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Drug Interactions between allopurinol and lithium

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

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

allopurinol lithium

Applies to: allopurinol and lithium

Consumer information for this interaction is not currently available.

MONITOR: Coadministration with alcohol or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants may enhance the sedative effects of allopurinol and increase the likelihood and/or severity of central nervous system (CNS) side effects, such as drowsiness, somnolence, vertigo, and ataxia.

MANAGEMENT: Caution for increased CNS adverse effects is advised if allopurinol is coadministered with alcohol, other CNS depressants, or agents that cause dizziness or vertigo. Patients should not drive, operate machinery, or engage in hazardous activities requiring mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how the medications affect them.

Drug and food interactions

Moderate

allopurinol food

Applies to: allopurinol

Consumer information for this interaction is not currently available.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: The tolerability of allopurinol may be improved by giving it after a meal. Additionally, when the dose is greater than 300 mg, dividing the total daily dose into smaller doses administered more often may be appropriate to help minimize gastrointestinal irritation.

MONITOR: Concomitant use of allopurinol with central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may potentiate adverse effects such as somnolence and sedation.

MANAGEMENT: To improve tolerability, some manufacturers suggest administering allopurinol after a meal. Additionally, if the daily dose is greater than 300 mg, administering allopurinol in divided doses may help reduce gastrointestinal intolerance. Patients should also be counseled to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol and to avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how the medication affects them.

Moderate

lithium food

Applies to: lithium

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of lithium such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with lithium. Do not use more than the recommended dose of lithium, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

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Moderate

lithium food

Applies to: lithium

Using caffeine together with lithium may increase the effects of caffeine. Contact your doctor if you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, muscle weakness, tremor, lack of coordination, blurred vision, or ringing in your ears. If your doctor does prescribe these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment or special test to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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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.

See also

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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.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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