Procarbazine Alcohol

PROCARBAZINE ALCOHOL May cause a disulfiram-like reaction, additive depression of the CNS and postural hypotension Some alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, ale) contain tyramine, which may induce hypertensive reactions Avoid co-administration... 

There is an increased risk for bone marrow suppression when levamisole or hydroxyurea are administered witii other antineoplastic dni. Use of levamisole witii phenytoin increases die risk of phenytoin toxicity. Pegaspargase may alter drug response of the anticoagulants. When procarbazine is administered with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, such as alcohol, antidepressants, antihistamines, opiates, or the sedatives, an additive CNS effect may be seen. Procarbazine may potentiate hypoglycemia when administered witii insulin or oral antidiabetic dru . ... 

Myelosuppression is the major side effect. Nausea, vomiting, and a flulike syndrome occur initially with therapy. Patients must be counseled to avoid tyramine-rich foods because procarbazine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Patients should be provided a list of foods and beverages to avoid to prevent a hypertensive crisis. A disulhramlike reaction can occur with the ingestion of alcohol. 

Procarbazine may potentiate the effects of tranquilizers and hypnotics. Hypertensive episodes can result if procarbazine is administered simultaneously with adrenomimetic drugs or with tyramine-containing foods. Rarely, a reaction to alcohol similar to that provoked by disulfiram may occur. 

Procarbazine inhibits RNA and DNA synthesis and interferes with mitosis. It is a drug that interacts with alcohol and generally increases the effects of central nervous system depressants and can produce hypertension. 

Procarbazine can cause a disulfiram-like reaction and is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Thus, ingestion of alcohol, foods containing tyramine (e.g., cheese), drugs that increase sympathetic activity, and MAOl-type antidepressants (e.g., tranylcypromine) should be avoided. 

Unknown, but it seems possible that in man, as in ratsj the procarbazine inhibits acetaldehyde dehydrogenase in the liver causing a disulfiram-like reaction (see Alcohol + Disulfiram , p.61). 

An established interaction but of uncertain incidence. It seems to be more embarrassing, possibly frightening, than serious and if it occurs it is unlikely to require treatment, however patients should be warned. The manufacturers say it is best to avoid alcohol. Procarbazine is also a weak MAOI and therefore interactions with certain foodstuffs, including alcoholic drinks, especially heavy red wines, although very rare, must be borne in mind (see Procarbazine + Sympathomimetics , p.657). 

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