and antibiotic admixtures. Carefully monitor sodium concentrations and fluid status if sodium-containing drugs and corticosteroids must be used together.
Hydrocortisone: Concomitant use of systemic sodium chloride, especially at high doses, and corticosteroids may result in sodium and fluid retention. Assess sodium chloride intake from all sources, including intake from sodium-containing intravenous fluids and antibiotic admixtures. Carefully monitor sodium concentrations and fluid status if sodium-containing drugs and corticosteroids must be used together.
Imipramine: Tricyclic antidepressants, when used concomitantly with anticonvulsants, can increase CNS depression and may also lower the seizure threshold.
Isocarboxazid: MAOIs can cause a variable change in seizure patterns, so careful monitoring of the patient with epilepsy is required. Also, additive CNS depression is possible if MAOIs and anticonvulsants are coadministered.
Kava Kava, Piper methysticum: The German Commission E warns that any substances that act on the CNS, including anticonvulsants, may interact with kava kava. While the interactions can be pharmacodynamic in nature, kava kava has been reported to inhibit many CYP isozymes (i.e., CYP1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 3A4, and 4A9/11) and important pharmacokinetic interactions with CNS-active agents that undergo oxidative metabolism via these CYP isozymes are also possible. Persons taking an anticonvulsant should discuss the use of herbal supplements with their health care professional prior to consuming them.
Lithium: Moderate to significant dietary sodium changes, or changes in sodium and fluid intake, may affect lithium excretion. Systemic sodium chloride administration may result in increased lithium excretion and therefore, decreased serum lithium concentrations. In addition, high fluid intake may increase lithium excretion. For patients receiving sodium-containing intravenous fluids, symptom control and lithium concentrations should be carefully monitored. It is recommended that patients taking lithium maintain consistent dietary sodium consumption and adequate fluid intake during the initial stabilization period and throughout lithium treatment. Supplemental oral sodium and fluid should be only be administered under careful medical supervision.
Maprotiline: Maprotiline, when used concomitantly with anticonvulsants, can increase CNS depression and may also lower the seizure threshold, leading to pharmacodynamic interactions. Monitor patients on anticonvulsants carefully when maprotiline is used concurrently. Because of the lowering of seizure threshold, an alternative antidepressant may be a more optimal choice for patients taking drugs for epilepsy.
Mefloquine: Coadministration of mefloquine and anticonvulsants may result in lower than expected anticonvulsant concentrations and loss of seizure control. Monitoring of the anticonvulsant serum concentration is recommended. Dosage adjustments may be required during and after therapy with mefloquine.
Mesoridazine: The phenothiazines, when used concomitantly with anticonvulsants, can lower the seizure threshold. Adequate dosages of anticonvulsants should be continued when a phenothiazine is added.
Methylprednisolone: Concomitant use of systemic sodium chloride, especially at high doses, and corticosteroids may result in sodium and fluid retention. Assess sodium chloride intake from all sources, includin |
