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8 Interactions found for:

sertraline and Aspirin Low Strength
Interactions Summary
  • 4 Major
  • 3 Moderate
  • 1 Minor
  • sertraline
  • Aspirin Low Strength

Drug Interactions

Moderate
Aspirin Low Strength + Sertraline

The following applies to the ingredients: Aspirin (found in Aspirin Low Strength) and Sertraline

MONITOR: Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) may potentiate the risk of bleeding in patients treated with ulcerogenic agents and agents that affect hemostasis such as anticoagulants, platelet inhibitors, thrombin inhibitors, thrombolytic agents, or agents that commonly cause thrombocytopenia. The tricyclic antidepressant, clomipramine, is also a strong SRI and may interact similarly. Serotonin release by platelets plays an important role in hemostasis, thus SRIs may alter platelet function and induce bleeding. Published case reports have documented the occurrence of bleeding episodes in patients treated with psychotropic agents that interfere with serotonin reuptake. Bleeding events related to SRIs have ranged from ecchymosis, hematoma, epistaxis, and petechiae to life-threatening hemorrhages. Additional epidemiological studies have confirmed the association between use of these agents and the occurrence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and concurrent use of NSAIDs or aspirin was found to potentiate the risk. Preliminary data also suggest that there may be a pharmacodynamic interaction between SSRIs and oral anticoagulants that can cause an increased bleeding diathesis. Concomitant administration of paroxetine and warfarin, specifically, has been associated with an increased frequency of bleeding without apparent changes in the disposition of either drug or changes in the prothrombin time. Bleeding has also been reported with fluoxetine and warfarin, while citalopram and sertraline have been reported to prolong the prothrombin time of patients taking warfarin by about 5% to 8%. In the RE-LY study (Randomized Evaluation of Long-term anticoagulant therapy), SRIs were associated with an increased risk of bleeding in all treatment groups.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if SRIs or clomipramine are used in combination with other drugs that affect hemostasis. Close clinical and laboratory observation for hematologic complications is recommended. Patients should be advised to promptly report any signs of bleeding to their physician, including pain, swelling, headache, dizziness, weakness, prolonged bleeding from cuts, increased menstrual flow, vaginal bleeding, nosebleeds, bleeding of gums from brushing, unusual bleeding or bruising, red or brown urine, or red or black stools.

References

  1. Aranth J, Lindberg C "Bleeding, a side effect of fluoxetine." Am J Psychiatry 149 (1992): 412
  2. Claire RJ, Servis ME, Cram DL Jr "Potential interaction between warfarin sodium and fluoxetine." Am J Psychiatry 148 (1991): 1604
  3. Yaryura-Tobias JA, Kirschen H, Ninan P, Mosberg HJ "Fluoxetine and bleeding in obsessive-compulsive disorder." Am J Psychiatry 148 (1991): 949
  4. Humphries JE, Wheby MS, VandenBerg SR "Fluoxetine and the bleeding time." Arch Pathol Lab Med 114 (1990): 727-8
  5. Alderman CP, Moritz CK, Ben-Tovim DI "Abnormal platelet aggregation associated with fluoxetine therapy." Ann Pharmacother 26 (1992): 1517-9
  6. Ciraulo DA, Shader RI "Fluoxetine drug-drug interactions. II." J Clin Psychopharmacol 10 (1990): 213-7
  7. "Product Information. Zoloft (sertraline)." Roerig Division PROD (2001):
  8. Woolfrey S, Gammack NS, Dewar MS, Brown PJ "Fluoxetine-warfarin interaction." BMJ 307 (1993): 241
  9. "Product Information. Prozac (fluoxetine)." Dista Products Company PROD (2001):
  10. "Product Information. Effexor (venlafaxine)." Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories PROD (2001):
  11. Bannister SJ, Houser VP, Hulse JD, Kisicki JC, Rasmussen JG "Evaluation of the potential for interactions of paroxetine with diazepam, cimetidine, warfarin, and digoxin." Acta Psychiatr Scand Suppl 350 (1989): 102-6
  12. "Product Information. Paxil (paroxetine)." GlaxoSmithKline PROD (2001):
  13. Messiha FS "Fluoxetine - adverse effects and drug-drug interactions." J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 31 (1993): 603-30
  14. Ottervanger JP, Stricker BH, Huls J, Weeda JN "Bleeding attributed to the intake of paroxetine." Am J Psychiatry 151 (1994): 781-2
  15. "Product Information. Luvox (fluvoxamine)." Solvay Pharmaceuticals Inc PROD (2001):
  16. Krivy J, Wiener J "Sertraline and platelet counts in idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura." Lancet 345 (1995): 132
  17. Skop BP, Brown TM "Potential vascular and bleeding complications of treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors." Psychosomatics 37 (1996): 12-6
  18. Pai VB, Kelly MW "Bruising associated with the use of fluoxetine." Ann Pharmacother 30 (1996): 786-8
  19. Alderman CP, Seshadri P, Ben-Tovim DI "Effects of serotonin reuptake inhibitors on hemostasis." Ann Pharmacother 30 (1996): 1232-4
  20. Leung M, Shore R "Fluvoxamine-associated bleeding." Can J Psychiatry 41 (1996): 604-5
  21. Dent LA, Orrock MW "Warfarin-fluoxetine and diazepam-fluoxetine interaction." Pharmacotherapy 17 (1997): 170-2
  22. Ford MA, Anderson ML, Rindone JP, Jaskar DW "Lack of effect of fluoxetine on the hypoprothrombinemic response of warfarin." J Clin Psychopharmacol 17 (1997): 110-2
  23. "Product Information. Celexa (citalopram)." Forest Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  24. de Abajo FJ, Rodriguez LA, Montero D "Association between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and upper gastrointestinal bleeding: population based case-control study." BMJ 319 (1999): 1106-9
  25. de Abajo FJ, Jick H, Derby L, Jick S, Schmitz S "Intracranial haemorrhage and use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors." Br J Clin Pharmacol 50 (2000): 43-7
  26. Settle EC "Antidepressant drugs: disturbing and potentially dangerous adverse effects." J Clin Psychiatry 59 Suppl 16 (1998): 25-30
  27. Hergovich N, Aigner M, Eichler HG, Entlicher J, Drucker C, Jilma B "Paroxetine decreases platelet serotonin storage and platelet function in human beings." Clin Pharmacol Ther 68 (2000): 435-42
  28. Layton D, Clark DWJ, Pearce GL, Shakir SAW "Is there an association between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and risk of abnormal bleeding? Results from a cohort study based on prescription event monitoring in England." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 57 (2001): 167-76
  29. "Product Information. Lexapro (escitalopram)." Forest Pharmaceuticals (2002):
  30. de Maistre E, Allart C, Lecompte T, Bollaert PE "Severe bleeding associated with use of low molecular weight heparin and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors." Am J Med 113 (2002): 530-2
  31. Dalton SO, Johansen C, Mellemkjaer L, Norgard B, Sorensen HT, Olsen JH "Use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and risk of upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding: a population-based cohort study." Arch Intern Med 163 (2003): 59-64
  32. "Product Information. Cymbalta (duloxetine)." Lilly, Eli and Company (2004):
  33. Tata LJ, Fortun PJ, Hubbard RB, et al. "Does concurrent prescription of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs substantially increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding?" Aliment Pharmacol Ther 22 (2005): 175-81
  34. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  35. "Product Information. Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)." Wyeth Laboratories (2008):
  36. "Product Information. Savella (milnacipran)." Forest Pharmaceuticals (2009):
  37. "Product Information. Viibryd (vilazodone)." Trovis Pharmaceuticals LLC (2011):
  38. "Product Information. Fetzima (levomilnacipran)." Forest Pharmaceuticals (2013):
  39. "Product Information. Brintellix (vortioxetine)." Takeda Pharmaceuticals America (2013):

Drug and Food Interactions

Moderate
Sertraline + Food

The following applies to the ingredients: Sertraline

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of sertraline. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills. In addition, limited clinical data suggest that consumption of grapefruit juice during treatment with sertraline may result in increased plasma concentrations of sertraline. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated metabolism by certain compounds present in grapefruit. An in-vitro study demonstrated that grapefruit juice dose-dependently inhibits the conversion of sertraline to its metabolite, desmethylsertraline. In a study with eight Japanese subjects, mean plasma levels of sertraline increased by approximately 100% and maximum plasma concentrations increased by 66% after the ingestion of three 250 mL glasses of grapefruit juice per day for 5 days and administration of a single dose of sertraline 75 mg on the sixth day. In another small study with 5 patients, mean sertraline trough levels increased by 47% after taking sertraline for at least 6 weeks, then taking sertraline with 240 mL grapefruit juice daily for 1 week. The clinical significance is unknown; however, pharmacokinetic alterations associated with interactions involving grapefruit juice are often subject to a high degree of interpatient variability. The possibility of significant interaction in some patients should be considered.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving sertraline should be advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how sertraline affects them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities. Some authorities recommend that consumption of grapefruit juice should be avoided during sertraline therapy.

References

  1. "Product Information. Zoloft (sertraline)." Roerig Division PROD (2001):
  2. Lee AJ, Chan WK, Harralson AF, Buffum J, Bui BCC "The effects of grapefruit juice on sertraline metabolism: An in vitro and in vivo study." Clin Ther 21 (1999): 1890-9
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  4. Ueda N, Yoshimura R, Umene-Nakano W, et al. "Grapefruit juice alters plasma sertraline levels after single ingestion of sertraline in healthy volunteers." World J Biol Psychiatry 10(4 Pt 3) (2009): 832-5

Moderate
Aspirin Low Strength + Food

The following applies to the ingredients: Aspirin (found in Aspirin Low Strength)

GENERALLY AVOID: The concurrent use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and ethanol may lead to gastrointestinal (GI) blood loss. The mechanism may be due to a combined local effect as well as inhibition of prostaglandins leading to decreased integrity of the GI lining.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be counseled on this potential interaction and advised to refrain from alcohol consumption while taking aspirin or NSAIDs.

References

  1. "Product Information. Motrin (ibuprofen)." Pharmacia and Upjohn PROD (2002):

Minor
Aspirin Low Strength + Food

The following applies to the ingredients: Aspirin (found in Aspirin Low Strength)

One study has reported that coadministration of caffeine and aspirin lead to a 25% increase in the rate of appearance and 17% increase in maximum concentration of salicylate in the plasma. A significantly higher area under the plasma concentration time curve of salicylate was also reported when both drugs were administered together. The exact mechanism of this interaction has not been specified. Physicians and patients should be aware that coadministration of aspirin and caffeine may lead to higher salicylate levels faster.

References

  1. Yoovathaworn KC, Sriwatanakul K, Thithapandha A "Influence of caffeine on aspirin pharmacokinetics." Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 11 (1986): 71-6

Drug and Pregnancy Interactions

The following applies to the ingredients: Aspirin (found in Aspirin Low Strength)

100 mg/day or less: Use with caution
Greater than 100 mg/day: NSAIDs should be avoided at 20 weeks gestation and later

AU TGA pregnancy category: C
US FDA pregnancy category: Not Assigned

Risk Summary: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use in pregnant women at 30 weeks gestation and later may cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus; NSAID use at 20 weeks gestation or later may cause fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios and, in some cases, neonatal renal impairment.

Comments:
-Guidelines recommend low-dose aspirin prophylaxis (e.g., 81 mg/day) in women at high risk of preeclampsia; initiation should be between 12- and 28-weeks gestation (optimally before 16 weeks) and continued until delivery; the use aspirin at 81 mg/day dose for certain pregnancy-related conditions at any point in pregnancy is an exception to the FDA recommendations to avoid use of NSAIDs in pregnancy at 20 weeks or later.
-If NSAID use is necessary between 20- and 30-weeks' gestation, limit use to the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible; ultrasound monitoring of amniotic fluid should be considered if NSAID use extends beyond 48 hours; if oligohydramnios occurs, discontinue NSAID and treat appropriately.
-NSAID use is not recommended in women attempting to conceive as it may impair female fertility.

In animals, prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors have been shown to increase pre and post-implantation loss and embryo-fetal lethality. Epidemiologic studies suggest increased risk of miscarriage, cardiac malformations, and gastroschisis when used early in pregnancy; the absolute risk of cardiovascular malformations increased from less than 1% to up to approximately 1.5%. The risk is believed to increase with dose and duration of therapy.

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is a NSAID that inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) isoenzymes 1 and 2. The effect on COX isoenzymes is dose-dependent with lower doses (60 to 150 mg) inhibiting platelet synthesis while higher doses results in inhibition of both COX-1 and COX-2 blocking all prostaglandin production. Low-dose aspirin has been used during pregnancy to prevent or delay the onset of preeclampsia. Daily low-dose aspirin has been shown to be associated with a low likelihood of serious maternal, or fetal complications. Guidelines should be consulted for specific use.

During the third trimester of pregnancy, administration of COX-1 and COX-2 blocking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus, oligohydramnios, fetal renal impairment, pulmonary hypertension, and prolongation of bleeding time. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

US FDA Drug Safety Communication (10-2020): The FDA is requiring a new warning be added to NSAID labeling describing the risk of fetal kidney problems that may result in low amniotic fluid. The FDA is recommending pregnant women avoid NSAID use at 20 weeks gestation or later; the use aspirin at 81 mg/day dose for certain pregnancy-related conditions at any point in pregnancy is an exception. Through 2017, the FDA has received 35 reports of low amniotic fluid levels or kidney problems in mothers who took NSAIDs while pregnant. Five newborns died; 2 had kidney failure and confirmed low amniotic fluid, 3 had kidney failure without confirmed low amniotic fluid. The low amniotic fluid started as early as 20 weeks of pregnancy. There were 11 reports of low amniotic fluid levels during pregnancy and the fluid volume returned to normal after the NSAID was stopped. The medical literature has reported low amniotic fluid levels with use of NSAIDs for varying amounts of time, ranging from 48 hours to multiple weeks. Complications of prolonged oligohydramnios may include limb contractures and delayed lung maturation. In some postmarketing cases of impaired neonatal renal function, invasive procedures such as exchange transfusion or dialysis were required. In other cases, the condition was reversible within 3 to 6 days of stopping the NSAID and in these cases reappeared when the same NSAID was restarted.

Administration during labor and delivery is not recommended as the onset of labor may be delayed and duration increased with greater bleeding tendency in mother and child.

A study of the use of low-dose aspirin (60 mg per day) to prevent and treat preeclampsia in 9364 pregnant women (the Collaborative Low-dose Aspirin Study in Pregnancy--CLASP) did "not support routine prophylactic or therapeutic administration of antiplatelet therapy in pregnancy to all women at increased risk of preeclampsia or IUGR." In that study, no excess of intraventricular hemorrhage, neonatal bleeds, or mortality attributable to bleeding were observed. The investigators did identify a possible role for low-dose aspirin in the treatment of early-onset preeclampsia severe enough to need very preterm delivery.

AU TGA pregnancy category C: Drugs which, owing to their pharmacological effects, have caused or may be suspected of causing, harmful effects on the human fetus or neonate without causing malformations. These effects may be reversible. Accompanying texts should be consulted for further details.

US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out.

References

  1. "Clasp: a randomised trial lf low-dose aspirin for the prevention and treatment of pre-eclampsia among 9364 pregnant women." Lancet 343 (1994): 619-29
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  4. US Food and Drug Administration "TITLE 21--FOOD AND DRUGS,CHAPTER I--FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION,DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SUBCHAPTER D--DRUGS FOR HUMAN USE,PART 341 COLD, COUGH, ALLERGY, BRONCHODILATOR, AND ANTIASTHMATIC DRUG PRODUCTS FO. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov" (2016):
  5. Committee on Obstetric Practice Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine "ACOG Committee Opinion No. 743: Low-dose aspirin use during pregnancy." Obstet Gynecol 132 (2018): e44-e52

The following applies to the ingredients: Sertraline

This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus, taking into account the risks of untreated depression.
-Oral concentrate and solution formulations containing alcohol: Not recommended.

AU TGA pregnancy category: C
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned.

Risk summary: Malformative risk is unlikely when given during the first trimester. There is inconclusive data on use of this drug in the third trimester to inform of a drug-related risk.

Comments:
-A pregnancy exposure registry is available.
-Neonates exposed to this drug late in the third trimester may require respiratory support, tube feeding, and/or prolonged hospitalization.
-Exposed neonates should be monitored after delivery for direct toxic effects of this drug, drug discontinuation syndrome, and serotonin syndrome (e.g., respiratory distress, cyanosis, apnea, seizures, temperature instability, feeding difficulty, vomiting, hypoglycemia, hypo/hypertonia, hyperreflexia, tremor, jitteriness, irritability, constant crying).

Animal studies have failed to reveal evidence of teratogenicity; however, there was evidence of delayed ossification and effects on reproduction attributed to maternal toxicity. Decreased neonatal survival following maternal administration at exposures similar to or slightly greater than the maximum recommended human dose of 200 mg was also observed; the clinical significance is unknown. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

The results of several studies suggest that the use of SSRIs in the first trimester of pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and/or other congenital malformations; however, this association has not been clearly established. The association appears to be strongest for another SSRI, paroxetine.

Use of sertraline during pregnancy has been reported to cause symptoms compatible with withdrawal reactions in neonates whose mothers had taken sertraline. Neonates exposed to SSRIs and SNRIs late in the third trimester have uncommonly reported clinical findings including respiratory distress, cyanosis, apnea, seizures, temperature instability, feeding difficulty, vomiting, hypoglycemia, hypotonia, hyperreflexia, tremor, jitteriness, irritability, and constant crying. These effects have mostly occurred either at birth or within a few days of birth. These features are consistent with either a direct toxic effect of SSRIs and SNRIs, or possibly a drug discontinuation syndrome; in some cases, the clinical picture is consistent with serotonin syndrome. The results of a cohort study indicate that 30% of neonates who had prolonged exposure to SSRIs in utero experience symptoms, in a dose-response manner, of a neonatal abstinence syndrome after birth. The authors suggest that infants exposed to SSRIs should be closely monitored for a minimum of 48 hours after birth.

Epidemiological data have suggested that the use of SSRIs, particularly in late pregnancy, may increase the risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn. Data are not available for SNRIs.

One study compared 267 women exposed to an SSRI - either fluvoxamine, paroxetine, or sertraline, to 267 controls. Exposure to SSRIs was not associated with either increased risk for major malformations, higher rates of miscarriage, stillbirth, or prematurity. Mean birth weights among SSRI users were similar to controls as were the gestational ages. The study concluded that the SSRIs fluvoxamine, paroxetine, and sertraline did not appear to increase teratogenic risk when used in their recommended doses.

Animal data with sertraline have not shown an effect on fertility. Human case reports from some SSRIs have shown an effect on sperm quality that is reversible. As yet, the impact of this on human fertility has not been observed.

To monitor maternal-fetal outcomes of pregnant women exposed to antidepressant therapy, a National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants has been established. Healthcare providers are encouraged to prospectively register patients. For additional information: https://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants/

AU TGA pregnancy category C: Drugs which, owing to their pharmacological effects, have caused or may be suspected of causing, harmful effects on the human fetus or neonate without causing malformations. These effects may be reversible. Accompanying texts should be consulted for further details.

US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out.

References

  1. "Product Information. Zoloft (sertraline)." Roerig Division PROD (2001):
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0

Drug and Breastfeeding Interactions

The following applies to the ingredients: Aspirin (found in Aspirin Low Strength)

Benefit should outweigh risk

Excreted into human milk: Yes

Comments:
-This drug appears compatible with breastfeeding for occasional use and in low doses for anti-thrombosis; however, repeated use in normal doses and long-term use, especially in high doses should be avoided.
-Breastfed infants should be monitored for hemolysis, prolonged bleeding time, and metabolic acidosis.

This drug is excreted in human milk in small amounts. Low dose aspirin (75 to 162 mg/day) is considered by many experts to be compatible with breastfeeding. Peak milk salicylate levels have been reported up to 9 hours after maternal dosing with peak levels generally occurring 2 to 6 hours after nursing. Large doses may result in rashes, platelet abnormalities, and bleeding in nursing infants. Long-term, high dose maternal use was associated with 1 case of metabolic acidosis in breastfed infant. The risk for Reye's syndrome in infants with viral infections is unknown.

References

  1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  2. United States National Library of Medicine "Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT" (2013):
  3. Department of Adolescent and Child Health and Development. UNICEF. World Health Organization "Breastfeeding and maternal medication: recommendations for drugs in the eleventh Who model list of essential drugs. http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2002/55732.pdf?ua=1" (2014):
  4. US Food and Drug Administration "TITLE 21--FOOD AND DRUGS,CHAPTER I--FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION,DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SUBCHAPTER D--DRUGS FOR HUMAN USE,PART 341 COLD, COUGH, ALLERGY, BRONCHODILATOR, AND ANTIASTHMATIC DRUG PRODUCTS FO. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov" (2016):

The following applies to the ingredients: Sertraline

Use is not recommended; benefit to the mother should outweigh risk to the infant.

Excreted into human milk: Yes

Comments:
-This drug has been considered one of the preferred antidepressants during breastfeeding.
-Accumulation of the drug may occur in preterm infants with impaired metabolic activity; effects similar to neonatal abstinence may rarely present in these infants.
-Mothers taking an SSRI during pregnancy and postpartum may have difficulty breastfeeding and may require additional breastfeeding support.

Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus in a 4-month-old infant and agitation in that spontaneously resolved in another infant was reported to the Australian Adverse Drug Reaction Advisory Committee and may be related to the presence of sertraline in breastmilk.

Levels of sertraline in breastmilk are reported to be low; the weakly active metabolite desmethylsertraline may be detectable in low levels. In a study of 26 breastfeeding women who were, on average, 15.8 weeks postpartum and receiving an average of 124 mg sertraline daily for at least 14 days for severe depression, complete sets of milk sample data were available for 15 mothers. Analysis of these samples led the study authors to estimate that an exclusively breastfed infant would receive an average of 0.54% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage. Pumping and discarding milk 8 to 9 hours after the mother's dose would decrease the infant's daily dosage by 17%.

Amounts of sertraline ingested by breastfed infants are reported to be small. There was an analysis of 30 breastfed infants aged 6 to 13 weeks, of which 19 were exclusively breastfed and 11 breastfed at least half the time. Serum sertraline levels were below 1 mcg/L in 22 infants. The other 8 infants had an average serum sertraline level of 7.9 mcg/L; their mothers were taking a average of 109 mg sertraline daily, with an average serum level of 52.8 mcg/L.

The data from one study on three breast-fed infants suggested that sertraline and/or its almost inactive metabolite norsertraline may be present at very low concentrations in the plasma of breast-fed infants. No adverse effects were noted in the infants.

A pooled analysis of 53 mother-infant pairs from published and unpublished cases found that infants had an average of 2% of the sertraline plasma levels of the mothers'; three of the infants had a plasma level greater than 10% of the mothers'.

A study of fourteen mother-infant pairs reported that while mothers receiving clinical doses of sertraline experienced substantial blockade of the platelet 5-HT transporter, platelet 5-HT uptake in nursing infants of treated mothers was unaltered.

Another study of twelve breast-feeding mothers reported that both sertraline and desmethylsertraline were present in all breast milk samples. Detectable levels of sertraline were reported in three nursing infants and detectable levels of desmethylsertraline were reported in six infants.

A case study of a mother breast-feeding while receiving sertraline therapy has also been reported. The drug was found to be present in the mother's milk. However, no sertraline was detected in the infant's serum and no abnormal occurrences were noted in the development of this infant either.

References

  1. "Product Information. Zoloft (sertraline)." Roerig Division PROD (2001):
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  4. United States National Library of Medicine "Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT" (2013):

Therapeutic Duplication Warnings

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Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.

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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.

Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

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