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Pyridium and alcohol. Pyridium Plus Interactions: Comprehensive Guide to Drug, Alcohol, and Food Effects

What are the key interactions of Pyridium Plus with other drugs, alcohol, and food. How many major drug interactions does Pyridium Plus have. What disease interactions should patients be aware of when taking Pyridium Plus.

Understanding Pyridium Plus and Its Components

Pyridium Plus is a combination medication containing butabarbital, hyoscyamine, and phenazopyridine. Each of these components plays a specific role in the overall therapeutic effect of the drug:

  • Butabarbital: A barbiturate with sedative and anxiolytic properties
  • Hyoscyamine: An anticholinergic agent that helps relax smooth muscles
  • Phenazopyridine: A urinary tract analgesic that provides pain relief

Given the diverse nature of its components, Pyridium Plus has a complex interaction profile that patients and healthcare providers must be aware of to ensure safe and effective use.

Alcohol Interactions with Pyridium Plus

The interaction between Pyridium Plus and alcohol is a significant concern due to the presence of butabarbital and hyoscyamine in the medication. Both of these components can interact with alcohol in potentially dangerous ways:

Butabarbital and Alcohol

Can combining butabarbital and alcohol be dangerous? Yes, the combination can significantly increase the risk of side effects. Patients should exercise caution when using butabarbital with ethanol as it can enhance dizziness, drowsiness, and other central nervous system depressant effects. This interaction may impair cognitive function and motor skills, making activities requiring alertness potentially hazardous.

Hyoscyamine and Alcohol

Does hyoscyamine interact with alcohol? Indeed, hyoscyamine can interact with alcohol, potentially increasing drowsiness and dizziness. Patients are advised to use alcohol cautiously while taking hyoscyamine. The combination may necessitate dosage adjustments to ensure safe concurrent use.

Due to these interactions, it is crucial for patients to consult their healthcare provider before consuming alcohol while on Pyridium Plus. Healthcare professionals may need to adjust dosages or provide specific guidelines for alcohol consumption to minimize risks.

Food Interactions and Dietary Considerations

While specific food interactions with Pyridium Plus are not explicitly mentioned in the provided information, it’s important to consider potential dietary impacts due to the medication’s components:

  • Hyoscyamine may affect gastrointestinal motility, potentially influencing nutrient absorption
  • Phenazopyridine can cause changes in urine color, which might be exacerbated by certain foods or beverages
  • Butabarbital’s sedative effects could be influenced by caffeine intake

Patients should discuss any dietary concerns or changes with their healthcare provider to ensure optimal medication efficacy and minimize potential interactions.

Drug Interactions: A Comprehensive Overview

How many drug interactions does Pyridium Plus have? The medication has a staggering 682 known drug interactions. Of these interactions:

  • 57 are classified as major interactions
  • The remaining interactions fall into moderate, minor, or unknown categories

This extensive list of interactions underscores the importance of thorough medication review and consultation with healthcare providers before starting Pyridium Plus or introducing any new medications while taking it.

Major Drug Interactions

What constitutes a major drug interaction? Major interactions are highly clinically significant and generally require avoiding the combination due to the risk outweighing potential benefits. For Pyridium Plus, these may include interactions with:

  • Other central nervous system depressants
  • Anticholinergic medications
  • Drugs affecting urinary pH
  • Medications metabolized by the same liver enzymes

Healthcare providers must carefully evaluate these interactions and consider alternative treatments or close monitoring if concurrent use is necessary.

Disease Interactions and Contraindications

Pyridium Plus has 33 reported disease interactions, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive patient health assessment before prescribing. Some key disease interactions include:

  • Autonomic neuropathy
  • Glaucoma
  • Obstructive uropathy
  • Reactive airway diseases
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Acute alcohol intoxication
  • Liver disease
  • Renal dysfunction
  • Cardiovascular conditions

These disease interactions may contraindicate the use of Pyridium Plus or require careful monitoring and potential dose adjustments.

Cardiovascular Considerations

How does Pyridium Plus affect cardiovascular health? The anticholinergic effects of hyoscyamine may exacerbate hypertension and impact cardiac function. Patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease and tachycardia, should be closely monitored when using Pyridium Plus.

Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Concerns

Are there specific gastrointestinal or liver-related precautions with Pyridium Plus? Yes, the medication interacts with various gastrointestinal and hepatic conditions:

  • GI obstruction
  • Gastric ulcer
  • Gastroesophageal reflux
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Liver disease
  • Hepatitis

Patients with these conditions may require careful evaluation and monitoring to ensure safe use of Pyridium Plus.

Special Populations and Considerations

Certain patient groups may be at higher risk for adverse effects or interactions when using Pyridium Plus:

Elderly Patients

Why is caution necessary when prescribing Pyridium Plus to elderly patients? Older adults may be more sensitive to the anticholinergic effects of hyoscyamine and the sedative effects of butabarbital. They may also have reduced renal or hepatic function, affecting drug metabolism and excretion.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

Is Pyridium Plus safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding? The safety of Pyridium Plus in pregnant and breastfeeding women has not been well established. The individual components may pose risks to fetal development or pass into breast milk. Healthcare providers must carefully weigh the potential benefits against risks when considering use in these populations.

Patients with G6PD Deficiency

What precautions are necessary for patients with G6PD deficiency? Phenazopyridine, a component of Pyridium Plus, may cause hemolytic anemia in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. These patients should be closely monitored or may require alternative treatments.

Monitoring and Management of Pyridium Plus Therapy

To ensure safe and effective use of Pyridium Plus, healthcare providers should implement comprehensive monitoring strategies:

Regular Check-ups

How often should patients on Pyridium Plus have follow-up appointments? The frequency of check-ups may vary based on individual patient factors, but regular monitoring is crucial. This may include:

  • Blood pressure checks
  • Liver function tests
  • Renal function assessment
  • Evaluation of anticholinergic side effects

Patient Education

What key points should be emphasized in patient education? Patients should be informed about:

  • Potential side effects and when to seek medical attention
  • The importance of avoiding alcohol and certain foods
  • The need to inform all healthcare providers about their Pyridium Plus use
  • Proper dosing and administration techniques

Medication Reconciliation

Why is medication reconciliation crucial for patients on Pyridium Plus? Given the extensive list of drug interactions, regular medication reviews are essential. This process helps identify potential interactions with new medications, over-the-counter products, or supplements.

Alternative Treatments and Considerations

In cases where Pyridium Plus is contraindicated or poses significant risks, healthcare providers may consider alternative treatment options:

Monotherapy Options

Can the individual components of Pyridium Plus be used separately? In some cases, using single-agent therapies may be preferable to minimize interaction risks. For example:

  • Phenazopyridine alone for urinary tract pain relief
  • Alternative anticholinergics with fewer interactions
  • Non-barbiturate anxiolytics or sedatives

Non-Pharmacological Approaches

What non-drug options can complement or replace Pyridium Plus therapy? Depending on the condition being treated, non-pharmacological approaches may include:

  • Behavioral therapies for anxiety or sleep disorders
  • Dietary modifications for gastrointestinal symptoms
  • Physical therapy or exercises for certain types of pain

Healthcare providers should consider these alternatives when developing treatment plans, especially for patients at high risk for interactions or adverse effects.

Conclusion and Future Directions

Understanding the complex interaction profile of Pyridium Plus is crucial for safe and effective patient care. As medical knowledge advances, ongoing research may provide further insights into:

  • Novel drug delivery systems to minimize interactions
  • Personalized medicine approaches to predict individual interaction risks
  • Development of alternative combination therapies with improved safety profiles

Healthcare providers must stay informed about the latest research and guidelines to optimize Pyridium Plus therapy while minimizing risks to patients.

Pyridium Plus and Alcohol/Food Interactions

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There are 3 alcohol/food/lifestyle interactions with Pyridium Plus (butabarbital / hyoscyamine / phenazopyridine).

Ask your doctor before using butabarbital together with ethanol, this can add to dizziness, drowsiness and other side effects of butabarbital. Be careful if you drive or do activities that require you to be awake and alert. Talk with your doctor before using any medications together, or drinking alcohol with butabarbital. 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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Ask your doctor before using hyoscyamine together with ethanol. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking hyoscyamine. You should be warned not to exceed recommended dosages and to avoid activities requiring mental alertness. If your doctor prescribes these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment to safely take this combination. 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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anticholinergics – hypertension

Cardiovascular effects of anticholinergics may exacerbate hypertension. Therapy with anticholinergic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with hypertension.

References

  1. “Product Information. Benadryl (diphenhydramine).” Parke-Davis
    (2002):
  2. “Product Information. Antivert (meclizine).” Roerig Division
    (2001):
  3. “Product Information. Marezine (cyclizine).” Glaxo Wellcome
    (2001):
  4. Valentin N, Staffeldt H, Kyst A “Effect of i.v. atropine on cardiac rhythm, heart rate, blood pressure and airway secretion during isoflurane anaesthesia. ” Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 28
    (1984): 621-4
  5. “Product Information. Atropine Sulfate (atropine).” ESI Lederle Generics
    (2022):
  6. “Product Information. Artane (trihexyphenidyl).” Lederle Laboratories
    (2001):
  7. “Product Information. Atropisol (atropine ophthalmic).” Ciba Vision Ophthalmics
    (2002):

View all 7 references

Pyridium Plus drug interactions

There are 682 drug interactions with Pyridium Plus (butabarbital / hyoscyamine / phenazopyridine).

Pyridium Plus disease interactions

There are 33 disease interactions with Pyridium Plus (butabarbital / hyoscyamine / phenazopyridine) which include:

  • autonomic neuropathy
  • GI obstruction
  • glaucoma
  • obstructive uropathy
  • reactive airway diseases
  • myasthenia gravis
  • infectious diarrhea
  • acute alcohol intoxication
  • drug dependence
  • liver disease
  • porphyria
  • rash
  • respiratory depression
  • G-6-PD deficiency
  • hepatitis
  • renal dysfunction
  • cardiac disease
  • tachycardia
  • coronary artery disease
  • gastric ulcer
  • gastroesophageal reflux
  • ulcerative colitis
  • liver disease
  • renal failure
  • adrenal insufficiency
  • depression
  • hematologic toxicity
  • osteomalacia
  • paradoxical reactions
  • hypertension
  • hyperthyroidism
  • diarrhea
  • fever

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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.
MajorHighly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
ModerateModerately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
MinorMinimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
UnknownNo interaction information available.

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer

Pyridium Plus Interactions Checker – Drugs.com

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There are 682 drugs known to interact with
Pyridium Plus (butabarbital / hyoscyamine / phenazopyridine), along with
33 disease interactions, and 2 alcohol/food interactions.

Of the total drug interactions,
57 are major, 597 are moderate, and 28 are minor.

Does Pyridium Plus interact with my other drugs?

Enter other medications to view a detailed report.

  • View all 682 medications that may interact with Pyridium Plus
  • View Pyridium Plus alcohol/food interactions (2)
  • View Pyridium Plus disease interactions (33)

Most frequently checked interactions

View interaction reports for Pyridium Plus (butabarbital / hyoscyamine / phenazopyridine) and the medicines listed below.

  • Major
  • Moderate
  • Minor
  • Unknown
  • albuterol
  • aloe vera
  • aspirin
  • Atarax (hydroxyzine)
  • atorvastatin
  • Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim)
  • Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
  • betaine
  • chromium picolinate
  • Cipro (ciprofloxacin)
  • ciprofloxacin
  • clonazepam
  • Cymbalta (duloxetine)
  • Darpaz (hyoscyamine / methenamine / methylene blue / phenyl salicylate / sodium biphosphate)
  • Diflucan (fluconazole)
  • Digipepsin (pancreatin)
  • Ditropan XL (oxybutynin)
  • Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium)
  • Fish Oil (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids)
  • Flonase (fluticasone nasal)
  • gabapentin
  • Ginger Root (ginger)
  • hydrochlorothiazide
  • Levsin (hyoscyamine)
  • lorazepam
  • prednisone
  • promethazine
  • Prozac (fluoxetine)
  • tramadol
  • Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)

Pyridium Plus alcohol/food interactions

There are 2 alcohol/food interactions with Pyridium Plus (butabarbital / hyoscyamine / phenazopyridine).

Pyridium Plus disease interactions

There are 33 disease interactions with Pyridium Plus (butabarbital / hyoscyamine / phenazopyridine) which include:

  • autonomic neuropathy
  • GI obstruction
  • glaucoma
  • obstructive uropathy
  • reactive airway diseases
  • myasthenia gravis
  • infectious diarrhea
  • acute alcohol intoxication
  • drug dependence
  • liver disease
  • porphyria
  • rash
  • respiratory depression
  • G-6-PD deficiency
  • hepatitis
  • renal dysfunction
  • cardiac disease
  • tachycardia
  • coronary artery disease
  • gastric ulcer
  • gastroesophageal reflux
  • ulcerative colitis
  • liver disease
  • renal failure
  • adrenal insufficiency
  • depression
  • hematologic toxicity
  • osteomalacia
  • paradoxical reactions
  • hypertension
  • hyperthyroidism
  • diarrhea
  • fever

Report options

Loading. ..

QR code containing a link to this page

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.
MajorHighly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
ModerateModerately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
MinorMinimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
UnknownNo interaction information available.

Further information

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