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Drug overview for PROMETHAZINE HCL (promethazine hcl):
Generic name: PROMETHAZINE HCL (proe-METH-a-zeen)
Drug class: Antiemetic
Therapeutic class: Respiratory Therapy Agents
Promethazine hydrochloride, a phenothiazine derivative, is an H1-receptor Promethazine is a phenothiazine derivative with potent first generation antagonist with potent sedative and antiemetic properties. antihistaminic properties.
Promethazine shares the uses of the antihistaminic drugs. (See Uses in the Antihistamines General Statement 4:00.) Promethazine's pronounced sedative effect limits the usefulness of the drug as an antihistamine in many ambulatory patients. In contrast to most other phenothiazines, promethazine is effective in the management of motion sickness.
For the use of promethazine as a sedative and antiemetic, see Promethazine Hydrochloride 28:24.92 and also see the Phenothiazines General Statement 28:16.08.24.
Generic name: PROMETHAZINE HCL (proe-METH-a-zeen)
Drug class: Antiemetic
Therapeutic class: Respiratory Therapy Agents
Promethazine hydrochloride, a phenothiazine derivative, is an H1-receptor Promethazine is a phenothiazine derivative with potent first generation antagonist with potent sedative and antiemetic properties. antihistaminic properties.
Promethazine shares the uses of the antihistaminic drugs. (See Uses in the Antihistamines General Statement 4:00.) Promethazine's pronounced sedative effect limits the usefulness of the drug as an antihistamine in many ambulatory patients. In contrast to most other phenothiazines, promethazine is effective in the management of motion sickness.
For the use of promethazine as a sedative and antiemetic, see Promethazine Hydrochloride 28:24.92 and also see the Phenothiazines General Statement 28:16.08.24.
DRUG IMAGES
PROMETHAZINE 6.25 MG/5 ML SYRP
The following indications for PROMETHAZINE HCL (promethazine hcl) have been approved by the FDA:
Indications:
Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic rhinitis
Anaphylaxis adjunct
Motion sickness
Pain treatment adjunct
Post-operative nausea and vomiting
Prevention of motion sickness
Prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting
Sedation
Urticaria
Vasomotor rhinitis
Professional Synonyms:
Adjunct medication therapy for anaphylactic reaction
Adjunct medication therapy for anaphylaxis
Adjunct medication therapy for pain
Adjunct medication treatment for pain
Allergy eye itch
Atopic conjunctivitis
Cnidosis
Induced state of calm relaxation
Itching wheals
Itchy eyes due to allergies
Nettle rash
Ocular itching due to allergies
Post op nausea and vomiting
Postop nausea and vomiting prophylaxis
Postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis
Postoperative nausea and vomiting
Prevention of riders' vertigo
Riders' vertigo
Uredo
Urticarial rash
Urtication
Weal
Indications:
Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic rhinitis
Anaphylaxis adjunct
Motion sickness
Pain treatment adjunct
Post-operative nausea and vomiting
Prevention of motion sickness
Prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting
Sedation
Urticaria
Vasomotor rhinitis
Professional Synonyms:
Adjunct medication therapy for anaphylactic reaction
Adjunct medication therapy for anaphylaxis
Adjunct medication therapy for pain
Adjunct medication treatment for pain
Allergy eye itch
Atopic conjunctivitis
Cnidosis
Induced state of calm relaxation
Itching wheals
Itchy eyes due to allergies
Nettle rash
Ocular itching due to allergies
Post op nausea and vomiting
Postop nausea and vomiting prophylaxis
Postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis
Postoperative nausea and vomiting
Prevention of riders' vertigo
Riders' vertigo
Uredo
Urticarial rash
Urtication
Weal
The following dosing information is available for PROMETHAZINE HCL (promethazine hcl):
Dosages of promethazine hydrochloride by the various routes of administration are identical.
Because of the risk of potentially fatal respiratory depression, promethazine hydrochloride should not be used in children younger than 2 years of age. The drug should be used cautiously and at the lowest effective dosage in older children (See Cautions: Pediatric Precautions.)
Dosages of promethazine hydrochloride by the various routes of administration are identical; dosage is expressed in terms of the hydrochloride salt.
Because of the risk of potentially fatal respiratory depression, promethazine hydrochloride should not be used in children younger than 2 years of age. The drug should be used cautiously and at the lowest effective dosage in older children (See Cautions: Pediatric Precautions.)
Dosages of promethazine hydrochloride by the various routes of administration are identical; dosage is expressed in terms of the hydrochloride salt.
Promethazine hydrochloride may be administered orally, rectally, or by deep IM injection. Promethazine hydrochloride also is administered by IV injection. However, because IV administration of the drug has been associated with severe tissue injury, including gangrene requiring amputation, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that deep IM injection is the preferred method for administration of promethazine hydrochloride injections.
(See Cautions: Precautions and Contraindications.) If IV administration of promethazine hydrochloride is required, FDA states that the drug should be administered through the tubing of an IV infusion set that is known to be correctly functioning; FDA also states that the maximum rate of IV administration is 25 mg/minute, and the maximum concentration of the injection is 25 mg/mL. If the patient complains of pain at the injection site during presumed IV injection of the drug, the injection should immediately be stopped, and the possibility of intra-arterial placement of the needle or perivascular extravasation should be evaluated. Promethazine hydrochloride injection is commercially available in 2 strengths: 25 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL.
FDA states that the preparation containing 50 mg/mL is for IM injection only; the preparation containing 25 mg/mL may be administered by IM or IV injection. Because of the risk of severe tissue injury and amputations if promethazine hydrochloride is inadvertently administered intra-arterially or if extravasation were to occur, some medication safety experts (e.g., the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP)) recommend that parenteral administration of the drug be avoided and replaced by safer alternative therapies. Subcutaneous or intra-arterial injection of promethazine hydrochloride is contraindicated.
Promethazine hydrochloride injection should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit. The injection should be discarded if the solution is discolored or contains a precipitate. Promethazine hydrochloride is administered orally, rectally, or by deep IM injection.
The drug can also be administered by IV infusion (after dilution); however, IM injection is preferred because IV administration has been associated with severe tissue injury, including gangrene requiring amputation. Subcutaneous or intra-arterial injection of promethazine hydrochloride is contraindicated. Promethazine hydrochloride tablets should be stored at 20-25degreesC in a tight, light-resistant container; the oral syrup should be stored at 25degreesC (excursions permitted from 15-30degreesC) in tightly closed containers protected from light) and the oral solution should be stored at 20-25degreesC in tight, light-resistant containers protected from light.
The rectal suppositories should be stored in well-closed containers at 2-8degreesC. Promethazine hydrochloride injection should be stored at 20-25degreesC; protect from light. The diluted solution may be stored for up to 4 hours at room temperature (20-25degreesC), or for up to 24 hours refrigerated (2-8degreesC).
(See Cautions: Precautions and Contraindications.) If IV administration of promethazine hydrochloride is required, FDA states that the drug should be administered through the tubing of an IV infusion set that is known to be correctly functioning; FDA also states that the maximum rate of IV administration is 25 mg/minute, and the maximum concentration of the injection is 25 mg/mL. If the patient complains of pain at the injection site during presumed IV injection of the drug, the injection should immediately be stopped, and the possibility of intra-arterial placement of the needle or perivascular extravasation should be evaluated. Promethazine hydrochloride injection is commercially available in 2 strengths: 25 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL.
FDA states that the preparation containing 50 mg/mL is for IM injection only; the preparation containing 25 mg/mL may be administered by IM or IV injection. Because of the risk of severe tissue injury and amputations if promethazine hydrochloride is inadvertently administered intra-arterially or if extravasation were to occur, some medication safety experts (e.g., the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP)) recommend that parenteral administration of the drug be avoided and replaced by safer alternative therapies. Subcutaneous or intra-arterial injection of promethazine hydrochloride is contraindicated.
Promethazine hydrochloride injection should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit. The injection should be discarded if the solution is discolored or contains a precipitate. Promethazine hydrochloride is administered orally, rectally, or by deep IM injection.
The drug can also be administered by IV infusion (after dilution); however, IM injection is preferred because IV administration has been associated with severe tissue injury, including gangrene requiring amputation. Subcutaneous or intra-arterial injection of promethazine hydrochloride is contraindicated. Promethazine hydrochloride tablets should be stored at 20-25degreesC in a tight, light-resistant container; the oral syrup should be stored at 25degreesC (excursions permitted from 15-30degreesC) in tightly closed containers protected from light) and the oral solution should be stored at 20-25degreesC in tight, light-resistant containers protected from light.
The rectal suppositories should be stored in well-closed containers at 2-8degreesC. Promethazine hydrochloride injection should be stored at 20-25degreesC; protect from light. The diluted solution may be stored for up to 4 hours at room temperature (20-25degreesC), or for up to 24 hours refrigerated (2-8degreesC).
| DRUG LABEL | DOSING TYPE | DOSING INSTRUCTIONS |
|---|---|---|
| PROMETHAZINE 6.25 MG/5 ML SYRP | Maintenance | Adults take 20 milliliters (25 mg) by oral route once daily at bedtime as needed |
| DRUG LABEL | DOSING TYPE | DOSING INSTRUCTIONS |
|---|---|---|
| PROMETHAZINE 6.25 MG/5 ML SYRP | Maintenance | Adults take 20 milliliters (25 mg) by oral route once daily at bedtime as needed |
| PROMETHAZINE 6.25 MG/5 ML SOLN | Maintenance | Adults take 20 milliliters (25 mg) by oral route once daily at bedtime as needed |
| PROMETHAZINE 6.25 MG/5 ML CUP | Maintenance | Adults take 20 milliliters (25 mg) by oral route once daily at bedtime as needed |
| PROMETHAZINE 12.5 MG/10 ML CUP | Maintenance | Adults take 20 milliliters (25 mg) by oral route once daily at bedtime as needed |
The following drug interaction information is available for PROMETHAZINE HCL (promethazine hcl):
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 12 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 |
|---|---|
| Solid Oral Potassium Tablets/Anticholinergics SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concentrated potassium may damage the lining of the GI tract. Anticholinergics delay gastric emptying, resulting in the potassium product remaining in the gastrointestinal tract for a longer period of time.(1-16) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Use of solid oral dosage forms of potassium in patients treated with anticholinergics may result in gastrointestinal erosions, ulcers, stenosis and bleeding.(1-16) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Diseases or conditions which may increase risk for GI damage include: preexisting dysphagia, strictures, cardiomegaly, diabetic gastroparesis, elderly status, or insufficient oral intake to allow dilution of potassium.(1-10,21) Other drugs which may add to risk for GI damage include: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), bisphosphonates, or tetracyclines.(21) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Regulatory agency and manufacturer recommendations regarding this interaction: - In the US, all solid oral dosage forms (including tablets and extended release capsules) of potassium are contraindicated in patients receiving anticholinergics at sufficient dosages to result in systemic effects.(2-8) Patients receiving such anticholinergic therapy should use a liquid form of potassium chloride.(2) - In Canada, solid oral potassium is contraindicated in any patient with a cause for arrest or delay in tablet/capsule passage through the gastrointestinal tract and the manufacturers recommend caution with concurrent anticholinergic medications.(1,9-10) Evaluate each patient for predisposing factors which may increase risk for GI damage. In patients with multiple risk factors for harm, consider use of liquid potassium supplements, if tolerated. For patients receiving concomitant therapy, assure any potassium dose form is taken after meals with a large glass of water or other fluid. To decrease potassium concentration in the GI tract, limit each dose to 20 meq; if more than 20 meq daily is required, give in divided doses.(2) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, distention, severe vomiting, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling. DISCUSSION: In clinical trials, there was a higher incidence of gastric and duodenal lesions in patients receiving a high dose of a wax-matrix controlled-release formulation with a concurrent anticholinergic agent. Some lesions were asymptomatic and not accompanied by bleeding, as shown by a lack of positive Hemoccult tests.(1-17) Several studies suggest that the incidence of gastric and duodenal lesions may be less with the microencapsulated formulation of potassium chloride.(14-17) |
KLOR-CON 10, KLOR-CON 8, KLOR-CON M10, KLOR-CON M15, KLOR-CON M20, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, POTASSIUM CITRATE ER, UROCIT-K |
| Solid Oral Potassium Capsules/Anticholinergics SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concentrated potassium may damage the lining of the GI tract. Anticholinergics delay gastric emptying, resulting in the potassium product remaining in the gastrointestinal tract for a longer period of time.(1-16)) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Use of solid oral dosage forms of potassium in patients treated with anticholinergics may result in gastrointestinal erosions, ulcers, stenosis and bleeding.(1-16) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Diseases or conditions which may increase risk for GI damage include: preexisting dysphagia, strictures, cardiomegaly, diabetic gastroparesis, elderly status, or insufficient oral intake to allow dilution of potassium.(1-10,21) Other drugs which may add to risk for GI damage include: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), bisphosphonates, or tetracyclines.(21) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Regulatory agency and manufacturer recommendations regarding this interaction: - In the US, all solid oral dosage forms (including tablets and extended release capsules) of potassium are contraindicated in patients receiving anticholinergics at sufficient dosages to result in systemic effects.(2-8) Patients receiving such anticholinergic therapy should use a liquid form of potassium chloride.(2) - In Canada, solid oral potassium is contraindicated in any patient with a cause for arrest or delay in tablet/capsule passage through the gastrointestinal tract and the manufacturers recommend caution with concurrent anticholinergic medications.(1,9-10) Evaluate each patient for predisposing factors which may increase risk for GI damage. In patients with multiple risk factors for harm, consider use of liquid potassium supplements, if tolerated. For patients receiving concomitant therapy, assure any potassium dose form is taken after meals with a large glass of water or other fluid. To decrease potassium concentration in the GI tract, limit each dose to 20 meq; if more than 20 meq daily is required, give in divided doses.(2) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, distention, severe vomiting, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling. DISCUSSION: In clinical trials, there was a higher incidence of gastric and duodenal lesions in patients receiving a high dose of a wax-matrix controlled-release formulation with a concurrent anticholinergic agent. The lesions were asymptomatic and not accompanied by bleeding, as shown by a lack of positive Hemoccult tests.(1-17) Several studies suggest that the incidence of gastric and duodenal lesions may be less with the microencapsulated formulation of potassium chloride.(14-17) |
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE |
| Radioactive Iodide/Agents that Affect Iodide SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Many compounds can affect iodide protein binding and alter iodide pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Compounds that affect iodide pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics may impact the effectiveness of radioactive iodide.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Compounds that affect iodide pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics are expected to have the most impact during therapy using radioactive iodide. Diagnostic procedures would be expected to be impacted less. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Discuss the use of agents that affect iodide pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics with the patient's oncologist.(1) Because indocyanine green contains sodium iodide, the iodine-binding capacity of thyroid tissue may be reduced for at least one week following administration. Do not perform radioactive iodine uptake studies for at least one week following administration of indocyanine green.(2) The manufacturer of iopamidol states administration may interfere with thyroid uptake of radioactive iodine and decrease therapeutic and diagnostic efficacy. Avoid thyroid therapy or testing for up to 6 weeks post administration of iopamidol.(3) DISCUSSION: Many agents interact with radioactive iodine. The average duration of effect is: anticoagulants - 1 week antihistamines - 1 week anti-thyroid drugs, e.g: carbimazole, methimazole, propylthiouracil - 3-5 days corticosteroids - 1 week iodide-containing medications, e.g: amiodarone - 1-6 months expectorants - 2 weeks Lugol solution - 3 weeks saturated solution of potassium iodine - 3 weeks vitamins - 10-14 days iodide-containing X-ray contrast agents - up to 1 year lithium - 4 weeks phenylbutazone - 1-2 weeks sulfonamides - 1 week thyroid hormones (natural or synthetic), e.g.: thyroxine - 4 weeks tri-iodothyronine - 2 weeks tolbutamide - 1 week topical iodide - 1-9 months (1) |
ADREVIEW, JEANATOPE, MEGATOPE, SODIUM IODIDE I-123, VOLUMEX |
| 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. The risk of opioid-related overdose or overdose-related death is increased with higher opioid doses, and this risk persists over the course of therapy. Consider these risks when using concurrently with other agents that may cause CNS depression.(4) Discuss opioid reversal agents (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Consider prescribing an opioid reversal agent (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) to patients prescribed medicines to treat OUD or opioid analgesics who are at increased risk of opioid overdose (such as those taking CNS depressants) and when a patient has household members/close contacts at risk for accidental overdose. Discuss the options for obtaining an opioid reversal agent (e.g., prescription, over-the-counter, or as part of a community-based program).(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 |
| Metoclopramide/Promethazine SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Both metoclopramide and promethazine 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. 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.(3-5) |
GIMOTI, METOCLOPRAMIDE HCL, REGLAN |
| 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. The risk of opioid-related overdose or overdose-related death is increased with higher opioid doses, and this risk persists over the course of therapy. Consider these risks 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 opioid reversal agents (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Consider prescribing an opioid reversal agent (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) to patients prescribed medicines to treat OUD or opioid analgesics who are at increased risk of opioid overdose (such as those taking CNS depressants) and when a patient has household members/close contacts at risk for accidental overdose. Discuss the options for obtaining an opioid reversal agent (e.g., prescription, over-the-counter, or as part of a community-based program).(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, PROMETHAZINE-CODEINE, TUXARIN ER |
| Aminolevulinic Acid/Selected Photosensitizers SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Aminolevulinic acid, anthralin, coal tar and derivatives, fluoroquinolones, griseofulvin, organic staining dyes (such as methylene blue, rose bengal, or toluidine blue), phenothiazines, selected NSAIDs (such as diclofenac, ketoprofen, nabumetone, naproxen, piroxicam, and tiaprofenic acid), methotrexate, St. John's wort, sulfonamides, sulfonylureas, tetracyclines, and thiazides are all known photosensitizers.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of aminolevulinic acid in patients taking anthralin, coal tar and derivatives, fluoroquinolones, griseofulvin, organic staining dyes (such as methylene blue, rose bengal, or toluidine blue), phenothiazines, selected NSAIDs (such as diclofenac, ketoprofen, nabumetone, naproxen, piroxicam, and tiaprofenic acid), methotrexate, St. John's wort, sulfonamides, sulfonylureas, tetracyclines, and thiazides may increase the risk of phototoxicity.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer states that aminolevulinic acid should be avoided in patients receiving photosensitizers including anthralin, coal tar and derivatives, fluoroquinolones, griseofulvin, organic staining dyes (such as methylene blue, rose bengal, or toluidine blue), phenothiazines, selected NSAIDs (such as diclofenac, ketoprofen, nabumetone, naproxen, piroxicam, and tiaprofenic acid), methotrexate, St. John's wort, sulfonamides, sulfonylureas, tetracyclines, and thiazides for 24 hours before and after administration of aminolevulinic acid.(1) DISCUSSION: Because of the risk of increased photosensitivity, the US manufacturer states that aminolevulinic acid should be avoided in patients receiving photosensitizers including anthralin, coal tar and derivatives, fluoroquinolones, griseofulvin, organic staining dyes (such as methylene blue, rose bengal, or toluidine blue), phenothiazines, selected NSAIDs (such as diclofenac, ketoprofen, nabumetone, naproxen, piroxicam, and tiaprofenic acid), methotrexate, St. John's wort, sulfonamides, sulfonylureas, tetracyclines, and thiazides for 24 hours before and after administration of aminolevulinic acid.(1) |
AMINOLEVULINIC ACID HCL, GLEOLAN |
| Porfimer/Selected Photosensitizers SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Porfimer causes photosensitivity due to residual drug which is present in all parts of the skin. Anthralin, coal tar and derivatives, fluoroquinolones, griseofulvin, organic staining dyes (such as methylene blue, rose bengal, or toluidine blue), phenothiazines, selected NSAIDs (such as diclofenac, ketoprofen, nabumetone, naproxen, piroxicam, and tiaprofenic acid), methotrexate, St. John's wort, sulfonamides, sulfonylureas, tetracyclines, and thiazides are other known photosensitizers.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of porfimer in patients taking anthralin, coal tar and derivatives, fluoroquinolones, griseofulvin, organic staining dyes (such as methylene blue, rose bengal, or toluidine blue), phenothiazines, selected NSAIDs (such as diclofenac, ketoprofen, nabumetone, naproxen, piroxicam, and tiaprofenic acid), methotrexate, St. John's wort, sulfonamides, sulfonylureas, tetracyclines, and thiazides may increase the risk of phototoxicity.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients with any hepatic impairment and patients with severe renal impairment have reduced drug elimination and may remain photosensitive for 90 days or longer.(1) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of porfimer states that concurrent use of porfimer with photosensitizers including anthralin, coal tar and derivatives, fluoroquinolones, griseofulvin, organic staining dyes (such as methylene blue, rose bengal, or toluidine blue), phenothiazines, selected NSAIDs (such as diclofenac, ketoprofen, nabumetone, naproxen, piroxicam, and tiaprofenic acid), methotrexate, St. John's wort, sulfonamides, sulfonylureas, tetracyclines, and thiazides should be avoided.(1) Since the photosensitive effect of porfimer may persist for at least 30 days (and for 90 days in some patients), it would be prudent to avoid other photosensitizing agents for at least 30 days after administration of porfimer. DISCUSSION: All patients who have received porfimer become photosensitive. It is unknown what the risk of photosensitivity reactions is when porfimer is used concurrently with other photosensitizing agents. When porfimer was used in clinical trials, photosensitivity reactions occurred in about 20% of cancer patients and in 69% of high-grade dysplasia in Barretts esophagus patients. Most of the reactions were mild to moderate erythema, but they also included swelling, pruritus, burning sensation, feeling hot, or blisters. The majority of reactions occurred within 90 days of porfimer administration.(1) |
PHOTOFRIN |
| 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) |
CLOZAPINE, CLOZAPINE ODT, CLOZARIL, VERSACLOZ |
| Eluxadoline/Anticholinergics; Opioids SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Eluxadoline is a mixed mu-opioid and kappa-opioid agonist and delta-opioid antagonist and may alter or slow down gastrointestinal transit.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Constipation related adverse events that sometimes required hospitalization have been reported, including the development of intestinal obstruction, intestinal perforation, and fecal impaction.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid use with other drugs that may cause constipation. 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.(1) Instruct patients to stop eluxadoline and immediately contact their healthcare provider if they experience severe constipation. Loperamide may be used occasionally for acute management of severe diarrhea, but must be discontinued if constipation develops.(1) DISCUSSION: In phase 3 clinical trials, constipation was the most commonly reported adverse reaction (8%). Approximately 50% of constipation events occurred within the first 2 weeks of treatment while the majority occurred within the first 3 months of therapy. Rates of severe constipation were less than 1% in patients receiving eluxadoline doses of 75 mg and 100 mg.(1) |
VIBERZI |
| Methoxsalen/Selected Photosensitizers SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Methoxsalen causes photosensitivity due to residual drug which is present in all parts of the skin from photopheresis. Anthralin, coal tar and derivatives, fluoroquinolones, griseofulvin, organic staining dyes (such as methylene blue, rose bengal, or toluidine blue), phenothiazines, selected NSAIDs (such as diclofenac, ketoprofen, nabumetone, naproxen, piroxicam, and tiaprofenic acid), methotrexate, St. John's wort, sulfonamides, sulfonylureas, tetracyclines, and thiazides are other known photosensitizers.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of methoxsalen in patients taking anthralin, coal tar and derivatives, fluoroquinolones, griseofulvin, organic staining dyes (such as methylene blue, rose bengal, or toluidine blue), phenothiazines, selected NSAIDs (such as diclofenac, ketoprofen, nabumetone, naproxen, piroxicam, and tiaprofenic acid), methotrexate, St. John's wort, sulfonamides, sulfonylureas, tetracyclines, and thiazides may increase the risk of phototoxicity.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of methoxsalen states that concurrent use of methoxsalen with anthralin, coal tar and derivatives, fluoroquinolones, griseofulvin, organic staining dyes (such as methylene blue, rose bengal, or toluidine blue), phenothiazines, selected NSAIDs (such as diclofenac, ketoprofen, nabumetone, naproxen, piroxicam, and tiaprofenic acid), methotrexate, St. John's wort, sulfonamides, sulfonylureas, tetracyclines, and thiazides should be avoided.(1) DISCUSSION: All patients who have received methoxsalen become photosensitive. It is unknown what the risk of photosensitivity reactions is when methoxsalen is used concurrently with other photosensitizing agents.(1) |
METHOXSALEN, UVADEX |
| Sodium Iodide I 131/Agents that Affect Iodide SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Many compounds can affect iodide protein binding and alter iodide pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.(1,2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Compounds that affect iodide pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics may impact the effectiveness of radioactive iodide.(1,2) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Compounds that affect iodide pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics are expected to have the most impact during therapy using radioactive iodide. Diagnostic procedures would be expected to be impacted less. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Discuss the use of agents that affect iodide pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics with the patient's oncologist.(1,2) Because indocyanine green contains sodium iodide, the iodine-binding capacity of thyroid tissue may be reduced for at least one week following administration. Do not perform radioactive iodine uptake studies for at least one week following administration of indocyanine green.(3) The manufacturer of iopamidol states administration may interfere with thyroid uptake of radioactive iodine and decrease therapeutic and diagnostic efficacy. Avoid thyroid therapy or testing for up to 6 weeks post administration of iopamidol.(4) DISCUSSION: Many agents interact with radioactive iodine. The average duration of effect is: anticoagulants - 1 week antihistamines - 1 week anti-thyroid drugs, e.g: carbimazole, methimazole, propylthiouracil - 3-5 days corticosteroids - 1 week iodide-containing medications, e.g: amiodarone - 1-6 months expectorants - 2 weeks Lugol solution - 3 weeks saturated solution of potassium iodine - 3 weeks vitamins - 10-14 days iodide-containing X-ray contrast agents - up to 1 year lithium - 4 weeks phenylbutazone - 1-2 weeks sulfonamides - 1 week thyroid hormones (natural or synthetic), e.g.: thyroxine - 4 weeks tri-iodothyronine - 2 weeks tolbutamide - 1 week topical iodide - 1-9 months (1,2) |
HICON, SODIUM IODIDE I-131 |
There are 12 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 |
|---|---|
| Guanethidine; Guanadrel/Phenothiazines SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Phenothiazines may inhibit uptake of guanethidine at the adrenergic neuron. CLINICAL EFFECTS: Decreased antihypertensive effectiveness. Effects may be seen for several days after discontinuation of the phenothiazine. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid concomitant administration of these drugs. If both drugs are administered, adjust the guanethidine dose as needed based on blood pressure. Consider giving molindone in place of the phenothiazine. Available data indicate that hydralazine or minoxidil do not interact with phenothiazines. Severe hypertension was reported in one patient during concurrent use of methyldopa and the phenothiazine trifluoperazine. However, this interaction was not substantiated in animals. DISCUSSION: Documentation supports routine monitoring of this interaction. The antihypertensive effect of guanethidine/guanadrel usually reverses over several days to more than one week after starting concurrent phenothiazine and guanethidine therapy. When the phenothiazine is stopped, an initial rebound increase in blood pressure may occur. |
GUANETHIDINE HEMISULFATE |
| Select Antipsychotics;Select Phenothiazines/Anticholinergics SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Multiple mechanisms may be involved: 1. additive peripheral and CNS blockade of muscarinic receptors. 2. anticholinergic-induced inhibition of gastrointestinal absorption of phenothiazines. 3. antagonism of the dopamine blocking effects of selected antipsychotics and phenothiazines. CLINICAL EFFECTS: The dopamine blocking effects of selected antipsychotic agents or phenothiazines may be decreased while anticholinergic adverse effects may be increased. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for severe anticholinergic toxicities, e.g. delirium, hyperthermia, paralytic ileus is increased in the elderly and in patients on multiple anticholinergic agents. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Anticholinergic agents may be required to treat or prevent antipsychotic induced extrapyramidal symptoms. When other indications lead to co-prescribing of the combination, assess patient response to the combination. Review patient medication list for other anticholinergic agents. When needed, decrease the dosage or number of prescribed anticholinergic agents, particularly in the elderly. DISCUSSION: Although numerous studies have been published regarding a possible interaction between phenothiazines and anticholinergics, the earlier reports were not double-blind or placebo controlled and patients may have received other drugs concomitantly. These earlier investigations reported increased side effects as well as increased, decreased and no effect on the therapeutic outcome. Double-blind studies have also reported conflicting results. Anticholinergic therapy varied from having no effect on phenothiazine concentration or patient outcome, to increasing phenothiazine levels. The discrepancies reported may be due to interpatient variability including age of the patient, type and duration of illness and treatment setting. |
ATROPEN, ATROPINE SULFATE, BELLADONNA, BELLADONNA LEAF POWDER, BELLADONNA-OPIUM, BENZTROPINE MESYLATE, BEVESPI AEROSPHERE, BREZTRI AEROSPHERE, CHLORDIAZEPOXIDE-CLIDINIUM, CLIDINIUM BROMIDE, CUVPOSA, CYCLOPENTOLATE HCL, DARTISLA, DICYCLOMINE HCL, DIPHENOXYLATE-ATROPINE, DONNATAL, DUODOTE, ED-SPAZ, FLAVOXATE HCL, GLYCATE, GLYCOPYRROLATE, GLYCOPYRROLATE-WATER, GLYRX-PF, HOMATROPINE METHYLBROMIDE, HYCODAN, HYDROCODONE-HOMATROPINE MBR, HYOSCYAMINE SULFATE, HYOSCYAMINE SULFATE ER, HYOSCYAMINE SULFATE SR, HYOSYNE, ISOPROPAMIDE IODIDE, LEVBID, LEVSIN, LEVSIN-SL, LIBRAX, LOMOTIL, MB CAPS, ME-NAPHOS-MB-HYO 1, METHSCOPOLAMINE BROMIDE, MOTOFEN, NORGESIC, NORGESIC FORTE, NULEV, ORPHENADRINE CITRATE, ORPHENADRINE CITRATE ER, ORPHENADRINE-ASPIRIN-CAFFEINE, ORPHENGESIC FORTE, OSCIMIN, OSCIMIN SL, OXYBUTYNIN CHLORIDE, OXYBUTYNIN CHLORIDE ER, OXYTROL, PHENOBARBITAL-BELLADONNA, PHENOBARBITAL-HYOSC-ATROP-SCOP, PHENOHYTRO, PREVDUO, PROPANTHELINE BROMIDE, RESPA A.R., ROBINUL, ROBINUL FORTE, SCOPOLAMINE, SCOPOLAMINE HYDROBROMIDE, SCOPOLAMINE METHYL NITRATE, SYMAX, SYMAX DUOTAB, SYMAX-SL, SYMAX-SR, TRANSDERM-SCOP, TRIHEXYPHENIDYL HCL, TROPICAMIDE, URELLE, URETRON D-S, URIBEL TABS, URIMAR-T, URNEVA, URO-MP, URO-SP, UROGESIC-BLUE, URYL, YUPELRI |
| 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, WELLBUTRIN SR, WELLBUTRIN XL |
| Barbiturates/Phenothiazines SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: The concurrent administration of phenothiazines and barbiturates may result in additive CNS depressant effects. Some barbiturates may induce the metabolism of phenothiazines. Primidone is metabolized to phenobarbital. CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of phenothiazines without barbiturate dosage adjustment may result in potentiation of CNS depression, which may result in hypotension, increased sedation, and respiratory depression. Phenothiazines do not intensify the anti-convulsant effects of barbiturates. Some barbiturates may reduce the effectiveness of phenothiazines. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Respiration and blood pressure should be closely monitored in patients receiving concurrent barbiturate and phenothiazine therapy. The dosage of the barbiturate may need to be adjusted in patients receiving barbiturates for indications other than anticonvulsant use. One US manufacturer of chlorpromazine recommends a barbiturate dosage reduction of one-fourth to one-half in patients receiving barbiturates for indications other than as an anticonvulsant. In patients taking barbiturates as an anticonvulsant, start chlorpromazine at a low dose and increase as needed. One US manufacturer of promethazine recommends a barbiturate dosage reduction by at least one one-half. DISCUSSION: A study in rats found increased sleeping time with concurrent chlorpromazine and pentobarbital. Another study in rats found an increase in pentobarbital concentrations with concurrent chlorpromazine. In a study in 10 subjects, the addition of phenobarbital to chlorpromazine therapy increased chlorpromazine excretion by 37%. In another study, the addition of phenobarbital decreased chlorpromazine levels. In a case report, the addition of phenobarbital to a patient maintained on chlorpromazine resulted in decreased chlorpromazine levels and effectiveness. In a study in patients, phenobarbital decreased thioridazine levels. In contrast, another study found increased thioridazine levels following the addition of phenobarbital and another found no affect on thioridazine levels but decreased mesoridazine levels. |
ASA-BUTALB-CAFFEINE-CODEINE, ASCOMP WITH CODEINE, BUTALB-ACETAMINOPH-CAFF-CODEIN, BUTALBITAL, BUTALBITAL-ACETAMINOPHEN, BUTALBITAL-ACETAMINOPHEN-CAFFE, BUTALBITAL-ASPIRIN-CAFFEINE, DONNATAL, FIORICET, MYSOLINE, PENTOBARBITAL SODIUM, PHENOBARBITAL, PHENOBARBITAL SODIUM, PHENOBARBITAL-BELLADONNA, PHENOBARBITAL-HYOSC-ATROP-SCOP, PHENOHYTRO, PRIMIDONE, SEZABY, TENCON |
| 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 ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain.(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. The risk of opioid-related overdose or overdose-related death is increased with higher opioid doses, and this risk persists over the course of therapy. Consider these risks 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 opioid reversal agents (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Consider prescribing an opioid reversal agent (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) to patients prescribed medicines to treat OUD or opioid analgesics who are at increased risk of opioid overdose (such as those taking CNS depressants) and when a patient has household members/close contacts at risk for accidental overdose. Discuss the options for obtaining an opioid reversal agent (e.g., prescription, over-the-counter, or as part of a community-based program).(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, TAPENTADOL 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 ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain.(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. The risk of opioid-related overdose or overdose-related death is increased with higher opioid doses, and this risk persists over the course of therapy. Consider these risks 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 opioid reversal agents (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Consider prescribing an opioid reversal agent (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) to patients prescribed medicines to treat OUD or opioid analgesics who are at increased risk of opioid overdose (such as those taking CNS depressants) and when a patient has household members/close contacts at risk for accidental overdose. Discuss the options for obtaining an opioid reversal agent (e.g., prescription, over-the-counter, or as part of a community-based program).(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) |
BELBUCA, BELLADONNA-OPIUM, 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, OPIUM TINCTURE, OXYCODONE HCL, OXYCODONE HYDROCHLORIDE, OXYCODONE-ACETAMINOPHEN, OXYMORPHONE HCL, PENTAZOCINE-NALOXONE HCL, PERCOCET, PRIMLEV, PROLATE, REMIFENTANIL HCL, ROXICODONE, ROXYBOND, SUFENTANIL CITRATE, TAPENTADOL HCL, ULTIVA |
| Selected Opioids for MAT/Antipsychotics 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 may result in additive CNS depression.(1-3) Levomethadone is an enantiomer of methadone.(4) CLINICAL EFFECTS: 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: Concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants may increase the risk of adverse effects. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Medication assisted treatment (MAT) with buprenorphine, diacetylmorphine, or methadone is not contraindicated in patients taking CNS depressants; however, gradual tapering or decreasing to the lowest effective dose of the CNS depressant may be appropriate. Ensure that other health care providers prescribing other CNS depressants are aware of the patient's buprenorphine, diacetylmorphine, or methadone treatment.(2) Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially during therapy initiation and following dosage increases. The risk of opioid-related overdose or overdose-related death is increased with higher opioid doses, and this risk persists over the course of therapy. Consider these risks when using concurrently with other agents that may cause CNS depression.(5) Monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for unusual dizziness or lightheadedness, extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficult breathing, or unresponsiveness.(1) Discuss opioid reversal agents (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Consider prescribing an opioid reversal agent (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) to patients prescribed medicines to treat OUD or opioid analgesics who are at increased risk of opioid overdose (such as those taking CNS depressants) and when a patient has household members/close contacts at risk for accidental overdose. Discuss the options for obtaining an opioid reversal agent (e.g., prescription, over-the-counter, or as part of a community-based program).(6) 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.(7) Between 2002 and 2014, the number of patients receiving an opioid analgesic increased 8%, from 75 million to 81 million patients, and the number of patients receiving a benzodiazepine increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients. During this time, the proportion of patients receiving concurrent therapy increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients.(8) 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.(9) 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.(10) 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.(11) 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.(12) 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.(13) |
BRIXADI, BUPRENORPHINE HCL, BUPRENORPHINE-NALOXONE, DISKETS, METHADONE HCL, METHADONE INTENSOL, METHADOSE, SUBLOCADE, SUBOXONE, ZUBSOLV |
| Meperidine (Immediate Release)/Chlorpromazine; Promethazine 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 such as chlorpromazine or phenothiazine derivatives such as promethazine may result in additive CNS depression.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of opioids such as meperidine and antipsychotics such as chlorpromazine or phenothiazine derivatives such as promethazine 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 chlorpromazine or promethazine to patients for whom alternatives are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain.(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 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. The risk of opioid-related overdose or overdose-related death is increased with higher opioid doses, and this risk persists over the course of therapy. Consider these risks 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 opioid reversal agents (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Consider prescribing an opioid reversal agent (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) to patients prescribed medicines to treat OUD or opioid analgesics who are at increased risk of opioid overdose (such as those taking CNS depressants) and when a patient has household members/close contacts at risk for accidental overdose. Discuss the options for obtaining an opioid reversal agent (e.g., prescription, over-the-counter, or as part of a community-based program).(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 ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain.(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. The risk of opioid-related overdose or overdose-related death is increased with higher opioid doses, and this risk persists over the course of therapy. Consider these risks 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 opioid reversal agents (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Consider prescribing an opioid reversal agent (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) to patients prescribed medicines to treat OUD or opioid analgesics who are at increased risk of opioid overdose (such as those taking CNS depressants) and when a patient has household members/close contacts at risk for accidental overdose. Discuss the options for obtaining an opioid reversal agent (e.g., prescription, over-the-counter, or as part of a community-based program).(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, HYDROCODONE BITARTRATE, LEVORPHANOL TARTRATE, TREZIX, XYVONA |
| Methadone (non MAT)/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 methadone and antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, may result in additive CNS depression.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of opioids such as methadone 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 methadone with CNS depressants such as antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, to patients for whom alternatives are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain.(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. The risk of opioid-related overdose or overdose-related death is increased with higher opioid doses, and this risk persists over the course of therapy. Consider these risks 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 opioid reversal agents (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Consider prescribing an opioid reversal agent (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) to patients prescribed medicines to treat OUD or opioid analgesics who are at increased risk of opioid overdose (such as those taking CNS depressants) and when a patient has household members/close contacts at risk for accidental overdose. Discuss the options for obtaining an opioid reversal agent (e.g., prescription, over-the-counter, or as part of a community-based program).(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) |
METHADONE HCL, METHADONE HCL-0.9% NACL, METHADONE HCL-NACL |
| 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 ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain.(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. The risk of opioid-related overdose or overdose-related death is increased with higher opioid doses, and this risk persists over the course of therapy. Consider these risks 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 opioid reversal agents (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Consider prescribing an opioid reversal agent (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) to patients prescribed medicines to treat OUD or opioid analgesics who are at increased risk of opioid overdose (such as those taking CNS depressants) and when a patient has household members/close contacts at risk for accidental overdose. Discuss the options for obtaining an opioid reversal agent (e.g., prescription, over-the-counter, or as part of a community-based program).(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 |
| Apomorphine/Promethazine SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Apomorphine is used to treat Parkinson Disease (PD) by increasing dopamine concentrations at dopamine-2 (D2) receptors in the central nervous system (CNS). Antiemetic agents which block CNS D2 receptors, like promethazine, may counteract this effect.(1-2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The efficacy of apomorphine may be decreased, leading to exacerbation of the disease being treated. In patients with Parkinson disease motor symptoms may worsen, increasing the risk for falls, dysphagia or aspiration.(2) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients with Parkinson or Diffuse Lewy Body (DLB) disease are particularly susceptible to adverse effects of dopamine blockade by antipsychotics. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of apomorphine states that anti-emetics with anti-dopaminergic actions may worsen the symptoms of PD and should be avoided.(1) Reassess antiemetic therapy and use an antiemetic without dopamine (D2) blocking effects if possible. If clinically appropriate and available, consider the use of a 5-HT3 blocker (e.g., palonosetron).(1,2) If concomitant treatment is needed, monitor for loss of efficacy for PD and adjust medication(s) or dosage if needed.(1) Counsel patients to report symptoms of disease exacerbation. DISCUSSION: Patients with Parkinson or Diffuse Lewy Body(DLB) disease are particularly susceptible to adverse effects of dopamine blockade. Palonosetron may be used for nausea and vomiting.(2) Prescribing information for apomorphine warns of the risk for disease exacerbation when dopamine blocking agents are co-prescribed.(1) |
APOKYN, APOMORPHINE HCL, ONAPGO |
The following contraindication information is available for PROMETHAZINE HCL (promethazine hcl):
Drug contraindication overview.
*Pediatric patients <2 years of age. *Patients in comatose states. *Patients with known hypersensitivity or history of idiosyncratic reaction to promethazine or to other phenothiazines.
*Treatment of lower respiratory tract symptoms including asthma. *IV administration at concentrations greater than 1 mg/mL due to the risk of perivascular extravasation, unintentional intra-arterial injection, and intraneuronal or perineuronal infiltration. *Use of promethazine hydrochloride injection as an intra-arterial injection due to the likelihood of severe arteriospasm and the possibility of resultant gangrene. *Use of promethazine hydrochloride injection as a subcutaneous injection because chemical irritation and necrotic lesions have been reported.
*Pediatric patients <2 years of age. *Patients in comatose states. *Patients with known hypersensitivity or history of idiosyncratic reaction to promethazine or to other phenothiazines.
*Treatment of lower respiratory tract symptoms including asthma. *IV administration at concentrations greater than 1 mg/mL due to the risk of perivascular extravasation, unintentional intra-arterial injection, and intraneuronal or perineuronal infiltration. *Use of promethazine hydrochloride injection as an intra-arterial injection due to the likelihood of severe arteriospasm and the possibility of resultant gangrene. *Use of promethazine hydrochloride injection as a subcutaneous injection because chemical irritation and necrotic lesions have been reported.
There are 3 contraindications.
Absolute contraindication.
| Contraindication List |
|---|
| Coma |
| Neuroleptic malignant syndrome |
| Parkinsonism |
There are 9 severe contraindications.
Adequate patient monitoring is recommended for safer drug use.
| Severe List |
|---|
| Angle-closure glaucoma |
| Benign prostatic hyperplasia |
| Bladder outflow obstruction |
| Chronic idiopathic constipation |
| Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
| Pyloroduodenal obstruction |
| Respiratory depression |
| Sleep apnea |
| Stenosing peptic ulcer |
There are 6 moderate contraindications.
Clinically significant contraindication, where the condition can be managed or treated before the drug may be given safely.
| Moderate List |
|---|
| Bone marrow depression |
| Disease of liver |
| Gastrointestinal obstruction |
| Hyperbilirubinemia |
| Lower seizure threshold |
| Seizure disorder |
The following adverse reaction information is available for PROMETHAZINE HCL (promethazine hcl):
Adverse reaction overview.
Drowsiness is the most prominent CNS effect of promethazine.
Drowsiness is the most prominent CNS effect of promethazine.
There are 27 severe adverse reactions.
| More Frequent | Less Frequent |
|---|---|
|
Hypotension Tachycardia |
None. |
| Rare/Very Rare |
|---|
|
Agranulocytosis Anaphylaxis Angioedema Anticholinergic toxicity Apnea Asthma Bradycardia Delirium Dissociation Extrapyramidal disease Hallucinations Hypertension Jaundice Leukopenia Neuroleptic malignant syndrome Obstructive hyperbilirubinemia Oculogyric crisis Paralytic ileus Prolonged QT interval Respiratory depression Seizure disorder Thrombocytopenic disorder Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura Urinary retention Urticaria |
There are 35 less severe adverse reactions.
| More Frequent | Less Frequent |
|---|---|
|
Acute cognitive impairment Blurred vision Dizziness Drowsy Excitement Irritability Nervousness Nightmares Skin photosensitivity Skin rash Thick bronchial secretions Tinnitus Visual changes Xerostomia |
Hyperhidrosis Nasal congestion Sedation Syncope |
| Rare/Very Rare |
|---|
|
Accidental fall Acquired dystonia Anorexia Ataxia Constipation Diplopia Dysuria Euphoria Fatigue Headache disorder Insomnia Muscle spasm Nausea Restless leg syndrome Skin inflammation Tremor Vomiting |
The following precautions are available for PROMETHAZINE HCL (promethazine hcl):
Because respiratory depression (sometimes fatal) has been reported in pediatric patients younger than 2 years of age receiving a wide range of weight-adjusted doses of promethazine during postmarketing surveillance, the drug is contraindicated in pediatric patients younger than 2 years of age. Promethazine should be administered with caution in children 2 years of age and older because of the risk of potentially fatal respiratory depression. The lowest effective dose of the drug should be used.
Concomitant use of promethazine with other respiratory depressant drugs should be avoided. Antiemetics are not recommended for the treatment of uncomplicated vomiting in pediatric patients. The drug should not be used in acutely ill or dehydrated children, since these patients have an increased susceptibility to dystonias.
Use of promethazine also should be avoided in children with signs and symptoms that suggest Reye's syndrome, since the potential extrapyramidal effects produced by the drug may obscure the diagnosis of or be confused with the CNS signs and symptoms of this condition, and in children with signs and symptoms of other hepatic disease. Excessively high dosages of promethazine have caused sudden death in pediatric patients, although sleep apnea and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) have been reported in a number of infants and young children who were receiving usual dosages of promethazine. The relationship to the drugs and possible mechanism(s) of such effects have not been elucidated.
In one study, the number, but not the duration, of central apneas during sleep was increased and obstructive apnea during sleep (accompanied by decreased heart rate and arterial oxygen pressure) developed in 4 healthy infants who were receiving 1 mg/kg of promethazine hydrochloride daily for 3 days. Promethazine should be avoided in children with a history of sleep apnea, those with a family history of SIDS, and those who are less prone than usual to spontaneous arousal from sleep.
Contraindicated
Severe Precaution
Management or Monitoring Precaution
Concomitant use of promethazine with other respiratory depressant drugs should be avoided. Antiemetics are not recommended for the treatment of uncomplicated vomiting in pediatric patients. The drug should not be used in acutely ill or dehydrated children, since these patients have an increased susceptibility to dystonias.
Use of promethazine also should be avoided in children with signs and symptoms that suggest Reye's syndrome, since the potential extrapyramidal effects produced by the drug may obscure the diagnosis of or be confused with the CNS signs and symptoms of this condition, and in children with signs and symptoms of other hepatic disease. Excessively high dosages of promethazine have caused sudden death in pediatric patients, although sleep apnea and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) have been reported in a number of infants and young children who were receiving usual dosages of promethazine. The relationship to the drugs and possible mechanism(s) of such effects have not been elucidated.
In one study, the number, but not the duration, of central apneas during sleep was increased and obstructive apnea during sleep (accompanied by decreased heart rate and arterial oxygen pressure) developed in 4 healthy infants who were receiving 1 mg/kg of promethazine hydrochloride daily for 3 days. Promethazine should be avoided in children with a history of sleep apnea, those with a family history of SIDS, and those who are less prone than usual to spontaneous arousal from sleep.
Contraindicated
| None |
Severe Precaution
| None |
Management or Monitoring Precaution
| None |
Safe use of promethazine during pregnancy (except during labor) with respect to possible adverse effects on fetal development has not been established. Although there are no adequate and controlled studies to date in humans, promethazine has not been shown to be teratogenic in rats receiving oral dosages of 6.25-12.5
mg/kg daily (about 2.1-4.2 times the maximum recommended human dosage, depending on the use of the drug). The drug has been shown to produce fetal mortality in rats receiving intraperitoneal dosages of 25 mg/kg daily. Antihistamines, including promethazine, have been fetocidal in rodents, but the pharmacologic effects of histamine in rodents differ from those in humans.
Promethazine has been reported to possibly ameliorate the effects of hemolytic disease of the newborn+ (erythroblastosis fetalis) when administered during pregnancy in Rh-sensitized women, but the safety and efficacy of the drug for this use have not been clearly established; other methods of management are preferred. Promethazine should be used during pregnancy only when the potential benefits justify the possible risks to the fetus. Safe use of promethazine during pregnancy (except during labor) with respect to possible adverse effects on fetal development has not been established.
Although there are no adequate and controlled studies to date in humans, promethazine has not been shown to be teratogenic in rats receiving oral dosages of 6.25-12.5 mg/kg daily (about 2.1-4.2 times the maximum recommended human dosage, depending on the use of the drug).
The drug has been shown to produce fetal mortality in rats receiving intraperitoneal dosages of 25 mg/kg daily. Antihistamines, including promethazine, have been fetocidal in rodents, but the pharmacologic effects of histamine in rodents differ from those in humans. Promethazine should be used during pregnancy only when the potential benefits justify the possible risks to the fetus.
mg/kg daily (about 2.1-4.2 times the maximum recommended human dosage, depending on the use of the drug). The drug has been shown to produce fetal mortality in rats receiving intraperitoneal dosages of 25 mg/kg daily. Antihistamines, including promethazine, have been fetocidal in rodents, but the pharmacologic effects of histamine in rodents differ from those in humans.
Promethazine has been reported to possibly ameliorate the effects of hemolytic disease of the newborn+ (erythroblastosis fetalis) when administered during pregnancy in Rh-sensitized women, but the safety and efficacy of the drug for this use have not been clearly established; other methods of management are preferred. Promethazine should be used during pregnancy only when the potential benefits justify the possible risks to the fetus. Safe use of promethazine during pregnancy (except during labor) with respect to possible adverse effects on fetal development has not been established.
Although there are no adequate and controlled studies to date in humans, promethazine has not been shown to be teratogenic in rats receiving oral dosages of 6.25-12.5 mg/kg daily (about 2.1-4.2 times the maximum recommended human dosage, depending on the use of the drug).
The drug has been shown to produce fetal mortality in rats receiving intraperitoneal dosages of 25 mg/kg daily. Antihistamines, including promethazine, have been fetocidal in rodents, but the pharmacologic effects of histamine in rodents differ from those in humans. Promethazine should be used during pregnancy only when the potential benefits justify the possible risks to the fetus.
It is not known whether promethazine is distributed into milk. Because many drugs are distributed in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions to promethazine in nursing infants if it were distributed, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the woman. It is not known whether promethazine is distributed into human milk. Because many drugs are distributed in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions to promethazine in nursing infants if it were distributed, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the woman.
Clinical studies of promethazine did not include sufficient numbers of patients 65 years of age and older to determine whether geriatric patients respond differently than younger patients. Although clinical experience generally has not revealed age-related differences in response to the drug, care should be taken in dosage selection of promethazine. Risk of sedative effects and confusion associated with promethazine is increased in geriatric patients.
The following prioritized warning is available for PROMETHAZINE HCL (promethazine hcl):
WARNING: Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. Promethazine should not be used by children younger than 2 years because it may cause serious (possibly fatal) slow/shallow breathing. Children who are directed to use this medication should be on the lowest effective dose and avoid other drugs that affect breathing.
Get medical help right away if slow/shallow breathing occurs. Some products are not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years. Check with your doctor, pharmacist, or product package for more details.
In children, drugs for nausea should only be used in cases of prolonged vomiting of a known cause. Avoid use of promethazine in children with liver disease (including possible Reye's syndrome).
WARNING: Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. Promethazine should not be used by children younger than 2 years because it may cause serious (possibly fatal) slow/shallow breathing. Children who are directed to use this medication should be on the lowest effective dose and avoid other drugs that affect breathing.
Get medical help right away if slow/shallow breathing occurs. Some products are not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years. Check with your doctor, pharmacist, or product package for more details.
In children, drugs for nausea should only be used in cases of prolonged vomiting of a known cause. Avoid use of promethazine in children with liver disease (including possible Reye's syndrome).
The following icd codes are available for PROMETHAZINE HCL (promethazine hcl)'s list of indications:
| Allergic conjunctivitis | |
| H10.1 | Acute atopic conjunctivitis |
| H10.10 | Acute atopic conjunctivitis, unspecified eye |
| H10.11 | Acute atopic conjunctivitis, right eye |
| H10.12 | Acute atopic conjunctivitis, left eye |
| H10.13 | Acute atopic conjunctivitis, bilateral |
| H10.44 | Vernal conjunctivitis |
| H10.45 | Other chronic allergic conjunctivitis |
| H16.26 | Vernal keratoconjunctivitis, with limbar and corneal involvement |
| H16.261 | Vernal keratoconjunctivitis, with limbar and corneal involvement, right eye |
| H16.262 | Vernal keratoconjunctivitis, with limbar and corneal involvement, left eye |
| H16.263 | Vernal keratoconjunctivitis, with limbar and corneal involvement, bilateral |
| H16.269 | Vernal keratoconjunctivitis, with limbar and corneal involvement, unspecified eye |
| Allergic rhinitis | |
| J30.1 | Allergic rhinitis due to pollen |
| J30.2 | Other seasonal allergic rhinitis |
| J30.5 | Allergic rhinitis due to food |
| J30.8 | Other allergic rhinitis |
| J30.81 | Allergic rhinitis due to animal (cat) (dog) hair and dander |
| J30.89 | Other allergic rhinitis |
| J30.9 | Allergic rhinitis, unspecified |
| Anaphylaxis adjunct | |
| T78.00xA | Anaphylactic reaction due to unspecified food, initial encounter |
| T78.01xA | Anaphylactic reaction due to peanuts, initial encounter |
| T78.02xA | Anaphylactic reaction due to shellfish (crustaceans), initial encounter |
| T78.03xA | Anaphylactic reaction due to other fish, initial encounter |
| T78.04xA | Anaphylactic reaction due to fruits and vegetables, initial encounter |
| T78.05xA | Anaphylactic reaction due to tree nuts and seeds, initial encounter |
| T78.06xA | Anaphylactic reaction due to food additives, initial encounter |
| T78.09xA | Anaphylactic reaction due to other food products, initial encounter |
| T78.2xxA | Anaphylactic shock, unspecified, initial encounter |
| T80.51 | Anaphylactic reaction due to administration of blood and blood products |
| T80.52xA | Anaphylactic reaction due to vaccination, initial encounter |
| T80.59xA | Anaphylactic reaction due to other serum, initial encounter |
| T88.6xxA | Anaphylactic reaction due to adverse effect of correct drug or medicament properly administered, initial encounter |
| Motion sickness | |
| T75.3xxA | Motion sickness, initial encounter |
| Pain treatment adjunct | |
| G43 | Migraine |
| G43.0 | Migraine without aura |
| G43.00 | Migraine without aura, not intractable |
| G43.001 | Migraine without aura, not intractable, with status migrainosus |
| G43.009 | Migraine without aura, not intractable, without status migrainosus |
| G43.01 | Migraine without aura, intractable |
| G43.011 | Migraine without aura, intractable, with status migrainosus |
| G43.019 | Migraine without aura, intractable, without status migrainosus |
| G43.1 | Migraine with aura |
| G43.10 | Migraine with aura, not intractable |
| G43.101 | Migraine with aura, not intractable, with status migrainosus |
| G43.109 | Migraine with aura, not intractable, without status migrainosus |
| G43.11 | Migraine with aura, intractable |
| G43.111 | Migraine with aura, intractable, with status migrainosus |
| G43.119 | Migraine with aura, intractable, without status migrainosus |
| G43.4 | Hemiplegic migraine |
| G43.40 | Hemiplegic migraine, not intractable |
| G43.401 | Hemiplegic migraine, not intractable, with status migrainosus |
| G43.409 | Hemiplegic migraine, not intractable, without status migrainosus |
| G43.41 | Hemiplegic migraine, intractable |
| G43.411 | Hemiplegic migraine, intractable, with status migrainosus |
| G43.419 | Hemiplegic migraine, intractable, without status migrainosus |
| G43.5 | Persistent migraine aura without cerebral infarction |
| G43.50 | Persistent migraine aura without cerebral infarction, not intractable |
| G43.501 | Persistent migraine aura without cerebral infarction, not intractable, with status migrainosus |
| G43.509 | Persistent migraine aura without cerebral infarction, not intractable, without status migrainosus |
| G43.51 | Persistent migraine aura without cerebral infarction, intractable |
| G43.511 | Persistent migraine aura without cerebral infarction, intractable, with status migrainosus |
| G43.519 | Persistent migraine aura without cerebral infarction, intractable, without status migrainosus |
| G43.6 | Persistent migraine aura with cerebral infarction |
| G43.60 | Persistent migraine aura with cerebral infarction, not intractable |
| G43.601 | Persistent migraine aura with cerebral infarction, not intractable, with status migrainosus |
| G43.609 | Persistent migraine aura with cerebral infarction, not intractable, without status migrainosus |
| G43.61 | Persistent migraine aura with cerebral infarction, intractable |
| G43.611 | Persistent migraine aura with cerebral infarction, intractable, with status migrainosus |
| G43.619 | Persistent migraine aura with cerebral infarction, intractable, without status migrainosus |
| G43.7 | Chronic migraine without aura |
| G43.70 | Chronic migraine without aura, not intractable |
| G43.701 | Chronic migraine without aura, not intractable, with status migrainosus |
| G43.709 | Chronic migraine without aura, not intractable, without status migrainosus |
| G43.71 | Chronic migraine without aura, intractable |
| G43.711 | Chronic migraine without aura, intractable, with status migrainosus |
| G43.719 | Chronic migraine without aura, intractable, without status migrainosus |
| G43.8 | Other migraine |
| G43.80 | Other migraine, not intractable |
| G43.801 | Other migraine, not intractable, with status migrainosus |
| G43.809 | Other migraine, not intractable, without status migrainosus |
| G43.81 | Other migraine, intractable |
| G43.811 | Other migraine, intractable, with status migrainosus |
| G43.819 | Other migraine, intractable, without status migrainosus |
| G43.82 | Menstrual migraine, not intractable |
| G43.821 | Menstrual migraine, not intractable, with status migrainosus |
| G43.829 | Menstrual migraine, not intractable, without status migrainosus |
| G43.83 | Menstrual migraine, intractable |
| G43.831 | Menstrual migraine, intractable, with status migrainosus |
| G43.839 | Menstrual migraine, intractable, without status migrainosus |
| G43.9 | Migraine, unspecified |
| G43.90 | Migraine, unspecified, not intractable |
| G43.901 | Migraine, unspecified, not intractable, with status migrainosus |
| G43.909 | Migraine, unspecified, not intractable, without status migrainosus |
| G43.91 | Migraine, unspecified, intractable |
| G43.911 | Migraine, unspecified, intractable, with status migrainosus |
| G43.919 | Migraine, unspecified, intractable, without status migrainosus |
| G43.B | Ophthalmoplegic migraine |
| G43.B0 | Ophthalmoplegic migraine, not intractable |
| G43.B1 | Ophthalmoplegic migraine, intractable |
| G43.C | Periodic headache syndromes in child or adult |
| G43.C0 | Periodic headache syndromes in child or adult, not intractable |
| G43.C1 | Periodic headache syndromes in child or adult, intractable |
| G43.D | Abdominal migraine |
| G43.D0 | Abdominal migraine, not intractable |
| G43.D1 | Abdominal migraine, intractable |
| G43.E | Chronic migraine with aura |
| G43.E0 | Chronic migraine with aura, not intractable |
| G43.E01 | Chronic migraine with aura, not intractable, with status migrainosus |
| G43.E09 | Chronic migraine with aura, not intractable, without status migrainosus |
| G43.E1 | Chronic migraine with aura, intractable |
| G43.E11 | Chronic migraine with aura, intractable, with status migrainosus |
| G43.E19 | Chronic migraine with aura, intractable, without status migrainosus |
| G44 | Other headache syndromes |
| G44.00 | Cluster headache syndrome, unspecified |
| G44.001 | Cluster headache syndrome, unspecified, intractable |
| G44.009 | Cluster headache syndrome, unspecified, not intractable |
| G44.01 | Episodic cluster headache |
| G44.011 | Episodic cluster headache, intractable |
| G44.019 | Episodic cluster headache, not intractable |
| G44.02 | Chronic cluster headache |
| G44.021 | Chronic cluster headache, intractable |
| G44.029 | Chronic cluster headache, not intractable |
| G44.03 | Episodic paroxysmal hemicrania |
| G44.031 | Episodic paroxysmal hemicrania, intractable |
| G44.039 | Episodic paroxysmal hemicrania, not intractable |
| G44.04 | Chronic paroxysmal hemicrania |
| G44.041 | Chronic paroxysmal hemicrania, intractable |
| G44.049 | Chronic paroxysmal hemicrania, not intractable |
| G44.05 | Short lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCt) |
| G44.051 | Short lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCt), intractable |
| G44.059 | Short lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCt), not intractable |
| G44.1 | Vascular headache, not elsewhere classified |
| G44.2 | Tension-type headache |
| G44.20 | Tension-type headache, unspecified |
| G44.201 | Tension-type headache, unspecified, intractable |
| G44.209 | Tension-type headache, unspecified, not intractable |
| G44.21 | Episodic tension-type headache |
| G44.211 | Episodic tension-type headache, intractable |
| G44.219 | Episodic tension-type headache, not intractable |
| G44.22 | Chronic tension-type headache |
| G44.221 | Chronic tension-type headache, intractable |
| G44.229 | Chronic tension-type headache, not intractable |
| G44.3 | Post-traumatic headache |
| G44.30 | Post-traumatic headache, unspecified |
| G44.301 | Post-traumatic headache, unspecified, intractable |
| G44.309 | Post-traumatic headache, unspecified, not intractable |
| G44.31 | Acute post-traumatic headache |
| G44.311 | Acute post-traumatic headache, intractable |
| G44.319 | Acute post-traumatic headache, not intractable |
| G44.32 | Chronic post-traumatic headache |
| G44.321 | Chronic post-traumatic headache, intractable |
| G44.329 | Chronic post-traumatic headache, not intractable |
| G44.4 | Drug-induced headache, not elsewhere classified |
| G44.40 | Drug-induced headache, not elsewhere classified, not intractable |
| G44.41 | Drug-induced headache, not elsewhere classified, intractable |
| G44.5 | Complicated headache syndromes |
| G44.51 | Hemicrania continua |
| G44.52 | New daily persistent headache (NDPh) |
| G44.53 | Primary thunderclap headache |
| G44.59 | Other complicated headache syndrome |
| G44.8 | Other specified headache syndromes |
| G44.81 | Hypnic headache |
| G44.82 | Headache associated with sexual activity |
| G44.83 | Primary cough headache |
| G44.84 | Primary exertional headache |
| G44.85 | Primary stabbing headache |
| G44.89 | Other headache syndrome |
| G50.1 | Atypical facial pain |
| G89 | Pain, not elsewhere classified |
| G89.0 | Central pain syndrome |
| G89.1 | Acute pain, not elsewhere classified |
| G89.11 | Acute pain due to trauma |
| G89.12 | Acute post-thoracotomy pain |
| G89.18 | Other acute postprocedural pain |
| G89.2 | Chronic pain, not elsewhere classified |
| G89.21 | Chronic pain due to trauma |
| G89.22 | Chronic post-thoracotomy pain |
| G89.28 | Other chronic postprocedural pain |
| G89.29 | Other chronic pain |
| G89.3 | Neoplasm related pain (acute) (chronic) |
| G89.4 | Chronic pain syndrome |
| G90.5 | Complex regional pain syndrome I (CRPS i) |
| G90.50 | Complex regional pain syndrome i, unspecified |
| G90.51 | Complex regional pain syndrome I of upper limb |
| G90.511 | Complex regional pain syndrome I of right upper limb |
| G90.512 | Complex regional pain syndrome I of left upper limb |
| G90.513 | Complex regional pain syndrome I of upper limb, bilateral |
| G90.519 | Complex regional pain syndrome I of unspecified upper limb |
| G90.52 | Complex regional pain syndrome I of lower limb |
| G90.521 | Complex regional pain syndrome I of right lower limb |
| G90.522 | Complex regional pain syndrome I of left lower limb |
| G90.523 | Complex regional pain syndrome I of lower limb, bilateral |
| G90.529 | Complex regional pain syndrome I of unspecified lower limb |
| G90.59 | Complex regional pain syndrome I of other specified site |
| H57.1 | Ocular pain |
| H57.10 | Ocular pain, unspecified eye |
| H57.11 | Ocular pain, right eye |
| H57.12 | Ocular pain, left eye |
| H57.13 | Ocular pain, bilateral |
| H92 | Otalgia and effusion of ear |
| H92.0 | Otalgia |
| H92.01 | Otalgia, right ear |
| H92.02 | Otalgia, left ear |
| H92.03 | Otalgia, bilateral |
| H92.09 | Otalgia, unspecified ear |
| K14.6 | Glossodynia |
| M25.5 | Pain in joint |
| M25.50 | Pain in unspecified joint |
| M25.51 | Pain in shoulder |
| M25.511 | Pain in right shoulder |
| M25.512 | Pain in left shoulder |
| M25.519 | Pain in unspecified shoulder |
| M25.52 | Pain in elbow |
| M25.521 | Pain in right elbow |
| M25.522 | Pain in left elbow |
| M25.529 | Pain in unspecified elbow |
| M25.53 | Pain in wrist |
| M25.531 | Pain in right wrist |
| M25.532 | Pain in left wrist |
| M25.539 | Pain in unspecified wrist |
| M25.54 | Pain in joints of hand |
| M25.541 | Pain in joints of right hand |
| M25.542 | Pain in joints of left hand |
| M25.549 | Pain in joints of unspecified hand |
| M25.55 | Pain in hip |
| M25.551 | Pain in right hip |
| M25.552 | Pain in left hip |
| M25.559 | Pain in unspecified hip |
| M25.56 | Pain in knee |
| M25.561 | Pain in right knee |
| M25.562 | Pain in left knee |
| M25.569 | Pain in unspecified knee |
| M25.57 | Pain in ankle and joints of foot |
| M25.571 | Pain in right ankle and joints of right foot |
| M25.572 | Pain in left ankle and joints of left foot |
| M25.579 | Pain in unspecified ankle and joints of unspecified foot |
| M25.59 | Pain in other specified joint |
| M26.62 | Arthralgia of temporomandibular joint |
| M26.621 | Arthralgia of right temporomandibular joint |
| M26.622 | Arthralgia of left temporomandibular joint |
| M26.623 | Arthralgia of bilateral temporomandibular joint |
| M26.629 | Arthralgia of temporomandibular joint, unspecified side |
| M54 | Dorsalgia |
| M54.2 | Cervicalgia |
| M54.4 | Lumbago with sciatica |
| M54.40 | Lumbago with sciatica, unspecified side |
| M54.41 | Lumbago with sciatica, right side |
| M54.42 | Lumbago with sciatica, left side |
| M54.5 | Low back pain |
| M54.6 | Pain in thoracic spine |
| M54.8 | Other dorsalgia |
| M54.89 | Other dorsalgia |
| M54.9 | Dorsalgia, unspecified |
| M77.4 | Metatarsalgia |
| M77.40 | Metatarsalgia, unspecified foot |
| M77.41 | Metatarsalgia, right foot |
| M77.42 | Metatarsalgia, left foot |
| M79.1 | Myalgia |
| M79.10 | Myalgia, unspecified site |
| M79.11 | Myalgia of mastication muscle |
| M79.12 | Myalgia of auxiliary muscles, head and neck |
| M79.18 | Myalgia, other site |
| M79.6 | Pain in limb, hand, foot, fingers and toes |
| M79.60 | Pain in limb, unspecified |
| M79.601 | Pain in right arm |
| M79.602 | Pain in left arm |
| M79.603 | Pain in arm, unspecified |
| M79.604 | Pain in right leg |
| M79.605 | Pain in left leg |
| M79.606 | Pain in leg, unspecified |
| M79.609 | Pain in unspecified limb |
| M79.62 | Pain in upper arm |
| M79.621 | Pain in right upper arm |
| M79.622 | Pain in left upper arm |
| M79.629 | Pain in unspecified upper arm |
| M79.63 | Pain in forearm |
| M79.631 | Pain in right forearm |
| M79.632 | Pain in left forearm |
| M79.639 | Pain in unspecified forearm |
| M79.64 | Pain in hand and fingers |
| M79.641 | Pain in right hand |
| M79.642 | Pain in left hand |
| M79.643 | Pain in unspecified hand |
| M79.644 | Pain in right finger(s) |
| M79.645 | Pain in left finger(s) |
| M79.646 | Pain in unspecified finger(s) |
| M79.65 | Pain in thigh |
| M79.651 | Pain in right thigh |
| M79.652 | Pain in left thigh |
| M79.659 | Pain in unspecified thigh |
| M79.66 | Pain in lower leg |
| M79.661 | Pain in right lower leg |
| M79.662 | Pain in left lower leg |
| M79.669 | Pain in unspecified lower leg |
| M79.67 | Pain in foot and toes |
| M79.671 | Pain in right foot |
| M79.672 | Pain in left foot |
| M79.673 | Pain in unspecified foot |
| M79.674 | Pain in right toe(s) |
| M79.675 | Pain in left toe(s) |
| M79.676 | Pain in unspecified toe(s) |
| N23 | Unspecified renal colic |
| N64.4 | Mastodynia |
| N94 | Pain and other conditions associated with female genital organs and menstrual cycle |
| N94.0 | Mittelschmerz |
| N94.3 | Premenstrual tension syndrome |
| N94.4 | Primary dysmenorrhea |
| N94.5 | Secondary dysmenorrhea |
| N94.6 | Dysmenorrhea, unspecified |
| R07 | Pain in throat and chest |
| R07.0 | Pain in throat |
| R07.1 | Chest pain on breathing |
| R07.2 | Precordial pain |
| R07.81 | Pleurodynia |
| R07.82 | Intercostal pain |
| R07.89 | Other chest pain |
| R07.9 | Chest pain, unspecified |
| R10 | Abdominal and pelvic pain |
| R10.0 | Acute abdomen |
| R10.1 | Pain localized to upper abdomen |
| R10.10 | Upper abdominal pain, unspecified |
| R10.11 | Right upper quadrant pain |
| R10.12 | Left upper quadrant pain |
| R10.2 | Pelvic and perineal pain |
| R10.3 | Pain localized to other parts of lower abdomen |
| R10.30 | Lower abdominal pain, unspecified |
| R10.31 | Right lower quadrant pain |
| R10.32 | Left lower quadrant pain |
| R10.33 | Periumbilical pain |
| R10.8 | Other abdominal pain |
| R10.83 | Colic |
| R10.84 | Generalized abdominal pain |
| R10.9 | Unspecified abdominal pain |
| R51 | Headache |
| R51.0 | Headache with orthostatic component, not elsewhere classified |
| R51.9 | Headache, unspecified |
| R52 | Pain, unspecified |
| R68.84 | Jaw pain |
| T82.84 | Pain due to cardiac and vascular prosthetic devices, implants and grafts |
| T82.847 | Pain due to cardiac prosthetic devices, implants and grafts |
| T82.847A | Pain due to cardiac prosthetic devices, implants and grafts, initial encounter |
| T82.847D | Pain due to cardiac prosthetic devices, implants and grafts, subsequent encounter |
| T82.848 | Pain due to vascular prosthetic devices, implants and grafts |
| T82.848A | Pain due to vascular prosthetic devices, implants and grafts, initial encounter |
| T82.848D | Pain due to vascular prosthetic devices, implants and grafts, subsequent encounter |
| T83.84 | Pain due to genitourinary prosthetic devices, implants and grafts |
| T83.84xA | Pain due to genitourinary prosthetic devices, implants and grafts, initial encounter |
| T83.84xD | Pain due to genitourinary prosthetic devices, implants and grafts, subsequent encounter |
| T84.84 | Pain due to internal orthopedic prosthetic devices, implants and grafts |
| T84.84xA | Pain due to internal orthopedic prosthetic devices, implants and grafts, initial encounter |
| T84.84xD | Pain due to internal orthopedic prosthetic devices, implants and grafts, subsequent encounter |
| T85.84 | Pain due to internal prosthetic devices, implants and grafts, not elsewhere classified |
| T85.840 | Pain due to nervous system prosthetic devices, implants and grafts |
| T85.840A | Pain due to nervous system prosthetic devices, implants and grafts, initial encounter |
| T85.840D | Pain due to nervous system prosthetic devices, implants and grafts, subsequent encounter |
| T85.848 | Pain due to other internal prosthetic devices, implants and grafts |
| T85.848A | Pain due to other internal prosthetic devices, implants and grafts, initial encounter |
| T85.848D | Pain due to other internal prosthetic devices, implants and grafts, subsequent encounter |
| Post-operative nausea and vomiting | |
| K91.0 | Vomiting following gastrointestinal surgery |
| R11.2 | Nausea with vomiting, unspecified |
| Urticaria | |
| L50 | Urticaria |
| L50.0 | Allergic urticaria |
| L50.1 | Idiopathic urticaria |
| L50.2 | Urticaria due to cold and heat |
| L50.3 | Dermatographic urticaria |
| L50.4 | Vibratory urticaria |
| L50.5 | Cholinergic urticaria |
| L50.6 | Contact urticaria |
| L50.8 | Other urticaria |
| L50.9 | Urticaria, unspecified |
| L56.3 | Solar urticaria |
| O26.86 | Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPp) |
| Vasomotor rhinitis | |
| J30.0 | Vasomotor rhinitis |
Formulary Reference Tool