I got this info from http://www.cmtausa.org/. I suggest printing the full list out and keeping it with you at all times and giving it to all of your child's doctors. So they know what they can and cannot take.
The medications listed below are potentially toxic to CMT patients. Vincristine has been proven hazardous and should be avoided by all CMT patients, including those with no symptoms. The remainder of the medications listed below present varying degrees of potential risk for worsening CMT neuropathy.
Before taking any medication or changing medication, all CMT patients should make sure the treating physician is fully aware of their medical condition.
Click here to view expanded Medical Alert table.
Definite High Risk (including asymptomatic CMT)
- Vinca alkaloids (Vincristine)
- Amiodarone (Cordarone)
- Bortezomib (Velcade)
- Cisplatin & Oxaliplatin
- Colchicine (extended use)
- Dapsone
- Didanosine (ddI, Videx)
- Dichloroacetate
- Disulfiram (Antabuse)
- Gold salts
- Leflunomide (Arava)
- Metronidazole/Misonidazole (extended use)
- Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Furadantin, Macrobid)
- Nitrous oxide (inhalation abuse or Vitamin B12 deficiency)
- Perhexiline (not used in U.S.)
- Pyridoxine (mega dose of Vitamin B6) NIH Fact Sheet
- Stavudine (d4T, Zerit)
- Suramin
- Taxols (paclitaxel, docetaxel)
- Thalidomide
- Zalcitabine (ddC, Hivid)
- 5-Fluoracil
- Adriamycin
- Almitrine (not in U.S.)
- Chloroquine
- Cytarabine (high dose)
- Ethambutol
- Etoposide (VP-16)
- Gemcitabine
- Griseofulvin
- Hexamethylmelamine
- Hydralazine
- Ifosphamide
- Infliximab
- Isoniazid (INH)
- Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
- Mefloquine
- Omeprazole (Prilosec)
- Penicillamine
- Phenytoin (Dilantin)
- Podophyllin resin
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Statins
- Tacrolimus (FK506, ProGraf)
- Zimeldine (not in U.S.)
- a-Interferon
- Allopurinol
- Amitriptyline
- Chloramphenicol
- Chlorprothixene
- Cimetidine
- Clioquinil
- Clofibrate
- Cyclosporin A
- Enalapril
- Fluoroquinolones
- Gluthethimide
- Lithium
- Phenelzine
- Propafenone
- Sulfonamides
- Sulphasalzine
The November/December 1995 NAMI Advocate warned of a potentially fatal drug interaction. It involves selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil and Luvox.
Apparently, a drug interaction between these antidepressants and dextromethorphan and/or pseudoephedrine, found in over-the-counter cold remedies, can cause excessive serotonergic activity. Signs of this "serotonin syndrome" include changes in mental status, hypertension, restlessness, myoclonus (sudden muscle contraction), hyperreflexia (accentuated reflexes), diaphoresis (profuse perspiration), shivering and tremor.
A Note about Alcohol
Alcohol was removed from the neurotoxic drug list in July 2004. While people with CMT generally suffer no ill effects from the moderate consumption of alcohol, they should be particularly mindful of the fact that alcohol affects balance and coordination, and that overconsumption of alcohol is generally not recommend under any circumstances. If you have questions about alcohol and your health, consult your physician.
Neurotoxic Medications and Worsening of Neuropathy:
The Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association has long maintained this “Medical Alert” list of potentially neurotoxic medications. It is published on this webpage, in the organization’s bimonthly national newsletter, in The CMTA Report, and in a brochure that is distributed along with a “Dear Medical Professional” letter advising physicians treating CMT patients that they should consider the potential risk of prescribing drugs known to have neurotoxic properties. The list is also freely copied and republished.
Click here for an in-depth summary of a study on neurotoxic medications and how they affect CMT patients.
Resource:www.cmtausa.org
