Interactions

CNS Active Drugs: The use of REDUCTIL in combination with other CNS-active drugs, particularly serotonergic agents (e.g. antidepressants, appetite suppressants), has not been systematically evaluated. Consequently, concomitant administration of REDUCTIL with other centrally-acting drugs is not recommended.

In patients receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (e.g., phenelzine, selegiline) in combination with serotonergic agents (e.g., fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine), there have been reports of serious, sometimes fatal, reactions known as "serotonin syndrome". Because REDUCTIL inhibits serotonin reuptake, it should not be used concomitantly with a MAOI. At least 2 weeks should pass between discontinuation of a MAOI and initiation of treatment with REDUCTIL. Similarly, at least 2 weeks should pass between cessation of REDUCTIL and initiation of treatment with a MAOI.

Drugs That May Raise Blood Pressure and/or Heart Rate: Concomitant use of REDUCTIL and other agents that may raise blood pressure or heart rate have not been evaluated. These include certain decongestants, cough, cold, and allergy medications that contain agents such as phenylpropanolamine, ephedrine, or pseudoephedrine and certain anti-inflammatory agents.

Cimetidine: Studies in healthy volunteers indicated that the concomitant administration of REDUCTIL (15mg once daily) and cimetidine (400mg twice daily) caused a marginal clinically insignificant increase in plasma concentrations of the active metabolites of sibutramine.

Alcohol: At single doses, there was no worsening of cognitive or psychomotor performance when REDUCTIL was administered concomitantly with alcohol. However, the consumption of alcohol is not compatible with the recommended dietary measures as a rule. The concomitant use of REDUCTIL with excess alcohol is not recommended.

Oral Contraceptives: The suppression of ovulation by oral contraceptives was not inhibited by REDUCTIL. Consequently, no requirement for alternative contraceptive precautions are needed when patients taking oral contraceptives are concurrently prescribed sibutramine.

Drugs Highly Bound to Plasma Proteins: Although sibutramine and its two active metabolites are extensively bound to plasma proteins (94%), the low therapeutic concentrations and basic characteristics of these compounds make them unlikely to result in clinically significant protein binding interactions with other highly protein bound drugs such as warfarin and phenytoin. In vitro protein binding interaction studies have not been conducted.

Before you begin treatment with Reductil, tell your doctor all the medications you are using including over-the-counter medicines. That way you reduce the risk of experiencing harmful side effects with Reductil.