Issues for Surgery |
Risk of central nervous system (CNS) depression if continued (see Interaction(s) with Common Anaesthetic Agents and Interaction(s) with other Common Medicines used in the Perioperative Period). |
Advice in the Perioperative period |
Elective and Emergency Surgery Continue. For patients who may decide to quit smoking during the perioperative period see Further Information. Consider checking liver function tests (LFTs) pre-operatively as agomelatine has been associated with hepatoxicity1 (see Further Information). Post-operative Advice If a long nil by mouth (NBM) period is anticipated, or if there are concerns with enteral absorption, advice on alternative preparations / routes should be sought from a Psychiatrist. |
Interaction(s) with Common Anaesthetic Agents |
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depression (also see under Interaction(s) with other Common Medicines used in the Perioperative Period) Agomelatine has CNS depressant effects which may be additive with other medicines that also have CNS depressant effects such as1, 2: -
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Interaction(s) with other Common Medicines used in the Perioperative Period |
CNS Depression (also see under Interaction(s) with Common Anaesthetic Agents for information on opioids) Agomelatine has CNS depressant effects which may be additive with antiemetics that also have CNS depressant effects such as cyclizine, droperidol and prochlorperazine1, 2. Ciprofloxacin Ciprofloxacin is predicted to increase the exposure to agomelatine through inhibition of CYP1A2, the manufacturer advises concomitant use is contraindicated1, 2, 3. |
Further Information |
Smoking Cessation Quitting smoking pre-operatively improves surgical outcomes through reducing risk of post-operative complications4. Smoking induces CYP1A2, decreasing the bioavailability of agomelatine, especially in those smoking at least 15 cigarettes a day2, 3. If a patient decides to quit smoking during the perioperative period it must be remembered that smoking cessation can reduce agomelatine clearance (potential for increased plasma agomelatine levels) – dosage adjustments might be necessary, although the manufacturer doesn’t give any specific advice1, 2. Hepatotoxicity Agomelatine has been associated with hepatotoxicity. LFTs should be monitored after 3, 6, 12 and 24 weeks of treatment and then regularly thereafter when clinically indicated3. If recent LFTs are not available, consider checking pre-operatively. Manufacturer advises treatment should be discontinued immediately if alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and/or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) exceed 3 times the upper limit of normal or if signs and symptoms of liver disorder (dark urine, light coloured stools, jaundice, bruising, fatigue, abdominal pain or pruritus) develop. No withdrawal symptoms would be expected with abrupt withdrawal3. |
References |
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