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Does Metformin Interact With Cephalexin, Levothyroxine And Quetiapine?
Question: I am reviewing drug interactions with a new medication. I found that the new medication has a "moderate" drug interaction with two of my existing meds. Should I challenge the prescribing physician? I am also puzzled as to why the pharmacy did not catch it.
Brief Answer:
should speak to both doctor and pharmacist
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The names of the medications have not been mentioned but if you and your husband noted interactions when the medications were reviewed online then you should speak to your doctor and pharmacist.
As mentioned, if different pharmacies are used, the pharmacist may not consider interactions since they may not know all of the meds used.
With some possible interactions, the doctor is advised to monitor for possible problems and to discontinue if they occur, this means that , depending on nature of the interaction, your doctor may monitor for a problem that may or may not occur.
This can be clarified when you speak to your doctor.
If the risk of interaction is severe or unavoidable , then mixing the particular meds is not advised.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
should speak to both doctor and pharmacist
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The names of the medications have not been mentioned but if you and your husband noted interactions when the medications were reviewed online then you should speak to your doctor and pharmacist.
As mentioned, if different pharmacies are used, the pharmacist may not consider interactions since they may not know all of the meds used.
With some possible interactions, the doctor is advised to monitor for possible problems and to discontinue if they occur, this means that , depending on nature of the interaction, your doctor may monitor for a problem that may or may not occur.
This can be clarified when you speak to your doctor.
If the risk of interaction is severe or unavoidable , then mixing the particular meds is not advised.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I should have mentioned that I take quitiapine, lyvothyroxin and cephalexin, all of which have a "moderate" drug interaction with metformin. Is there enough concern to really push the issue?
Brief Answer:
main effect is on blood sugar control
Detailed Answer:
HI
The main possible effects are with blood sugar control which can be monitored with a glucometer if you have one available to you.
The quetiapine can potentially increase blood sugars , this may or may not occur but can be checked.
The cephalexin can potentially decrease blood sugars in some persons, this possible interaction may not occur. Most antibiotics are only prescribed for a short period of time so the interaction is not long term.
In addition since the quetiapine can potentially increase blood sugars and the cephalexin decrease them, there may be no over all change
The thyroid replacement medication, levothyroxine can also potentially cause elevated blood sugars.
Again this may not be significant but you can monitor for any blood sugar changes
At this point, you would mainly monitor your blood sugar, it is possible that little or no effect may occur.
If there is a significant decrease or increase in blood sugar then you can speak to your doctor about possibly altering the metformin.
Summary: (1) main effect in on blood sugar
(2)blood sugars can be monitored by home glucometer if one is available
(3) if note any significant changes then may need a change in diabetic med
Please feel free to ask any other questions
main effect is on blood sugar control
Detailed Answer:
HI
The main possible effects are with blood sugar control which can be monitored with a glucometer if you have one available to you.
The quetiapine can potentially increase blood sugars , this may or may not occur but can be checked.
The cephalexin can potentially decrease blood sugars in some persons, this possible interaction may not occur. Most antibiotics are only prescribed for a short period of time so the interaction is not long term.
In addition since the quetiapine can potentially increase blood sugars and the cephalexin decrease them, there may be no over all change
The thyroid replacement medication, levothyroxine can also potentially cause elevated blood sugars.
Again this may not be significant but you can monitor for any blood sugar changes
At this point, you would mainly monitor your blood sugar, it is possible that little or no effect may occur.
If there is a significant decrease or increase in blood sugar then you can speak to your doctor about possibly altering the metformin.
Summary: (1) main effect in on blood sugar
(2)blood sugars can be monitored by home glucometer if one is available
(3) if note any significant changes then may need a change in diabetic med
Please feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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