Novolin R Drug Interactions

When certain medications are taken in combination with Novolin R, drug interactions could occur. While some interactions can increase blood sugar levels (which is not immediately dangerous), others can lead to low blood sugar (which can be extremely dangerous). Some of the medications that may cause dangerously low blood sugar when combined with Novolin R include ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and fibrates.

Novolin R Interactions: An Overview

Many medications can affect blood sugar levels and, therefore, may interact with Novolin® R (
 regular insulin). Many of these potential drug interactions are quite dangerous. Some interactions may increase blood sugar levels, which is not healthy, but is usually not dangerous right away (although extremely high blood sugar can be dangerous if left untreated). Typically, such interactions are discovered (by regular blood sugar monitoring) and managed before any problems occur. These drug interactions that lead to high blood sugar levels are not discussed in this article.
 
Other Novolin R drug interactions can result in dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), which can become quite dangerous very quickly. Some of the medicines that may cause dangerously low blood sugar when combined with Novolin R include:
 
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors), such as:

 

 

 

 

  • Disopyramide (Norpace®, Norpace® CR)
  • Fibrates, such as:

 

 

  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as:

 

 

  • Octreotide (Sandostatin®)
  • Oral diabetes medications
  • Propoxyphene (Darvon®, Darvocet®)
  • Quinidine
  • Quinine
  • Reserpine
  • Salicylates, such as:

 

    • Aspirin (Ecotrin®, Bayer®, Anacin®)
    • Choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate®)
    • Diflunisal (Dolobid®)
    • Salsalate (Salflex®, Disalcid®, Amigesic®) 

 

  • Sulfonamide antibiotics ("sulfa drugs"), such as:

 

    • Sulfadiazine
    • Sulfadoxine (Fansidar®)
    • Sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim®, Septra®)
    • Sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin®).

 


Add
Email
Print
(Novolin R Drug Interactions Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
Other Articles in This eMedTV Presentation
Referring Pages Articles