Dextromethorphan interactions

Besides its antitussive property, recent studies have shown that dextromethorphan has anticonvulsant and neuroprotec-tive properties. Because dextromethorphan interacts with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) or sigma receptors, it may become important in ameliorating the cerebrovascular and functional consequences of global cerebral ischemia. 

Sauter D, Macneil P, Weinstein E, Azar A. Phenelzine sulfate-dextromethorphan interaction a case report. Vet Hum Toxicol (1991) 33, 365,... 

Many commonly used medications also contain substances that are eliminated by the MAOIs and must not be taken by these patients. The list of medications to be avoided inclndes the narcotic pain reliever meperidine (Demerol), and many over-the-connter cold remedies containing dextromethorphan or pseudoephedrine. Finally, patients taking MAOIs must also avoid medications that elevate serotonin levels. This inclndes certain appetite snppressants and antidepressants including the SSRIs, venlafaxine, duloxetine, mirtazapine, nefazodone, and trazodone. Medications that interact with the MAOIs cannot be taken until at least 2 weeks after the MAOI has been stopped. 

Drugs that may affect amiodarone include hydantoins, cholestyramine, fluoroquinolones, rifamycins, ritonavir, and cimetidine. Drugs that may be affected by amiodarone include anticoagulants, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, cyclosporine, dextromethorphan, digoxin, disopyramide, fentanyl, flecainide, hydantoins, lidocaine, methotrexate, procainamide, quinidine, and theophylline. Drug/Lab test interactions Amiodarone alters the results of thyroid function tests, causing an increase in serum T4 and serum reverse T3 levels and a decline in... 

Drugs that may interact with dextromethorphan include MAO inhibitors, quinidine, and sibutramine. 

Drugs that may interact with terbinafine include the following Cimetidine, rifampin, terfenadine, caffeine, dextromethorphan, cyclosporine. 

Dextromethorphan (Mediquell, Benylin DM, PediaCare 1, Delsym, Others) [OTC] [Antitussive] Uses Control nonproductive cough Action Suppresses medullary cough center Dose Adults. 10-30 mg PO q4h PRN (max 120 mg/24 h) Peds. 2-6 y 2.5-7.5 mg q4-8h (max 30 mg/24 h) 7-12 y 5-10 mg q4-8h (max 60 mg/24/h) Caution [C, /-] Not for persistent or chronic cough Contra < 2 y. Disp Caps, lozenges, syrup, Liq SE GI disturbances Interactions T Effects W/ amiodarone, fluoxetine, quinidine, terbinafme T risk of serotonin synd Wf sibutramine, MAOIs T CNS depression Wf antihistamines, antidepressants, sedative, opioids, EtOH EMS Will not affect cough caused by asthma,... 

Memantine (Namenda) [Anti Alzheimer Agent/NMDA Receptor Antagonist] Uses Mod/ evere Alzheimer Dz Action N-methyl-D-aspartate recqjtor antagonist Dose Target 20 mg/d, start 5 mg/d, t 5 mg/d to 20 mg/d, wait >1 wk before t dose use doses if >5mg/d Caution [B, /-] Hqjatic/mild-mod renal impair Disp Tabs, sol SE Dizziness Interactions t Effects W amantadine, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, dextromethorphan, ketamine, Na bicarbonate t effects W/ any drug, herb, food that alkalinizes urine EMS Use NaHCOs w/ caution OD May cause restlessness, hallucinations, drowsiness, and fainting symptomatic and supportive... 

Uses Obesity Action Blocks uptake of norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine Dose 10 mg/d PO, may to 5 mg after 4 wk Caution [C, -] w/ SSRIs, Li, dextromethorphan, opioids Contra MAOI w/in 14 d, uncontrolled HTN, arrhythmias Disp Caps SE HA, insomnia, xerostomia, constipation, rhinitis, tach, HTN Interactions T Risk of serotonin synd W/ dextromethorphan, ergots, fentanyl, Li, meperidine, MAOIs, naratriptan, pentazocine, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, SSRIs, tryptophan, zolmitriptan, St. John s wort effects W/ cimetidine, erythromycin, ketoconazole T CNS depression W/ EtOH EMS Use fentanyl w/ caution, may T risk of serotonin synd concurrent EtOH use can T CNS depression OD May cause tach, HTN, diaphoresis, HA, fever, agitation, muscle tremors, and Szs symptomatic and supportive... 

Medications with serotonergic activity may also have other monaminergic or sympathomimetic activity. Combining MAOIs with these medications may result in a complex side effect profile. For example, combining meperidine or dextromethorphan with MAOIs may result in respiratory depression, in addition to symptoms of serotonin excess. Furthermore, interactions between MAOIs and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) more commonly result in potentiating shared adverse events such as othostatic hypotension, as opposed to hyperadrenergic crises or the serotonin syndrome. 

Contradicting results were reported for GFJ when administered with caffeine. One study reported no changes in AUC, blood pressure, and heart rate (173). A second study reported increases in AUC and half-life. However, no assessment of pharmacodynamic parameters was performed (89). Furthermore, GFJ increased the fraction absorbed and the percentage of excreted dextromethorphan (28). The above-mentioned interactions can be considered weak regarding the overall exposure. Furthermore, dextromethorphan has a broad therapeutic window. The interactions of GFJ with caffeine and dextromethorphan do not seem to be of clinical relevance. 

Dextromethorphan produces effects centrally at the cough center to raise the threshold for coughing. Researchers have also proposed that dextromethorphan has important interactions with compounds in the brain that have excitatory effects. Some researchers believe that dextromethorphan may eventually be used as a drag to protect the brain against strokes and bacterial meningitis. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved dextromethorphan for these uses. 

Dextromethorphan is known to interact with quini-dine and terbinafine. In both cases, there is a reduction in the metabolism of dextromethorphan by the liver. Terbinafine is a drug used to treat fungal infections. Quinidine is used for the treatment of malarial infections and heart rhythm problems. There has been a case report of a drug interaction between the use of fluoxetine (Prozac) and dextromethorphan. Fluoxetine is an antidepressant in the class of drugs called serotonin reuptake inhibitors. 

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