, stupor, weakness, leukocytosis, and increased blood urea nitrogen. If signs of neurotoxicity appear, discontinuation of the antipsychotic agent may be required. The US manufacturer of lithium carbonate states concurrent use with antipsychotic agents, including chlorpromazine, clozapine, fluphenazine, haloperidol, perphenazine, risperidone, and thioridazine, should be monitored closely. Although uncommon to rare, cases of severe neurotoxicity have been reported with this combination. Monitoring plasma levels is not always beneficial in preventing neurotoxic symptoms. Patients may experience neurotoxic symptoms with plasma concentrations in the therapeutic ranges. Close monitoring for signs of neurotoxicity, EEG monitoring, adequate hydration, and electrolyte status are recommended to minimize toxic potential. DISCUSSION: Lithium and antipsychotic agents are commonly co-prescribed for the acute management of manic or mixed manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Several case reports have been published describing acute and irreversible neurotoxicity with the combination of lithium and antipsychotic agents, though these episodes often resemble rare serious events that can be attributed to the administration of either agent alone (e.g., delirium, dysphoria, encephalopathy, dyskinesias, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, etc.). Signs and symptoms of neurotoxicity associated with concomitant use have included confusion, fever, lethargy, tremors, stupor, weakness, leukocytosis, and increased blood urea nitrogen. Extrapyramidal effects, which in some cases were irreversible, and permanent brain damage have also been reported. Selected antipsychotics linked to this monograph include: benperidol, clozapine, haloperidol, and risperidone. |
LITHIUM CARBONATE, LITHIUM CARBONATE ER, LITHIUM CITRATE, LITHIUM CITRATE TETRAHYDRATE, LITHOBID |
| Clozapine/Citalopram; Escitalopram SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: The metabolism of clozapine may be inhibited at CYP1A2, 2D6 or 3A4 by citalopram and escitalopram. Also, concurrent use with citalopram or escitalopram may result in additive effects on the QT interval. CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of clozapine with citalopram or escitalopram may result in elevated levels of clozapine and an increase in clozapine related side effects such as orthostatic hypotension, syncope, QT prolongation, profound sedation and seizures. Also, concurrent use of clozapine with citalopram or escitalopram may result potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(5) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction). PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Clozapine levels should be monitored in patients receiving concurrent therapy with clozapine and either citalopram or escitalopram and patients should be monitored for signs of clozapine toxicity. The dosage of either clozapine or citalopram or escitalopram may need to be adjusted or one or both agents may need to be discontinued. Clozapine levels should also be monitored following the discontinuation of citalopram or escitalopram from concurrent therapy. If concurrent therapy is warranted in patients receiving clozapine and either citalopram or escitalopram, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Although a study(4) in five subjects found no changes in clozapine levels following the addition of citalopram to clozapine therapy, the manufacturer reports that data from the medical literature and its global post-marketing safety database indicate that concurrent use results in clinically significant elevations of clozapine levels.(5,6) Citalopram has been associated with dose-depended increases in the QTc interval. In healthy subjects, the maximum mean difference in QTc interval seen with 20 mg of citalopram and 60 mg of citalopram were 8.5 msec and 18.5 msec, respectively. Based on extrapolation, a 40 mg dose of citalopram is expected to produce a mean increase in the QTc interval of 12.6 msec. |
CELEXA, CITALOPRAM HBR, ESCITALOPRAM OXALATE, LEXAPRO |
| Bupropion/Antipsychotics SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Both bupropion and the antipsychotics are known to lower the seizure threshold.(1,2) Bupropion is also a strong inhibitor of CYP2D6.(3) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of bupropion and an antipsychotic may result in additive effects on the seizure threshold, increasing the risk of seizures.(1,2) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of seizures may be increased in patients with a history of head trauma or prior seizure; CNS tumor; severe hepatic cirrhosis; excessive use of alcohol or sedatives; addiction to opiates, cocaine, or stimulants; use of over-the-counter stimulants an anorectics; a total daily dose of bupropion greater than 450 mg or single doses greater than 150 mg; rapid escalation of bupropion dosage; diabetics treated with oral hypoglycemics or insulin; or with concomitant medications known to lower seizure threshold (antidepressants, theophylline, systemic steroids).(1,2) The risk of anticholinergic toxicities including cognitive decline, delirium, falls and fractures is increased in geriatric patients using more than one medicine with anticholinergic properties.(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The concurrent use of bupropion and antipsychotics should be undertaken only with extreme caution and with low initial bupropion dosing and small gradual dosage increases.(1,2) Single doses should not exceed 150 mg.(1,2) The maximum daily dose of bupropion should not exceed 300 mg for smoking cessation(2) or 450 mg for depression.(1) DISCUSSION: Because of the risk of seizure from concurrent bupropion and other agents that lower seizure threshold, the manufacturer of bupropion states that the concurrent use of bupropion and antipsychotics should be undertaken only with extreme caution and with low initial bupropion dosing and small gradual dosage increases.(1) |
APLENZIN, AUVELITY, BUPROPION HCL, BUPROPION HCL SR, BUPROPION XL, CONTRAVE, FORFIVO XL, WELLBUTRIN SR, WELLBUTRIN XL |
| Dofetilide/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Dofetilide has been shown to prolong the QTc interval in a dose-dependent fashion. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of dofetilide with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes(TdP).(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Renal impairment may increase risk for excessive QTc prolongation as dofetilide is primarily renally eliminated. To prevent increased serum levels and risk for ventricular arrhythmias, dofetilide must be dose adjusted for creatinine clearance < or = to 60 mL/min.(1) In general, the risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of dofetilide states that the use of dofetilide with other agents known to prolong the QTc interval is not recommended.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. If dofetilide dose is increased or if dofetilide therapy is reinitiated after an interruption, the patient should be hospitalized for continuous ECG monitoring.(1) DISCUSSION: Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval but are generally accepted to have a risk of causing Torsades de Pointes. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or Torsades de Pointes in clinical trials and/or post-marketing reports.(3) |
DOFETILIDE, TIKOSYN |
| Gatifloxacin/QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Gatifloxacin has been shown to prolong the QTc interval. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of gatifloxacin with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes. congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of gatifloxacin states that gatifloxacin should be used with caution when given with other agents known to prolong the QT interval, including erythromycin, phenothiazines, and tricyclics.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(2) |
GATIFLOXACIN SESQUIHYDRATE |
| Moxifloxacin/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Moxifloxacin has been shown to prolong the QTc interval. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of moxifloxacin with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of moxifloxacin states that moxifloxacin should be avoided in patients taking agents known to prolong the QT interval.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(2) |
AVELOX IV, MOXIFLOXACIN, MOXIFLOXACIN HCL |
| Sotalol/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Sotalol has been shown to prolong the QTc interval. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of sotalol with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation may be increased by reduced creatinine clearance, female gender, larger doses of sotalol, and a history of cardiomegaly or congestive heart failure.(1) Risk may also be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of sotalol states that concurrent use with other agents known to prolong the QT interval is not recommended.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(2) |
BETAPACE, BETAPACE AF, SOTALOL, SOTALOL AF, SOTALOL HCL, SOTYLIZE |
| Propafenone/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Propafenone has been shown to prolong the QTc interval. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of propafenone with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of propafenone states that the use of propafenone with other agents known to prolong the QT interval should be avoided.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(2) |
PROPAFENONE HCL, PROPAFENONE HCL ER |
| Apomorphine/QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Apomorphine has been shown to prolong the QTc interval. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of apomorphine with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of apomorphine states that the use of apomorphine with other agents known to prolong the QT interval should be done with caution.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(2) |
APOKYN, APOMORPHINE HCL, ONAPGO |
| Haloperidol/QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Torsades de pointes has been reported with haloperidol. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1-3) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of haloperidol with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1-3) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation may be increased by: hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, use of multiple medications, intravenous haloperidol, or higher than recommended dosages of haloperidol. The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may also be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), bradycardia, or advanced age.(5) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(5) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The Australian,(1) UK(2) and US(3) manufacturers of haloperidol state that haloperidol should be used with caution when given with other agents known to prolong the QT interval. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Sudden death, QT-prolongation, and torsades de pointes have been reported with haloperidol.(3) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(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. |
HALDOL DECANOATE 100, HALOPERIDOL, HALOPERIDOL DECANOATE, HALOPERIDOL DECANOATE 100, HALOPERIDOL LACTATE |
| Levofloxacin/QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of levofloxacin and agents known to prolong the QT interval may result in additive or synergistic effects on the QTc Interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent administration may result in prolongation of the QTc interval and life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug know to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The U.S. manufacturer of levofloxacin states that levofloxacin should be used with caution when given with other agents known to prolong the QT interval.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(2) 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. |
LEVOFLOXACIN, LEVOFLOXACIN HEMIHYDRATE, LEVOFLOXACIN-D5W |
| Amiodarone/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Amiodarone has been shown to prolong the QTc interval. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1-3) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of amiodarone with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1-3) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(5) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(5) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The Australian(1) and UK(2) manufacturers of amiodarone states that concurrent use of agents known to cause torsades de pointes is contraindicated. The US manufacturer of amiodarone states that the concurrent use of QT prolonging drugs should be avoided and that need to co-administer amiodarone with any other drug known to prolong the QTc interval must be based on a careful assessment of the potential risks and benefits of doing so for each patient.(3) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: QTc prolongation has been reported during concurrent amiodarone and fluoroquinolones and macrolide antibiotics. Agents that are linked to this monograph may have been associated with Torsades de Pointes and/or QT prolongation but at this time lack substantial evidence for causing Torsades de Pointes.(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. |
AMIODARONE HCL, AMIODARONE HCL-D5W, NEXTERONE, PACERONE |
| Ivabradine/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: QT prolongation may be exacerbated by ivabradine-induced reduction in heart rate.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ivabradine and agents known to prolong the QT interval may exacerbate QT prolongation.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The UK, AU, and Canadian manufacturer of ivabradine states that concurrent use with cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular QT prolonging agents should be avoided.(1) The Canadian manufacturer states that if concurrent therapy is deemed necessary, close cardiac monitoring (12-lead ECG) is required. Depending on the ECG results, ivabradine dosing may need to be decreased or stopped.(4) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Agents that are linked to this monograph may have been associated with torsades de pointes and/or QT prolongation but at this time lack substantial evidence for causing torsades de pointes.(2) |
CORLANOR, IVABRADINE HCL |
| Ranolazine/QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Ranolazine prolongs the QTc interval in a dose-related manner. Use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ranolazine and agents known to prolong the QTc interval may result in prolongation of the QTc interval and life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(4) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(4) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The UK manufacturer of ranolazine states that concurrent use with agents known to prolong the QT interval should be approached with caution.(1) Patients should be instructed to inform their physician if they are receiving any drugs that prolong the QTc interval.(2) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Ranolazine has been shown to prolong the QTc interval in a dose-related manner.(1,2) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(3) |
ASPRUZYO SPRINKLE, RANOLAZINE ER |
| Paliperidone/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Paliperidone has been shown to cause a modest increase in the QTc interval. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1,2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of paliperidone with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1,2) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(4) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(4) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of paliperidone states that the use of paliperidone should be avoided with other drugs that are known to prolong the QTc interval, including Class IA and Class III antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, antibiotics such as gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin, or any other class of medications known to prolong the QTc interval.(1,2) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Agents that are linked to this monograph may have been associated with torsades de pointes and/or QT prolongation but at this time lack substantial evidence for causing torsades de pointes.(3) |
ERZOFRI, INVEGA, INVEGA HAFYERA, INVEGA SUSTENNA, INVEGA TRINZA, PALIPERIDONE ER |
| Lapatinib/QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of lapatinib and agents known to prolong the QT interval may result in additive or synergistic effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent administration may result in prolongation of the QTc interval and life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of lapatinib states that lapatinib should be used with caution when given with other agents known to prolong the QT interval.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, obtain serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitor ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Lapatinib is associated with concentration-dependent QTc interval prolongation. In a single-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study with lapatinib 2,000 mg every 12 hours for 3 doses, a maximum mean double delta QTcF of 8.75 ms was observed. Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(2) |
LAPATINIB, TYKERB |
| Toremifene/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Toremifene has been shown to prolong the QTc interval in a dose-related and concentration-related manner.(1) Concurrent use of toremifene and agents known to prolong the QT interval may result in additive or synergistic effects on the QTc interval.(1,2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent administration may result in prolongation of the QTc interval and life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1,2) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(4) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(4) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of toremifene states that concurrent use should be avoided. If treatment with an agent known to prolong the QT interval is required, toremifene therapy should be interrupted. If it is not possible to interrupt toremifene therapy, electrocardiograms (ECGs) should be obtained and patients should be closely monitored for QT prolongation.(1) Additional monitoring when concurrent therapy is warranted: consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels at baseline and regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. The UK manufacturer of toremifene states that the use of other drugs that are known to prolong the QTc interval is contraindicated. These agents include class IA and III antiarrhythmics, astemizole, bepridil, cisapride, diphemanil, erythromycin IV, halofantrine, haloperidol, mizolastine, moxifloxacin, pentamidine, phenothiazines, pimozide, sertindole, terfenadine, and vincamine IV.(2) DISCUSSION: Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(3) |
FARESTON, TOREMIFENE CITRATE |
| Telavancin/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Telavancin has been shown to prolong the QTc interval. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of telavancin with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of telavancin recommends against the use of telavancin with other drugs known to cause QT prolongation.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: In a randomized, double-blind, multiple-dose, positive-controlled, placebo-controlled, parallel study in healthy subjects, the mean maximum baseline-corrected, placebo-corrected QTc prolongation was 11.6 msec and 15.1 msec for telavancin at dosages of 7.5 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg, respectively. The estimated mean maximum baseline-corrected, placebo-corrected QTc prolongation for a telavancin dosage of 10 mg/kg is 12-15 msec.(1) In studies in patients, 21% of patients receiving telavancin (214 of 1029, 10 mg/kg) and 16% of patients receiving vancomycin (164 of 1033) received concurrent QT prolonging agents. The rate of QTc prolongation greater than 60 msec was 1.5% (15 patients) in the telavancin group and 0.6% (6 patients) in the vancomycin group. Nine of the 15 telavancin subjects with QTc prolongation received concurrent QT prolongers, compared with 1 of the vancomycin patients.(1) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval but are generally accepted to have a risk of causing Torsades de Pointes. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or Torsades de Pointes in clinical trials and/or post-marketing reports.(3) |
VIBATIV |
| Iloperidone/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Iloperidone has been shown to prolong the QTc interval by 9 msec at dosages of 12 mg twice daily. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of iloperidone with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, advanced age or with concurrent use of inhibitors of CYP3A4 or CYP2D6, which metabolize iloperidone.(1,3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. co-administration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of iloperidone states that the concurrent administration of other drugs that are known to prolong the QTc interval should be avoided.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(2) Coadministration of ketoconazole (200 mg twice daily, an inhibitor of CYP P-450-3A4) and iloperidone (12 mg twice daily) was associated with a mean QTcF increase of 19 msec from baseline, compared with an increase of 9 msec with iloperidone alone.(1) Coadministration of paroxetine (20 mg daily, an inhibitor of CYP P-450-2D6) and iloperidone (12 mg twice daily) was associated with a mean QTcF increase of 19 msec from baseline, compared with an increase of 9 msec with iloperidone alone.(1) |
FANAPT |
| Vandetanib/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Vandetanib has been shown to prolong the QTc interval. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of vandetanib with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of vandetanib states that the use of vandetanib with other agents known to prolong the QT interval should be avoided.(1) The manufacturer of vandetanib states therapy should be interrupted if Corrected QT interval, Frederica (QTcF) is greater than 500 ms; resume at a reduced dose when the QTcF returns to less than 450 ms. Consult current prescribing information for further details.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Vandetanib has been shown to prolong the QTc interval in a dose-dependent manner. Vandetanib has a long half-life (19 days) and effects on the QTc interval may not resolve quickly following vandetanib discontinuation.(1) A retrospective review of 618 cancer patients treated with 902 administrations of tyrosine kinase inhibitors were evaluated for rate and incidence of QTc prolongation. In patients who received vandetanib, QTc prolongation was identified in 4 (80%) with 0 (0%) having Grade 1 (QTc 450-480 ms) and 1 (25%) having Grade 2 (QTc 480-500 ms). Grade 3 events occurred in 1 (25%) having QTc greater than or equal to 500 ms and 2 (50%) having QTc change greater than or equal to 60 ms. No patients had ventricular tachycardia, sudden cardiac death, or TdP.(4) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(2) 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. |
CAPRELSA |
| Quetiapine/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The use of quetiapine in patients maintained on agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of quetiapine states that concurrent use with agents known to prolong the QT interval should be avoided.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Although quetiapine was not associated with QT or QTc changes in clinical trials, QT prolongation has been reported in post-marketing reports in conjunction with the use of other agents known to prolong the QT interval.(1) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval but are generally accepted to have a risk of causing Torsades de Pointes. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or Torsades de Pointes in clinical trials and/or post-marketing reports.(2) |
QUETIAPINE FUMARATE, QUETIAPINE FUMARATE ER, SEROQUEL, SEROQUEL XR |
| Ondansetron/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1-3) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The use of ondansetron in patients maintained on agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1-3) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or in the elderly (> or = 75 years of age).(4) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(4) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The risk for QT prolongation due to ondansetron is dose and route related. Intravenous (IV) doses lead to higher peak concentrations and systemic exposure and so have a greater risk for QT prolongation compared with the same dose given orally. Faster rates of IV infusion are also associated with a greater risk for QT prolongation.(5) If concomitant therapy is needed, correct electrolyte abnormalities prior to starting therapy. Monitor closely, particularly in patients with predisposing risk factors for QT prolongation (e.g. cardiac disease, female, elderly). Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring should be performed in patients receiving concurrent therapy.(1-3) The Canadian manufacturer of Zofran injection has specific recommendations for use of IV ondansetron in oncology patients greater than or equal to 75 years of age (5): - all IV doses must be diluted in 50 - 100 mL of compatible fluid and infused over at least 15 minutes - initial and repeat IV doses must not exceed 8 mg. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: In a double-blind, randomized, placebo and positive controlled cross-over study, an ondansetron intravenous (IV) dose of 32 mg increased the maximum mean QTcF by 19.6 msec (upper limit of 90% CI: 21.5). A dose of 8mg increased the QTcF by a maximum mean of 5.8 (upper limit of 90% CI: 7.8). A dose of 16 mg was predicted to have a mean increase in QTcF of 9.1 msec (upper limit of 90% CI: 11.2).(1) QT prolongation and torsades de pointes have been reported in post-marketing reports in patients receiving ondansetron.(2-3) In a review of published reports of QT prolongation associated with ondansetron administration, 67% of patients were also receiving another medication known to prolong the QT interval.(6) In a prospective, observational study, administration of a single ondansetron IV dose of 4 mg in the emergency department increased the mean and median QTc interval by 16.2 msec (95% CI 4.2-28.2 msec; p=0.01) and 12 msec (IQR 5.5-18 msec; p<0.01), respectively. Three patients had extreme QTc prolongation. With exclusion of those 3 patients, the median QTc prolongation was 10 msec (IQR 5-15 msec; p<0.01).(7) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval but are generally accepted to have a risk of causing Torsades de Pointes. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or Torsades de Pointes in clinical trials and/or post-marketing reports.(8) |
ONDANSETRON HCL, ONDANSETRON HCL-0.9% NACL |
| Clozapine/QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of clozapine with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The use of clozapine in patients maintained on agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Approach the concurrent use of clozapine and other agents that are known to prolong the QTc interval with caution.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation as well as ventricular arrythmia, Torsades de Pointes, cardiac arrest, and sudden death.(1) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval but are generally accepted to have a risk of causing Torsades de Pointes. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or Torsades de Pointes in clinical trials and/or post-marketing reports.(3) |
ADLARITY, ADVAIR DISKUS, ADVAIR HFA, AIRDUO DIGIHALER, ALFUZOSIN HCL ER, ARICEPT, ATOMOXETINE HCL, AZITHROMYCIN, CESIUM CHLORIDE, CHLOROQUINE PHOSPHATE, CILOSTAZOL, CORVERT, DIPRIVAN, DONEPEZIL HCL, DONEPEZIL HCL ODT, FLECAINIDE ACETATE, FLUTICASONE-SALMETEROL, FLUTICASONE-SALMETEROL HFA, GRANISETRON HCL, IBUTILIDE FUMARATE, ISRADIPINE, MEMANTINE HCL-DONEPEZIL HCL ER, NAMZARIC, OFLOXACIN, PROCAINAMIDE HCL, PROPOFOL, SANCUSO, SEREVENT DISKUS, SUSTOL, UROXATRAL, WIXELA INHUB, ZITHROMAX, ZITHROMAX TRI-PAK |
| Pasireotide/QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of pasireotide with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The use of pasireotide patients maintained on agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Pasireotide should be used with caution in patients receiving therapy with agents that prolong the QT interval. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals.(1) Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: In randomized, blinded, crossover study in healthy subjects, pasireotide (0.6 mg BID) increased the placebo-subtracted QTcI by 12.7 msec (95 upper CI: 14.7 msec). Supra-therapeutic doses of 1.95 mg BID increased the placebo-subtracted QTcI by 16.6 msec (95 upper CI: 18.6 msec).(1) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval but are generally accepted to have a risk of causing Torsades de Pointes. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or Torsades de Pointes in clinical trials and/or post-marketing reports.(2) |
SIGNIFOR, SIGNIFOR LAR |
| Bedaquiline/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of bedaquiline with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The use of bedaquiline patients maintained on agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Bedaquiline should be used with caution in patients receiving therapy with agents that prolong the QT interval. Patients should receive a baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) before initiation, 2 weeks after initiation, during treatment as clinically indicated, and at the expected time of maximum increase of the QT interval when receiving concurrent agents that prolong the QT interval. Bedaquiline and other QT prolonging agents should be discontinued if the patient develops a clinically significant ventricular arrhythmia or a QTcF of greater than 500 msec confirmed by repeat ECGs. If a patient develops syncope, perform an ECG.(1) Also consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels at baseline and regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: In a clinical trial, mean increases in QTc were greater in patients treated with bedaquiline than with placebo. At Week 1, bedaquiline increased QTc by an average of 9.9 msec, compared with 2.5 msec for placebo. At Week 24, bedaquiline increased QTc by an average of 15.7 msec, compared with 6.2 msec for placebo. In another clinical trial in which patients received bedaquiline with other QT prolonging agents, QT prolongation was additive and proportional to the number of QT prolonging drugs used. Patients receiving bedaquiline alone averaged a QTc increase of 23.7 msec over baseline, while patients receiving bedaquiline with at least one other QT prolonging agent averaged a QTc increase of 30.7 msec.(1) In a study, bedaquiline was coadministered with QTc prolonging agents clofazimine and levofloxacin. In the study, 5% of patients had a QTc >= 500 ms and 43% of patients had an increase in QTc >= 60 ms from baseline.(1) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval but are generally accepted to have a risk of causing Torsades de Pointes. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or Torsades de Pointes in clinical trials and/or post-marketing reports.(3) |
SIRTURO |
| Trazodone (Greater Than or Equal To 100 mg)/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of trazodone with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1,2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The use of trazodone in patients maintained on agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1,2) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of trazodone states that concurrent use with agents known to prolong the QT interval should be avoided.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Trazodone has been reported to prolong the QT interval.(1) A thorough QT study in 20 subjects evaluated the effects of trazodone at doses of 20 mg, 60 mg and 140 mg. There was no evidence of QTc prolongation at the lowest trazodone dose of 20mg (mean effect on QTc of 4.5 ms 95% CI 3.7-5.3 ms), but at 60 mg and 140 mg, there was a significant effect that exceeds the E14 FDA Guidelines threshold of prolonging the QT/QTc interval by more than 5 ms. The study found a dose-dependent effect on QTc prolongation starting at 60 mg with a mean effect on QTc of 12.3 ms (95% CI 11-13.6 ms) and increasing with a 140 mg dose to a mean effect on QTc of 19.8 ms (95% CI 17.6-22.1).(3) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval but are generally accepted to have a risk of causing Torsades de Pointes. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or Torsades de Pointes in clinical trials and/or post-marketing reports.(4) |
RALDESY, TRAZODONE HCL |
| Sevoflurane/QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of multiple agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of multiple agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(1) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(1) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Sevoflurane should be used with caution in patients taking agents known to prolong the QT interval.(2) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval but are generally accepted to have a risk of causing Torsades de Pointes. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or Torsades de Pointes in clinical trials and/or post-marketing reports.(3) 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. |
SEVOFLURANE, ULTANE |
| Fluconazole/Selected QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of fluconazole with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval. CLINICAL EFFECTS: The use of fluconazole patients maintained on agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(1) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(1) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: When concurrent therapy is warranted, approach the use of alfuzosin,(2) apomorphine,(3) clozapine,(4) dolasetron,(5) gemifloxacin,(6) maprotiline, norfloxacin,(7) and pasireotide(8) with other agents that are known to prolong the QTc interval with caution. For patients receiving concurrent therapy, consider monitoring calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring electrocardiogram (ECG) at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval but are generally accepted to have a risk of causing Torsades de Pointes. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or Torsades de Pointes in clinical trials and/or post-marketing reports. |
DIFLUCAN, FLUCONAZOLE, FLUCONAZOLE-NACL |
| Hydroquinidine; Quinidine/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Hydroquinidine and quinidine have been shown to prolong the QTc interval. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of hydroquinidine or quinidine with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes(TdP).(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: In general, the risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(1) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(1) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If possible, avoid the use of hydroquinidine or quinidine with other agents known to prolong the QT interval. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval but are generally accepted to have a risk of causing Torsades de Pointes. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or Torsades de Pointes in clinical trials and/or post-marketing reports.(2) |
NUEDEXTA, QUINIDINE GLUCONATE, QUINIDINE SULFATE |
| Erythromycin/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Erythromycin has been shown to prolong the QTc interval. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of erythromycin with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes(TdP).(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: In general, the risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(1) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(1) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If possible, avoid the use of erythromycin with other agents known to prolong the QT interval. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval but are generally accepted to have a risk of causing Torsades de Pointes. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or Torsades de Pointes in clinical trials and/or post-marketing reports.(2) |
E.E.S. 200, E.E.S. 400, ERY-TAB, ERYPED 200, ERYPED 400, ERYTHROCIN LACTOBIONATE, ERYTHROCIN STEARATE, ERYTHROMYCIN, ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE, ERYTHROMYCIN ETHYLSUCCINATE, ERYTHROMYCIN LACTOBIONATE |
| Pimavanserin/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Pimavanserin prolongs the QTc interval.(1) Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(2,3) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of pimavanserin with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(2,3) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid the use of pimavanserin in patients receiving QT prolonging agents.(1) During concomitant therapy with another QT prolonging agent, monitor patients closely for prolongation of the QT interval.(1) Obtain serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: In thorough-QT study, pimavanserin (at twice the therapeutic dose) found that the maximum mean change was 13.5 (16.6) msec. In placebo-controlled effectiveness studies, mean increases of 5-8 msec were observed with normal dosages of 37 mg daily. Sporadic QTcF values of equal to or greater than 500 msec and change from baseline values equal to or greater than 60 msec were observed at this dose as well.(1) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(2) |
NUPLAZID |
| Efavirenz/QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Efavirenz has been observed to prolong the QTc interval. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of efavirenz with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) CYP2B6 genotype may also increase the risk of this interaction. Patients who are most susceptible to this interaction are patients who are CYP2B6 poor metabolizers with CYP2B6 *6/*6 allele.(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of efavirenz states alternatives should be considered when concurrent administration with a drug with a known risk of Torsade de Pointes or when administered to patients at higher risk of Torsade de Pointes. Limited information is available on the potential pharmacodynamic interaction between efavirenz and drugs that prolong the QT interval; however, QT prolongation has been observed with efavirenz.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: A thorough QT study was conducted in the general population in 120 healthy subjects receiving efavirenz 600 mg daily. Time-matched differences in QTc with efavirenz compared to placebo was evaluated on day 11, at 6 hours post dose. The mean change in QTc was 5.2 msec and no change in QTc was greater than 10 msec.(4) In addition to the thorough QT study, the effect of efavirenz on the QTc interval was evaluated in 58 healthy subjects based on CYP2B6 genotype. CYP2B6 polymorphism was evaluated for each patient and results were the following: 65% with *1/*1 or *1/*4 allele (wild-type metabolizers), 26% with *1/*6 allele (intermediate metabolizers) and 9% with *6/*6 allele (slow metabolizers). Subjects with 2 copies of the CYP2B6*6 allele had significantly higher efavirenz exposure at steady-state (p<0.05). At steady-state concentrations of efavirenz, patients with CYP2B6 *1/*1 or *1/*6 alleles had no change in the QTc interval (p>0.05). However, patients with CYP2B6 *6/*6 allele had an increase in QTc mean +/- SD from 406 +/- 16.4 to 423 +/- 11.8 msec (p=0.02).(3) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval but are generally accepted to have a risk of causing Torsades de Pointes. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or Torsades de Pointes in clinical trials and/or post-marketing reports.(5) |
EFAVIRENZ, EFAVIRENZ-EMTRIC-TENOFOV DISOP, EFAVIRENZ-LAMIVU-TENOFOV DISOP, SYMFI |
| Opioids (Extended Release)/Antipsychotics; Phenothiazines SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of opioids and antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, may result in additive CNS depression.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of opioids and other CNS depressants, such as antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, 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 antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, 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: A nested case-control study looked at the relationship between antipsychotic use and risk of acute respiratory failure. Current use of antipsychotics was associated with a 2.33-fold increase in risk of respiratory failure compared to no use of antipsychotics. The risk was also significantly increased in patients with recent use of antipsychotics (within the past 15-30 days, OR = 1.79) and recent past use (within 31-90 days OR = 1.41). The risk increased with higher doses and longer duration of use.(4) 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) 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, CONZIP, FENTANYL, HYDROCODONE BITARTRATE ER, HYDROMORPHONE ER, HYSINGLA ER, MORPHINE SULFATE ER, MS CONTIN, NUCYNTA ER, OXYCODONE HCL ER, OXYCONTIN, OXYMORPHONE HCL ER, TRAMADOL HCL ER, XTAMPZA ER |
| Slt Opioids (Immediate Release)/Antipsychotics;Phenothiazine SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of opioids and antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, may result in additive CNS depression.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of opioids and other CNS depressants, such as antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, 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 antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, 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: A nested case-control study looked at the relationship between antipsychotic use and risk of acute respiratory failure. Current use of antipsychotics was associated with a 2.33-fold increase in risk of respiratory failure compared to no use of antipsychotics. The risk was also significantly increased in patients with recent use of antipsychotics (within the past 15-30 days, OR = 1.79) and recent past use (within 31-90 days OR = 1.41). The risk increased with higher doses and longer duration of use.(4) 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) 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) |
APADAZ, BELBUCA, BELLADONNA-OPIUM, BENZHYDROCODONE-ACETAMINOPHEN, BUPRENORPHINE HCL, BUTORPHANOL TARTRATE, DILAUDID, DSUVIA, DURAMORPH, ENDOCET, 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, HYDROCODONE BITARTRATE, HYDROCODONE-ACETAMINOPHEN, HYDROCODONE-IBUPROFEN, HYDROMORPHONE HCL, HYDROMORPHONE HCL-0.9% NACL, HYDROMORPHONE HCL-D5W, HYDROMORPHONE HCL-NACL, HYDROMORPHONE HCL-WATER, INFUMORPH, MITIGO, MORPHINE SULFATE, MORPHINE SULFATE-0.9% NACL, MORPHINE SULFATE-NACL, NALBUPHINE HCL, NALOCET, NUCYNTA, OLINVYK, OPIUM TINCTURE, OXYCODONE HCL, OXYCODONE HYDROCHLORIDE, OXYCODONE-ACETAMINOPHEN, OXYMORPHONE HCL, PENTAZOCINE-NALOXONE HCL, PERCOCET, PRIMLEV, PROLATE, REMIFENTANIL HCL, ROXICODONE, ROXYBOND, SUFENTANIL CITRATE, ULTIVA |
| Lofexidine/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Lofexidine has been shown to prolong the QTc interval. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1,2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of lofexidine and agents known to prolong the QT interval may exacerbate QT prolongation.(1,2) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, advanced age,(3) renal impairment, and/or hepatic impairment.(1,2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The UK manufacturer of lofexidine states that concurrent use of lofexidine and QT prolonging agents should be avoided.(1) The US manufacturer states that ECGs should be monitored in patients receiving concurrent therapy with lofexidine and agents that are known to prolong the QT interval.(2) Consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: In a study of healthy volunteers, lofexidine 1.44 mg to 1.8 mg had a change from baseline in QTc of 14.4 msec and 13.6 msec, respectively.(2) In a dose response study, lofexidine had a mean QTc prolongation of 7.3 msec and 9.3 msec at doses of 2.16 mg/day and 2.88 mg/day, respectively.(2) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(4) |
LOFEXIDINE HCL, LUCEMYRA |
| Trazodone (Less Than 100 mg)/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of trazodone with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1,2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The use of trazodone in patients maintained on agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1,2) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of trazodone states that concurrent use with agents known to prolong the QT interval should be avoided.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Trazodone has been reported to prolong the QT interval.(1) A thorough QT study in 20 subjects evaluated the effects of trazodone at doses of 20 mg, 60 mg and 140 mg. There was no evidence of QTc prolongation at the lowest trazodone dose of 20mg (mean effect on QTc of 4.5 ms 95% CI 3.7-5.3 ms), but at 60 mg and 140 mg, there was a significant effect that exceeds the E14 FDA Guidelines threshold of prolonging the QT/QTc interval by more than 5 ms. The study found a dose-dependent effect on QTc prolongation starting at 60 mg with a mean effect on QTc of 12.3 ms (95% CI 11-13.6 ms) and increasing with a 140 mg dose to a mean effect on QTc of 19.8 ms (95% CI 17.6-22.1).(3) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval but are generally accepted to have a risk of causing Torsades de Pointes. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or Torsades de Pointes in clinical trials and/or post-marketing reports.(4) |
TRAZODONE HCL |
| Ivosidenib/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of ivosidenib with agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of ivosidenib with agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid the concurrent use of ivosidenib with medications that prolong the QT interval.(1) When concurrent therapy cannot be avoided, obtain ECGs and electrolyte values (serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium) prior to the start of treatment, after initiation of any drug known to prolong the QT interval, and periodically monitor during therapy. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. If QTc prolongation develops: ---Monitor and supplement electrolytes as clinically indicated ---Review and adjust concomitant QT prolonging medications ---Interrupt ivosidenib therapy ---Monitor ECGs at least weekly for 2 weeks following resolution of QTc prolongation ---Follow labeling recommendations regarding restarting ivosidenib.(1) DISCUSSION: In clinical trials of ivosidenib, 9% of patients experienced a QTc interval greater than 500 msec and 14% of patients had an increased from baseline QTc interval of greater than 60 msec. Patients with a baseline QTc of equal to or greater than 450 msec without pre-existing bundle branch block, or with a history of long QT syndrome were excluded from this trial.(1) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(3) |
TIBSOVO |
| Gilteritinib/QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of gilteritinib with agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of gilteritinib with agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(1) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(1) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: When concurrent therapy cannot be avoided, obtain ECGs and electrolyte values (serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium) prior to the start of treatment, after initiation of any drug known to prolong the QT interval, and periodically monitor during therapy. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. Prior to initiation of therapy with gilteritinib, obtain baseline ECG and on days 8 and 15 of cycle 1, and prior to the start of the next two subsequent cycles. If QTc prolongation develops: ---Monitor and supplement electrolytes as clinically indicated ---Review and adjust concomitant QT prolonging medications For a QTc interval greater than 500 msec: ---Interrupt gilteritinib therapy ---Resume gilteritinib therapy at 80 mg when the QTc interval returns to within 30 msec of baseline or <= 480 msec. For QTc interval increased by > 30 msec on ECG on Day 8 of cycle 1: ---Confirm with ECG on Day 9 ---If confirmed, consider dose reduction to 80 mg.(2) DISCUSSION: In the gilteritinib clinical trial, 1.4% of patients developed a QTc interval greater than 500 msec and 7% of patients had an increase QTc greater than 60 msec.(2) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(3) |
XOSPATA |
| Meperidine (IR)/Selected Antipsychotics; Phenothiazines SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of opioids such as meperidine and antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, may result in additive CNS depression.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of opioids such as meperidine and other CNS depressants, such as antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, 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 such as meperidine with CNS depressants such as antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, 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: A nested case-control study looked at the relationship between antipsychotic use and risk of acute respiratory failure. Current use of antipsychotics was associated with a 2.33-fold increase in risk of respiratory failure compared to no use of antipsychotics. The risk was also significantly increased in patients with recent use of antipsychotics (within the past 15-30 days, OR = 1.79) and recent past use (within 31-90 days OR = 1.41). The risk increased with higher doses and longer duration of use.(4) 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) 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) |
DEMEROL, MEPERIDINE HCL, MEPERIDINE HCL-0.9% NACL |
| Codeine; Levorphanol (IR)/Slt Antipsychotics; Phenothiazines SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of opioids such as codeine and levorphanol and antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, may result in additive CNS depression.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of opioids such as codeine and levorphanol and other CNS depressants, such as antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, 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 such as codeine and levorphanol with CNS depressants such as antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, 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: A nested case-control study looked at the relationship between antipsychotic use and risk of acute respiratory failure. Current use of antipsychotics was associated with a 2.33-fold increase in risk of respiratory failure compared to no use of antipsychotics. The risk was also significantly increased in patients with recent use of antipsychotics (within the past 15-30 days, OR = 1.79) and recent past use (within 31-90 days OR = 1.41). The risk increased with higher doses and longer duration of use.(4) 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) 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, ASA-BUTALB-CAFFEINE-CODEINE, ASCOMP WITH CODEINE, BUTALB-ACETAMINOPH-CAFF-CODEIN, CARISOPRODOL-ASPIRIN-CODEINE, CODEINE PHOSPHATE, CODEINE SULFATE, DIHYDROCODEINE BITARTRATE, FIORICET WITH CODEINE, HYDROCODONE BITARTRATE, LEVORPHANOL TARTRATE, TREZIX |
| Tramadol (IR)/Selected Antipsychotics; Phenothiazines SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of opioids such as tramadol and antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, may result in additive CNS depression.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of opioids such as tramadol and other CNS depressants, such as antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, 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 such as tramadol with CNS depressants such as antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, 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: A nested case-control study looked at the relationship between antipsychotic use and risk of acute respiratory failure. Current use of antipsychotics was associated with a 2.33-fold increase in risk of respiratory failure compared to no use of antipsychotics. The risk was also significantly increased in patients with recent use of antipsychotics (within the past 15-30 days, OR = 1.79) and recent past use (within 31-90 days OR = 1.41). The risk increased with higher doses and longer duration of use.(4) 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) 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) |
QDOLO, TRAMADOL HCL, TRAMADOL HCL-ACETAMINOPHEN |
| Pitolisant/QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of pitolisant with agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of pitolisant with agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients who are CYP2D6 poor metabolizers or on concurrent use with CYP2D6 inhibitors are at increased risk for higher systemic exposure to pitolisant and may be at increased risk of QT prolongation.(1) The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: When concurrent therapy cannot be avoided, obtain ECGs and electrolyte values (serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium) prior to the start of treatment, after initiation of any drug known to prolong the QT interval, and periodically monitor during therapy. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting.(2) DISCUSSION: In two dedicated QT prolongation studies, supra-therapeutic doses of pitolisant at 3-6 times the therapeutic dose (108-216 mg) were seen to cause mild to moderate QTc prolongation (10-13 ms). A study in patients who were CYP2D6 poor metabolizers had higher systemic exposure up to 3-fold compared to CYP2D6 extensive metabolizers.(1) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(3) |
WAKIX |
| Clozapine/Fluoxetine; Sertraline SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: The metabolism of clozapine may be inhibited at CYP1A2, 2D6 or 3A4 by fluoxetine or sertraline.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of clozapine with fluoxetine or sertraline may result in elevated levels of clozapine and an increase in clozapine related side effects, orthostatic hypotension, syncope, QT prolongation, profound sedation and seizures. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Clozapine levels should be monitored in patients receiving concurrent therapy with clozapine and fluoxetine or sertraline. Patients should be monitored for signs of clozapine toxicity. The dosage of either clozapine, fluoxetine or sertraline may need to be adjusted, or one or both agents may need to be discontinued. Clozapine levels should also be monitored following the discontinuation of fluoxetine or sertraline from concurrent therapy. If concurrent therapy is warranted in patients receiving clozapine, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Two studies compared subjects receiving concurrent clozapine and fluoxetine to subjects receiving clozapine alone. In the first,(3) the clozapine level-to-dose and norclozapine level-to-dose ratios were 75% and 50% higher, respectively, in subjects receiving concurrent fluoxetine. In the second study(4), clozapine and norclozapine levels were 30.2% and 33.5% higher, respectively, in subjects receiving concurrent fluoxetine. A study (5) in 10 subjects found that the concurrent administration of fluoxetine and clozapine resulted in increases of 58%, 36%, and 38% in clozapine, norclozapine, and clozapine-N-oxide, respectively. One case report(6) documented the development of myoclonic jerks following the addition of fluoxetine to clozapine therapy. A study(4) in 16 subjects found that the concurrent administration of sertraline and clozapine resulted in clozapine and norclozapine levels that were 30.2% and 52.1% higher, respectively, than levels seen in similar patients receiving clozapine alone. |
FLUOXETINE DR, FLUOXETINE HCL, OLANZAPINE-FLUOXETINE HCL, PROZAC, SERTRALINE HCL, ZOLOFT |
| Lefamulin/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of lefamulin with agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of lefamulin with agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid the concurrent use of lefamulin with medications that prolong the QT interval.(1) When concurrent therapy cannot be avoided, obtain ECGs and electrolyte values (serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium) prior to the start of treatment, after initiation of any drug known to prolong the QT interval, and periodically monitor during therapy. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities.(1) Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: In a thorough QT study, intravenous lefamulin increased the QTcF 13.6 msec (90% CI = 15.5 msec) and oral lefamulin increased the QTcF by 9.3 msec (90% CI = 10.9 msec).(1) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(3) |
XENLETA |
| Clozapine/Obeticholic acid SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Although the mechanism is not clear, authors suspect obeticholic acid down-regulates CYP1A2 mRNA expression, resulting in lower systemic concentrations of the CYP1A2 enzyme.(1,2) Clozapine has a narrow therapeutic window and is primarily metabolized by CYP1A2.(3) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of clozapine with obeticholic acid may result in elevated levels of clozapine and an increase in clozapine related side effects such as orthostatic hypotension, syncope, QT prolongation, profound sedation and seizures.(1-3) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(4) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction). PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If coadministration cannot be avoided, the manufacturer of obeticholic acid recommends close monitoring and possible dose reduction of the affected drug.(2) Clozapine levels may be considered in patients receiving concurrent therapy with obeticholic acid. Patients receiving concurrent therapy should be monitored for adverse clozapine effects. If concurrent therapy is warranted in patients receiving clozapine, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: In an interaction study, multiple doses of obeticholic acid increased systemic exposure (AUC, area-under-curve) to caffeine (a sensitive CYP1A2 substrate) by 42%.(1) Coadministration with tizanidine (2 mg, a sensitive CYP1A2 substrate) on day 21 with vemurafenib (960 mg twice daily for 21 days) increased tizanidine AUC and Cmax by 4.7-fold and 2.2-fold in 16 cancer patients.(1) |
OCALIVA |
| Hydroxychloroquine/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Hydroxychloroquine has been observed to prolong the QTc interval. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of hydroxychloroquine with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of hydroxychloroquine states that hydroxychloroquine should not be administered with other agents that prolong the QT interval.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: The manufacturer states that hydroxychloroquine has been shown to prolong the QT interval;(1) however, conditions that hydroxychloroquine treats have also been associated with QT prolongation. Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval but are generally accepted to have a risk of causing Torsades de Pointes. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or Torsades de Pointes in clinical trials and/or post-marketing reports.(3) |
HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE SULFATE, PLAQUENIL, SOVUNA |
| Clozapine/Givosiran SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Givosiran interferes with the first and rate-limiting step in hepatic heme biosynthesis, which may lower hepatic heme levels and decrease production and/or activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes.(1,2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of givosiran may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from clozapine, such as orthostatic hypotension, syncope, QT prolongation, profound sedation and seizures.(1-3) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(4) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction). PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid the concurrent use of givosiran with clozapine. If concurrent use is unavoidable, consider decreasing the dose of clozapine and checking clozapine levels. Patients receiving concurrent therapy should be monitored for adverse clozapine effects.(1-3) If concurrent therapy is warranted in patients receiving clozapine, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: A study of 9 patients with acute intermittent porphyria found that givosiran decreased the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) of caffeine (a CYP1A2 substrate) by 1.3- and 3.1-fold, respectively, compared to caffeine alone.(1,2) |
GIVLAARI |
| Selected Opioids for MAT/Selected Antipsychotics SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of buprenorphine or diacetylmorphine and antipsychotics may result in additive CNS depression.(1-3) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of buprenorphine or diacetylmorphine and antipsychotics may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and/or death.(1-3) 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 or diacetylmorphine is not contraindicated in patients taking CNS depressants, such as antipsychotics; however, gradual tapering or decreasing to the lowest effective dose of the antipsychotic may be appropriate. Ensure that other health care providers prescribing other CNS depressants are aware of the patient's buprenorphine or diacetylmorphine 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.(4) 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.(5) DISCUSSION: A nested case-control study looked at the relationship between antipsychotic use and risk of acute respiratory failure. Current use of antipsychotics was associated with a 2.33-fold increase in risk of respiratory failure compared to no use of antipsychotics. The risk was also significantly increased in patients with recent use of antipsychotics (within the past 15-30 days, OR = 1.79) and recent past use (within 31-90 days OR = 1.41). The risk increased with higher doses and longer duration of use.(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.(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) Selected antipsychotics linked include: amsulpride, chlorpromazine, chlorprothixene, clozapine, droperidol, haloperidol, iloperidone, mesoridazine, paliperidone, pimavanserin, pimozide, pipamperone, promethazine, quetiapine, sertindole, sulpiride, sultopride, thioridazine, ziprasidone, and zuclopenthixol. |
BRIXADI, BUPRENORPHINE HCL, BUPRENORPHINE-NALOXONE, SUBLOCADE, SUBOXONE, ZUBSOLV |
| Amisulpride/QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Amisulpride has been shown to prolong the QT interval. Concurrent use with QT prolonging agents may result in additive effects on the QT interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of amisulpride with agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Use caution when using amisulpride concurrently with other agents that can prolong the QT interval. Amisulpride may cause a dose and concentration dependent increase in the QTc interval. When concurrent therapy cannot be avoided, obtain ECGs and electrolyte values (serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium) prior to the start of treatment, after initiation of any drug known to prolong the QT interval, and periodically monitor during therapy. ECG monitoring is recommended in patients with pre-existing arrhythmias or cardiac conduction disorders; electrolyte abnormalities; congestive heart failure; or in patients taking medications or with other medical conditions known to prolong the QT interval. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities.(1) Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting.(2) DISCUSSION: QT prolongation and torsades de pointes have been reported with amisulpride. In a study in 40 patients with post operative nausea and vomiting, amisulpride increased baseline QTcF by 5 msec after a 2-minute intravenous infusion of 5 mg and by 23.4 msec after an 8-minute intravenous infusion of 40 mg. Based on an exposure-response relationship, it is expected that a 10 mg intravenous infusion over 1 minute may increase the QTcF by 13.4 msec.(1) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(3) |
BARHEMSYS |
| Clozapine/Osilodrostat SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Osilodrostat is a moderate inhibitor of CYP1A2.(1) Concurrent use with clozapine, a substrate of CYP1A2, may result in inhibition of clozapine metabolism.(2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of osilodrostat may result in higher levels of clozapine and increased risk of side effects including neutropenia and QT prolongation. Moderate neutropenia, even if due to combination therapy, may require abrupt discontinuation of clozapine resulting in decompensation of the patient's psychiatric disorder (e.g. schizophrenia). The disease treated by pentamidine may be compromised if myelosuppression requires dose reduction, delay, or discontinuation of the myelosuppressive agent. Undetected severe neutropenia or agranulocytosis may be fatal.(2,3) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(4) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(4) Low white blood counts prior to initiation of the myelosuppressive agent may increase risk for clinically significant neutropenia.(2,3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Use caution if osilodrostat and clozapine are used concomitantly.(1,2) The manufacturer of clozapine recommends monitoring patients for adverse reactions of clozapine and lowering the dose of clozapine if necessary.(2) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. If a patient stabilized on clozapine therapy requires treatment with osilodrostat, the clozapine prescriber should consult with the prescriber of osilodrostat to discuss treatment and monitoring options. More frequent ANC monitoring or treatment alternatives secondary to neutropenic episodes may need to be considered. Clozapine is only available through a restricted distribution system which requires documentation of the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) prior to dispensing. For most clozapine patients, clozapine treatment must be interrupted for a suspected clozapine-induced ANC < 1000 cells/microliter. For patients with benign ethnic neutropenia (BEN), treatment must be interrupted for suspected clozapine-induced neutropenia < 500 cells/microliter.(3) DISCUSSION: Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation as well as ventricular arrhythmia, torsades de pointes, cardiac arrest, and sudden death.(2) Osilodrostat is associated with a dose-dependent QT interval prolongation (maximum mean estimated QTcF increase of up to 5.3 ms at 30 mg), which may cause cardiac arrhythmias.(1) Clozapine is only available through a restricted distribution system which requires documentation of the ANC prior to dispensing.(3) |
ISTURISA |
| Selpercatinib/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Selpercatinib prolongs the QTc interval.(1) Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(2,3) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of selpercatinib with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(2,3) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Selpercatinib prolongs the QT interval. An increase in QT interval to > 500 ms was measured in 6% of patients and increase in the QT interval of at least 60 ms over baseline was measured in 15% of patients. Monitor patients at significant risk of developing QT prolongation, including patients with known long QT syndromes, clinically significant bradyarrhythmias, and severe or uncontrolled heart failure. Assess QT interval, electrolytes, and TSH at baseline and periodically during treatment. Correct hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypocalcemia prior to initiation and during treatment. Dose adjustments (1): For grade 3 QT interval prolongation, withhold selpercatinib until recovery to baseline or grade 0 or 1. Resume at a reduced dose. -1st dose reduction: For patients weighing less than 50 kg: 80 mg twice daily. For patients weighing 50 kg or greater: 120 mg twice daily. -2nd dose reduction: For patients weighing less than 50 kg: 40 mg twice daily. For patients weighing 50 kg or greater: 80 mg twice daily. -3rd dose reduction: For patients weighing less than 50 kg: 40 mg once daily. For patients weighing 50 kg or greater: 40 mg twice daily. -For grade 4 QT prolongation, discontinue selpercatinib. DISCUSSION: The effect of selpercatinib on the QT interval was evaluated in a thorough QT study in healthy subjects. The largest mean increase in QT is predicted to be 10.6 ms (upper 90% confidence interval: 12.1 ms) at the mean steady state maximum concentration (Cmax) observed in patients after administration of 160 mg twice daily. The increase in QT was concentration-dependent. Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(2) |
RETEVMO |
| Galantamine/QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Galantamine may reduce heart rate by increasing acetylcholine in the heart and increasing vagal tone. Bradycardia has been associated with increased risk of QTc interval prolongation.(1) Concurrent use of galantamine with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The use of galantamine in patients maintained on agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(2) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, advanced age or when receiving concomitant treatment with an inhibitor of CYP3A4.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The UK manufacturer of galantamine states that it should be used with caution in patients treated with drugs that affect the QTc interval.(2) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor ECG more frequently and consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Therapeutic doses of galantamine have been reported to cause QTc prolongation in patients.(2) An 85 year old male with dementia was restarted on galantamine 8 mg daily after a 2-week treatment interruption due to a syncopal episode that occurred 3 months previously. During his prior syncopal episode, he was hypotensive and bradycardic, but QTc interval was normal. After restarting galantamine, he was found to be hypotension and bradycardiac again, and QTc interval was significantly prolonged to 503 msec, over 60 msec longer than when he was off galantamine. Galantamine was discontinued and his QTc interval returned to baseline.(4) A 47 year old schizophrenic male experienced prolongation of the QTc interval to 518 msec after galantamine was increased from 8 mg daily to 12 mg daily. Although he was also on quetiapine and metoprolol, he had been stable on his other medications. His QTc interval normalized after galantamine was stopped.(5) The European pharmacovigilance (Eudravigilance) database contains 14 reports of torsades de pointe in patients on galantamine as of October 2019.(1) A pharmacovigilance study based on the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database found that, of a total of 33,626 cases of TdP/QT prolongation reported between January 2004 and September 2022, 54 cases occurred in patients on galantamine. The disproportionality analysis found a ROR = 5.12, 95% CI (3.92,6.68) and a PRR = 5.11, chi-square = 175.44.(6) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval but are generally accepted to have a risk of causing Torsades de Pointes. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or Torsades de Pointes in clinical trials and/or post-marketing reports.(7) |
GALANTAMINE ER, GALANTAMINE HBR, GALANTAMINE HYDROBROMIDE, ZUNVEYL |
| Pacritinib/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Pacritinib has been observed to prolong the QTc interval. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of pacritinib with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of pacritinib states concurrent use with agents known to prolong the QT interval should be avoided. Avoid the use of pacritinib in patients with a baseline QTc > 480 msec. Correct hypokalemia prior to initiation and during therapy with pacritinib.(1) If patients develop QTc prolongation >500 msec or >60 msec from baseline, hold pacritinib. If QTc prolongation resolves to <=480 msec or to baseline within 1 week, resume pacritinib at the same dose. If time to resolution of the QTc interval takes greater than 1 week to resolve, reduce the pacritinib dose.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: In a 24 week clinical study, patients treatment with pacritinib 200 mg twice daily had a change in QTc from baseline of 11 msec (90% CI: 5-17).(1) Pacritinib has been associated with QTc interval prolongation. In clinical trials, patients with QTc prolongation >500 msec occurred in 1.4% of patients in the treatment arm compared to 1% in the control arm. The treatment arm had a greater incidence of an increase in QTc > 60 msec from baseline than the control arm (1.9% vs 1%, respectively). QTc prolongation adverse reactions were higher in the treatment arm than the control group (3.8% vs 2%, respectively).(1) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval but are generally accepted to have a risk of causing Torsades de Pointes. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or Torsades de Pointes in clinical trials and/or post-marketing reports.(3) |
VONJO |
| Triclabendazole/QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Triclabendazole has been observed to prolong the QTc interval. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) Triclabendazole is partially metabolized by CYP1A2. Ciprofloxacin, propafenone, and vemurafenib are CYP1A2 inhibitors and may inhibit the CYP1A2 mediated metabolism of triclabendazole. CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of triclabendazole with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) Hepatic impairment and concurrent use of CYP1A2 inhibitors may raise triclabendazole levels and increase the risk of QT prolongation.(1) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of triclabendazole states concurrent use with agents known to prolong the QT interval should be used with caution. Monitor ECG in patients with a history of QTc prolongation, symptoms of long QT interval, electrolyte imbalances, concurrent CYP1A2 inhibitors, or hepatic impairment. If signs of a cardiac arrhythmia develop, stop treatment with triclabendazole and monitor ECG.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: In a thorough QT study, a dose-dependent prolongation in the QTc interval was observed with triclabendazole. The largest placebo-corrected mean increase in QTc was 9.2 msec (upper limit of confidence interval (UCI): 12.2 msec) following oral administration of 10 mg/kg triclabendazole twice daily (at the recommended dose), and the largest placebo-corrected mean increase in QTc was 21.7 msec (UCI: 24.7 msec) following oral administration of 10 mg/kg triclabendazole twice daily for 3 days (3 times the approved recommended dosing duration).(1) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval but are generally accepted to have a risk of causing Torsades de Pointes. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or Torsades de Pointes in clinical trials and/or post-marketing reports.(3) |
EGATEN |
| Dexmedetomidine Sublingual/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Dexmedetomidine sublingual has been shown to prolong the QTc interval. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of dexmedetomidine sublingual with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of dexmedetomidine sublingual states that concurrent use should be avoided with other agents known to prolong the QTc interval.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: In a QT study, dexmedetomidine sublingual had a concentration dependent effect on the QT interval. The mean QTc (95% confidence interval) increased from baseline by 6 (7) msec with a 120 mcg single dose, 8 (9) msec with 120 mcg followed by 2 additional doses of 60 mcg (total 3 doses), 8 (11) msec with a single 180 mcg dose, and 11 (14) msec with 180 mcg followed by 2 additional doses of 90 mcg (total 3 doses), respectively.(1) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(3) |
IGALMI |
| Mavorixafor/QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Mavorixafor has been shown to prolong the QTc interval. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of mavorixafor with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of mavorixafor states that concurrent use of mavorixafor with other agents known to prolong the QTc interval should be approached with caution. ECG monitoring is recommended prior to initiation, during concurrent therapy, and as clinically indicated with other agents known to prolong the QTc interval.(1) If QT prolongation occurs, a dose reduction or discontinuation of mavorixafor may be required.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: In a thorough QT study, a dose of mavorixafor 800 mg increased the mean QTc 15.6 msec (upper 90% CI = 19.9 msec). The dose of mavorixafor was 2 times the recommended maximum daily dose.(1) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(3) |
XOLREMDI |
| Givinostat/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Givinostat may prolong the QTc interval. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of givinostat with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of givinostat states that the concurrent use of QT prolonging agents should be avoided. If concurrent use cannot be avoided, obtain ECGs prior to initiating givinostat, during concomitant use, and as clinically indicated.(1) If the QTc interval is greater than 500 ms or the change from baseline is greater than 60 ms, withhold givinostat therapy.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities.(1) Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: In a QT study, the largest mean increase in QTc interval of 13.6 ms (upper confidence interval of 17.1 ms) occurred 5 hours after administration of givinostat 265.8 mg (approximately 5 times the recommended 53.2 mg dose in patients weighing 60 kg or more).(1) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(3) |
DUVYZAT |
| Taletrectinib/Possible QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Taletrectinib has been shown to prolong the QTc interval. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of taletrectinib with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes (TdP).(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: In general, the risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) Taletrectinib should be taken on an empty stomach. Administration with food may increase the risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If possible, avoid the use of taletrectinib with other agents known to prolong the QT interval.(1) If concurrent therapy cannot be avoided, adjust the frequency of monitoring as recommended in the prescribing information. If QTc is >500 msec or the change from baseline is >60 msec, withhold taletrectinib.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Taletrectinib causes concentration-dependent QTc prolongation. At steady state maximal concentration, taletrectinib (600 mg daily) increased the QTc interval by 12.8 msec (upper confidence interval 15.4 msec). At plasma concentrations achieved with taletrectinib (600 mg daily) with high fat food (1.5-fold higher than on an empty stomach), the predicted QTc interval increase is 20.5 (16.3, 24.7) msec.(1) In a clinical trial including 351 evaluable patients, 13% experienced an increase in QTcF of >60 msec compared to baseline and 2.6% had an increase in QTcF to >500 msec. Overall, 3.4% of patients had Grade 3 QTc interval prolongation. The median time from the first dose of taletrectinib to the onset of QT prolongation was 22 days (range: 1 day to 38.7 months). Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval but are generally accepted to have a risk of causing Torsades de Pointes. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or Torsades de Pointes in clinical trials and/or post-marketing reports.(9) |
IBTROZI |
The following contraindication information is available for VERSACLOZ (clozapine):
Drug contraindication overview.
No enhanced Contraindications information available for this drug.
No enhanced Contraindications information available for this drug.
There are 7 contraindications.
Absolute contraindication.
| Contraindication List |
|---|
| Acute pancreatitis |
| Congenital long QT syndrome |
| Lactation |
| Myocarditis |
| Neuroleptic malignant syndrome |
| Paralytic ileus |
| Torsades de pointes |
There are 22 severe contraindications.
Adequate patient monitoring is recommended for safer drug use.
| Severe List |
|---|
| Angle-closure glaucoma |
| Benign prostatic hyperplasia |
| Bone marrow depression |
| Bradycardia |
| Cardiomyopathy |
| Deep venous thrombosis |
| Dehydration |
| Eosinophilia |
| Fecal impaction |
| Hypokalemia |
| Hypomagnesemia |
| Hypotension |
| Lower seizure threshold |
| Metabolic syndrome x |
| Neutropenic disorder |
| Orthostatic hypotension |
| Pericarditis |
| Prolonged QT interval |
| Pulmonary thromboembolism |
| Seizure disorder |
| Senile dementia |
| Urinary retention |
There are 19 moderate contraindications.
Clinically significant contraindication, where the condition can be managed or treated before the drug may be given safely.
| Moderate List |
|---|
| 30 day risk period post-myocardial infarction |
| Cerebrovascular accident |
| Cerebrovascular disorder |
| Constipation |
| CYp2d6 poor metabolizer |
| CYp3a4 poor metabolizer |
| Diabetes mellitus |
| Disease of liver |
| Gastrointestinal hypomotility |
| Hyperlipidemia |
| Intestinal obstruction |
| Myocardial ischemia |
| Obesity |
| Predisposition to aspiration |
| Reduced activity of cytochrome p450 CYp1a2 |
| Sinus tachycardia |
| Tardive dyskinesia |
| Tobacco smoker |
| Weight gain |
The following adverse reaction information is available for VERSACLOZ (clozapine):
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 89 severe adverse reactions.
| More Frequent | Less Frequent |
|---|---|
|
Hypotension Orthostatic hypotension |
Akathisia Anticholinergic toxicity Cardiac arrhythmia Hypertension Neutropenic disorder |
| Rare/Very Rare |
|---|
|
Abnormal ECG Abnormal hepatic function tests Accidental fall Acute myocardial infarction Acute pancreatitis Acute renal failure Agranulocytosis Angioedema Aspiration pneumonia Atrial fibrillation Bacterial sepsis Blood dyscrasias Bradycardia Cardiomyopathy Cataplexy Cholestasis Chronic heart failure Colitis Colonic necrosis Deep venous thrombosis Diabetes mellitus Diabetic ketoacidosis DRESS syndrome Eosinophilia Erythema multiforme Exfoliative dermatitis Extrapyramidal disease Fecal impaction Gastric ulcer Gastrointestinal hypomotility Gastrointestinal obstruction Gastrointestinal perforation Granulocytopenic disorder Hepatic cirrhosis Hepatic failure Hepatic necrosis Hepatitis Hyperglycemia Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state Hypersensitivity angiitis Hypokinesia Hyponatremia Ileus Increased hemoglobin Infection Interstitial nephritis Intestinal ischemic necrosis Jaundice Leukopenia Lower respiratory infection Megacolon Mitral valve regurgitation Muscle rigidity Myocarditis Myoclonus Necrotizing enterocolitis Neuroleptic malignant syndrome Paralytic ileus Pericardial effusion Pericarditis Pleural effusions Pneumonia Polyserositis Priapism Prolonged QT interval Pulmonary thromboembolism Renal failure Rhabdomyolysis Secondary angle-closure glaucoma Seizure disorder Status epilepticus Steatosis of liver Stevens-johnson syndrome Systemic lupus erythematosus Tardive dyskinesia Thrombocytopenic disorder Thrombocytosis Torsades de pointes Toxic epidermal necrolysis Vasculitis Ventricular fibrillation Ventricular tachycardia |
There are 66 less severe adverse reactions.
| More Frequent | Less Frequent |
|---|---|
|
Constipation Dizziness Drowsy Fever Headache disorder Hyperhidrosis Nausea Sedation Sialorrhea Tachycardia Tremor Vertigo Visual changes Vomiting Weight gain Xerostomia |
Abdominal distension Acute abdominal pain Acute cognitive impairment Agitation Diarrhea Dyspepsia Eructation Fatigue Gastroenteritis Heartburn Nervousness Nightmares Parotitis Rectal bleeding Skin rash Syncope Urinary retention |
| Rare/Very Rare |
|---|
|
Abnormal electroencephalogram Acquired dystonia Angina Anorexia Ataxia Bloody vomit Delirium Depression Dysarthria Dyschromia Dysgeusia Dysmenorrhea Dysphagia Edema Erectile dysfunction Fecal incontinence Hypercholesterolemia Hypertriglyceridemia Hyperuricemia Insomnia Lethargy Mastalgia Muscle weakness Nocturnal enuresis Paresthesia Periorbital edema Polydipsia Retrograde ejaculation Sialoadenitis Skin photosensitivity Slurred speech Urinary incontinence Weight loss |
The following precautions are available for VERSACLOZ (clozapine):
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 |
Reproduction studies in rats and rabbits using clozapine dosages up to 0.4 and 0.9 times the maximum recommended human dosage on a mg/m2 basis, respectively, have not revealed evidence of harm to the fetus.
Neonates exposed to antipsychotic agents, including clozapine, during the third trimester of pregnancy are at risk for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms following delivery. There have been reports of agitation, hypertonia, hypotonia, tardive dyskinetic-like symptoms, tremor, somnolence, respiratory distress, and feeding disorder in these neonates. The majority of cases were also confounded by other factors, including concomitant use of other drugs known to be associated with withdrawal symptoms, prematurity, congenital malformations, and obstetrical and perinatal complications; however, some cases suggested that neonatal extrapyramidal and withdrawal symptoms may occur with exposure to antipsychotic agents alone.
Some of the cases described time of symptom onset, which ranged from birth to one month after birth. Any neonate exhibiting extrapyramidal or withdrawal symptoms following in utero exposure to antipsychotic agents should be monitored. Symptoms were self-limiting in some neonates but varied in severity; some infants required intensive care unit support and prolonged hospitalization.
For further information on extrapyramidal and withdrawal symptoms in neonates, see Cautions: Pregnancy, Fertility, and Lactation, in the Phenothiazines General Statement 28:16.08.24.
The manufacturers state that there are no adequate and well-controlled studies to date using clozapine in pregnant women, and the drug should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Women should be advised to notify their clinician if they become pregnant or plan to become pregnant during therapy with the drug. In addition, clinicians should advise women of childbearing potential about the benefits and risks of using antipsychotic agents during pregnancy. Patients should also be advised not to stop taking their antipsychotic agent if they become pregnant without first consulting with their clinician, since abruptly discontinuing the drugs can cause clinically important complications.
Neonates exposed to antipsychotic agents, including clozapine, during the third trimester of pregnancy are at risk for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms following delivery. There have been reports of agitation, hypertonia, hypotonia, tardive dyskinetic-like symptoms, tremor, somnolence, respiratory distress, and feeding disorder in these neonates. The majority of cases were also confounded by other factors, including concomitant use of other drugs known to be associated with withdrawal symptoms, prematurity, congenital malformations, and obstetrical and perinatal complications; however, some cases suggested that neonatal extrapyramidal and withdrawal symptoms may occur with exposure to antipsychotic agents alone.
Some of the cases described time of symptom onset, which ranged from birth to one month after birth. Any neonate exhibiting extrapyramidal or withdrawal symptoms following in utero exposure to antipsychotic agents should be monitored. Symptoms were self-limiting in some neonates but varied in severity; some infants required intensive care unit support and prolonged hospitalization.
For further information on extrapyramidal and withdrawal symptoms in neonates, see Cautions: Pregnancy, Fertility, and Lactation, in the Phenothiazines General Statement 28:16.08.24.
The manufacturers state that there are no adequate and well-controlled studies to date using clozapine in pregnant women, and the drug should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Women should be advised to notify their clinician if they become pregnant or plan to become pregnant during therapy with the drug. In addition, clinicians should advise women of childbearing potential about the benefits and risks of using antipsychotic agents during pregnancy. Patients should also be advised not to stop taking their antipsychotic agent if they become pregnant without first consulting with their clinician, since abruptly discontinuing the drugs can cause clinically important complications.
Clozapine is distributed into milk in humans. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions to clozapine in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the woman.
No enhanced Geriatric Use information available for this drug.
The following prioritized warning is available for VERSACLOZ (clozapine):
WARNING: While clozapine can provide great benefits, it can rarely cause serious, possibly fatal side effects. For this reason, clozapine is used when other treatments have not worked or you cannot take them. This medication can cause a serious decrease of a certain type of white blood cells (neutropenia).
To make sure you have enough white blood cells, your doctor will order lab tests before starting and while your are taking clozapine. Neutropenia may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse.
Get medical help right away if you have any signs of severe neutropenia or infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, swollen lymph nodes, unusual tiredness, weakness). Clozapine can also cause seizures, especially in higher doses. Let your doctor or pharmacist know if you have ever had seizures.
While taking this medication, avoid driving or other activities during which a sudden loss of consciousness could be dangerous (such as operating heavy machinery, swimming). This medication may rarely cause swelling of the heart muscle (myocarditis), swelling of the heart lining (pericarditis), or heart failure. Get medical help right away if you develop chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, or unusual/sudden weight gain.
Clozapine can cause low blood pressure or a slow heartbeat, which can make you dizzy or cause you to faint when you stand up. The risk is higher when you first start or increase your dose of medication. Dizziness and lightheadedness can increase the risk of falling.
Get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. There may be a slightly increased risk of serious, possibly fatal side effects (such as stroke, heart failure, fast/irregular heartbeat, pneumonia) when this medication is used by older adults with dementia. This medication is not approved for the treatment of dementia-related behavior problems. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication, as well as other effective and possibly safer treatments for dementia-related behavior problems, with the doctor.
WARNING: While clozapine can provide great benefits, it can rarely cause serious, possibly fatal side effects. For this reason, clozapine is used when other treatments have not worked or you cannot take them. This medication can cause a serious decrease of a certain type of white blood cells (neutropenia).
To make sure you have enough white blood cells, your doctor will order lab tests before starting and while your are taking clozapine. Neutropenia may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse.
Get medical help right away if you have any signs of severe neutropenia or infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, swollen lymph nodes, unusual tiredness, weakness). Clozapine can also cause seizures, especially in higher doses. Let your doctor or pharmacist know if you have ever had seizures.
While taking this medication, avoid driving or other activities during which a sudden loss of consciousness could be dangerous (such as operating heavy machinery, swimming). This medication may rarely cause swelling of the heart muscle (myocarditis), swelling of the heart lining (pericarditis), or heart failure. Get medical help right away if you develop chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, or unusual/sudden weight gain.
Clozapine can cause low blood pressure or a slow heartbeat, which can make you dizzy or cause you to faint when you stand up. The risk is higher when you first start or increase your dose of medication. Dizziness and lightheadedness can increase the risk of falling.
Get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. There may be a slightly increased risk of serious, possibly fatal side effects (such as stroke, heart failure, fast/irregular heartbeat, pneumonia) when this medication is used by older adults with dementia. This medication is not approved for the treatment of dementia-related behavior problems. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication, as well as other effective and possibly safer treatments for dementia-related behavior problems, with the doctor.
The following icd codes are available for VERSACLOZ (clozapine)'s list of indications:
| Suicidal behavior in schizoaffective disorder | |
| F25 | Schizoaffective disorders |
| F25.0 | Schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type |
| F25.1 | Schizoaffective disorder, depressive type |
| F25.8 | Other schizoaffective disorders |
| F25.9 | Schizoaffective disorder, unspecified |
| Suicidal behavior in schizophrenia | |
| F20 | Schizophrenia |
| F20.0 | Paranoid schizophrenia |
| F20.1 | Disorganized schizophrenia |
| F20.2 | Catatonic schizophrenia |
| F20.3 | Undifferentiated schizophrenia |
| F20.5 | Residual schizophrenia |
| F20.8 | Other schizophrenia |
| F20.89 | Other schizophrenia |
| F20.9 | Schizophrenia, unspecified |
| Treatment-resistant schizophrenia | |
| F20 | Schizophrenia |
| F20.0 | Paranoid schizophrenia |
| F20.1 | Disorganized schizophrenia |
| F20.2 | Catatonic schizophrenia |
| F20.3 | Undifferentiated schizophrenia |
| F20.5 | Residual schizophrenia |
| F20.8 | Other schizophrenia |
| F20.81 | Schizophreniform disorder |
| F20.89 | Other schizophrenia |
| F20.9 | Schizophrenia, unspecified |
Formulary Reference Tool