Drug interactions
Carbenoxolone + Tolvaptan
Severity: Moderate
Carbenoxolone and Tolvaptan: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Carbenoxolone causes mineralocorticoid-like potassium loss, while tolvaptan can modestly raise potassium. The net effect on potassium is unpredictable and in the worst case could cause hypokalemia or hyperkalemia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbenoxolone and Tolvaptan can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Opposing effects on potassium: carbenoxolone promotes renal potassium wasting and tolvaptan may raise serum potassium; the net effect is not well characterised.
What to do
Check serum potassium and sodium at baseline and periodically during combined use. Correct any potassium abnormality promptly.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Tolvaptan
- Atazanavir + Tolvaptan Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Tolvaptan Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Tolvaptan Contraindicated
- Conivaptan + Tolvaptan Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Tolvaptan Contraindicated
- Idelalisib + Tolvaptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbenoxolone with Tolvaptan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Carbenoxolone and Tolvaptan can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Carbenoxolone causes mineralocorticoid-like potassium loss, while tolvaptan can modestly raise potassium. The net effect on potassium is unpredictable and in the worst case could cause hypokalemia or hyperkalemia.
How serious is the interaction between Carbenoxolone and Tolvaptan?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check serum potassium and sodium at baseline and periodically during combined use. Correct any potassium abnormality promptly.
What other medicines interact with Tolvaptan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tolvaptan with, for example, Atazanavir, Ceritinib, Cobicistat. The full list is on the Tolvaptan page.
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