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Drug Interactions between 5-hydroxytryptophan / melatonin / pyridoxine and methylene blue

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Major

methylene blue 5-hydroxytryptophan

Applies to: methylene blue and 5-hydroxytryptophan / melatonin / pyridoxine

CONTRAINDICATED: By inhibiting serotonin metabolism, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may potentiate the pharmacologic activity of serotonergic agents such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors, 5-HT1 receptor agonists, ergot alkaloids, buspirone, dextromethorphan, and most antidepressants. The result may be an increased risk of serotonin syndrome, which is a rare but serious and potentially fatal condition thought to result from hyperstimulation of brainstem 5-HT1A and 2A receptors. Symptoms of the serotonin syndrome may include mental status changes such as irritability, altered consciousness, confusion, hallucinations, and coma; autonomic dysfunction such as tachycardia, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, shivering, blood pressure lability, and mydriasis; neuromuscular abnormalities such as hyperreflexia, myoclonus, tremor, rigidity, and ataxia; and gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

MANAGEMENT: In general, serotonergic agents should not be used concurrently with MAOIs or other agents that possess MAOI activity (e.g., furazolidone, methylene blue, procarbazine). At least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of MAOI therapy and initiation of treatment with serotonergic agents. A washout period of 5 to 14 days is usually recommended when switching from another antidepressant to an MAOI; however, the individual product labeling should be consulted.

References (54)
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Drug and food interactions

Moderate

melatonin food

Applies to: 5-hydroxytryptophan / melatonin / pyridoxine

MONITOR: Oral caffeine may significantly increase the bioavailability of melatonin. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 1A2 first-pass metabolism. After administration of melatonin 6 mg and caffeine 200 mg orally (approximately equivalent to 1 large cup of coffee) to 12 healthy subjects, the mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of melatonin increased by 137% and the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) increased by 120%. The metabolic inhibition was greater in nonsmokers (n=6) than in smokers (n=6). The greatest effect was seen in subjects with the *1F/*1F genotype (n=7), whose melatonin Cmax increased by 202%. The half-life did not change significantly. The clinical significance of this interaction is unknown.

According to some authorities, alcohol may reduce the effect of melatonin on sleep. The mechanism of this interaction is not fully understood.

In addition, CYP450 1A2 inducers like cigarette smoking may reduce exogenous melatonin plasma levels. In a small clinical trial (n=8), habitual smokers had their melatonin plasma levels measured two times, each after a single oral dose of 25 mg of melatonin. They had smoked prior to the first measurement but had not smoked for 7 days prior to the second. Cigarette smoking significantly reduced melatonin plasma exposure (AUC) as compared to melatonin levels after 7 days of smoking abstinence (7.34 +/- 1.85 versus 21.07 +/- 7.28 nmol/L*h, respectively).

MANAGEMENT: Caution and monitoring are recommended if melatonin is used with inhibitors of CYP450 1A2 like caffeine or inducers of CYP450 1A2 like cigarette smoking. Consumption of alcohol should be avoided when taking melatonin.

References (3)
  1. Hartter S, Nordmark A, Rose DM, Bertilsson L, Tybring G, Laine K (2003) "Effects of caffeine intake on the pharmacokinetics of melatonin, a probe drug for CYP1A2 activity." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 56, p. 679-682
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  3. Ursing C, Bahr CV, Brismar K, Rojdmark S (2005) "Influence of cigarette smoking on melatonin levels in man" Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 61, p. 197-201

Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.

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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

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