Levodopa Phenytoin

Levodopa interacts with many different drugs. When levodopa is used with phenytoin, reserpine, and papaverine, there is a decrease in response to levodopa The risk of a hypertensive crisis increases when levodopa is used with the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (see Chap. 31). Foods high in pyridoxine (vitamin B6) or vitamin B6 preparations reverse the effect of levodopa However, when carbidopa is used with levodopa, pyridoxine has no effect on the action of levodopa hi fact, when levodopa and carbidopa are given together, pyridoxine may be prescribed to decrease the adverse effects associated with levodopa... 

Opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, corticosteroids, dopamine agonists (e.g., amantadine, bromocriptine, levodopa, pergolide, pramipexole, ropinirole), H2-receptor antagonists, anticholinergics (e.g., diphenhydramine, trihexylphenidyl), P-adrenergic blockers, clonidine, methyldopa, carbamazepine, phenytoin, baclofen, cyclobenzaprine, lithium, antidepressants (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), and interleukin-2... 

Allopurinol, aspirin, carbamazepine, chlorpropamide, clomipramine, clozapine, colchicine, desipramine, gold salts, imipramine, levodopa, penicillamine, phenothiazines, phenytoin, propylthiouracil, and sulfonylureas... 

Drugs that may be affected by benzodiazepines include digoxin, levodopa, neuromuscular blocking agents, and phenytoin. 

Pyridoxine [Vitamin B ] [Vitamin B Supplement] U e Rx prevention of vit B6 deficiency Action Vit supl Dose Adults. Deficiency 10-20 mg/d PO Drug-induced neuritis 100-200 mg/d 25-100 mg/d prophylaxis Peds. 5-25 mg/d x 3 wk Caution [A (C if doses exceed RDA), +] Contra Component aUCTgy Disp Tabs 25, 50, 100 mg inj 100 mg/mL SE Allergic Rxns, HA, N Interactions -1- Effects OF levodopa, phenobarbital, phenytoin EMS Can be used as an antidote for isoniazid poisoning OD May cause sensory nerve damage (numbness, tingling, reduced sensation) and coordination problems Sxs are usually revised aft stopping pyridoxine symptomatic and supportive... 

Quazepam (Doral) [C IV] [Sedative/Hypnotic/ Benzodiazepine] Uses Insomnia Action Benzodiazepine Dose 7.5-15 mg PO hs PRN i in elderly hqjatic failure Caution [X, /-] NA glaucoma Contra PRG, sleep apnea Disp Tabs SE Sedation, hangovCT, somnolence, resp depression Interactions T Effects W/ azole antifungals, cimetidine, digoxin, disulfiram, INH, levodopa, macrolides, neuroleptics, phenytoin, quinolones, SSRIs, verapamil, grapefruit juice, EtOH effects W/carbamazepine, rifampin, rifabutin, tobacco EMS Use caution w/ other benzodiazepines, antihistamines, opioids and verapamil, can T CNS depression concurrent EtOH and grapefruit juice use T CNS depression OD May cause profound CNS depression, confusion, bradycardia, hypotension, and altered reflexes flumazenil can be used as antidote activated charcoal may be effective... 

Levodopa or dopamine agonists produce diverse dyskinesias as a dose-related phenomenon in patients with Parkinson s disease dose reduction reverses them. Chorea may also develop in patients receiving phenytoin, carbamazepine, amphetamines, lithium, and oral contraceptives, and it resolves with discontinuance of the offending medication. Dystonia has resulted from administration of dopaminergic agents, lithium, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, carbamazepine, and metoclopramide and postural tremor from theophylline, caffeine, lithium, valproic acid, thyroid hormone, tricyclic antidepressants, and isoproterenol. 

Normal growth hormone concentrations are found in car-bamazepine-treated patients (94). Growth hormone secretion in response to levodopa stimulation was not affected by carbamazepine or phenobarbital, whereas phenytoin and anticonvulsant polytherapy caused an increase in growth hormone concentration, and valproate a fall at varying times after the administration of levodopa (95). Pubertal growth arrest has been described in a 12-year-old girl who had taken valproate for 18 months (SED-13,152). 

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