Drug Interactions between benzgalantamine and UrNeva

The following interaction applies only to products containing sodium biphosphate that are used for bowel cleansing. It does not apply to products containing sodium biphosphate that are used for other, non-laxative related purposes.

Bowel cleansing with sodium biphosphate can cause kidney failure, in some cases up to several months after the procedure. Although it rarely occurs, the risk is increased in individuals receiving treatment with phenyl salicylate, especially if they are also elderly or frail. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use both medications. Combining these medications may also increase the risk of dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities. In severe cases, dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities can lead to irregular heart rhythm, seizures, and kidney problems. You should use sodium biphosphate exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and drink plenty of clear fluids before, during, and after the cleansing process to keep yourself hydrated. Your doctor may also recommend an electrolyte rehydration solution that you can use. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns. 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.

Consumer information for this interaction is not currently available.

GENERALLY AVOID: Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil, galantamine, benzgalantamine, physostigmine, rivastigmine, tacrine) may antagonize the effects of anticholinergic agents and other agents that rely partially on their anticholinergic activity for therapeutic effects (e.g., some antiparkinsonian and antiemetic/antivertigo agents; class IA antiarrhythmics). By inhibiting the metabolism of acetylcholine, more of the neurotransmitter may be available to compete at muscarinic receptors, the site of action of anticholinergic agents. Conversely, anticholinergic agents may negate the already small pharmacologic benefits of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in the treatment of dementia. These agents may also adversely affect elderly patients in general. Clinically significant mental status changes associated with anticholinergic agents can range from mild cognitive impairment to delirium, and patients with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia are especially sensitive.

MANAGEMENT: Anticholinergic agents should generally be avoided in patients with Alzheimer's disease or other cognitive impairment, regardless of whether they are receiving an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. For patients requiring treatment to counteract adverse effects of acetylcholinesterase inhibitor therapy (e.g., gastrointestinal intolerance, urinary problems), an agent without anticholinergic properties should be used whenever possible. Otherwise, a dosage reduction, slower titration, or even discontinuation of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor should be considered. For patients who are already receiving an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor with anticholinergic agents, every attempt should be made to discontinue the latter or substitute them with less anticholinergic alternatives. Caution is required, however, since anticholinergic withdrawal may occur. Seizures have been reported following abrupt discontinuation of anticholinergics during acetylcholinesterase inhibitor therapy.

Consumer information for this interaction is not currently available.

MONITOR: The following interactions apply only to products containing sodium biphosphate that are used for bowel cleansing. They do not apply to products containing sodium biphosphate that are used for other, non-laxative related purposes.

The risk of seizures induced by the use of bowel cleansing preparations may be increased in patients on concomitant medications that can lower the seizure threshold, including psychotherapeutic agents (antidepressants; neuroleptics; lithium), fluoroquinolones, some antimalarial agents (chloroquine; hydroxychloroquine; mefloquine), and some narcotic analgesics. Rare cases of generalized tonic-clonic seizures and/or loss of consciousness in association with low serum osmolality and electrolyte abnormalities (e.g., hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia) have been reported with the use of bowel cleansing products in patients with no prior history of seizures. The condition resolved with correction of fluid and electrolyte abnormalities.

The use of bowel cleansing preparations may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia, particularly torsade de pointes, in patients treated with drugs that can prolong the QT interval, including psychotherapeutic agents (antidepressants; neuroleptics; lithium), fluoroquinolones, some antimalarial agents (chloroquine; mefloquine; halofantrine; lumefantrine), and some narcotic analgesics (methadone; propoxyphene). Severe and potentially fatal cases of electrolyte disorders and arrhythmias have been reported in elderly patients using bowel cleansing products. Electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia are known risk factors for torsade de pointes associated with QT interval prolongation.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when bowel cleansing preparations are prescribed in patients treated with agents that can lower the seizure threshold and/or prolong the QT interval. Bowel cleansing preparations should not be used if these patients have impaired renal function or perfusion, dehydration, or uncorrected electrolyte abnormalities. Baseline and postprocedure labs including serum electrolytes, phosphate, BUN, and creatinine should be considered, particularly in the elderly. Patients should be advised not to exceed the recommended dosage of their bowel cleansing preparation and to drink sufficient quantities of clear fluids before, during, and after the bowel preparation process. Administration of an electrolyte rehydration solution may help attenuate the electrolyte abnormalities and hypovolemia. Patients should be advised to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitation, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, or syncope.