Fluconazole-Warfarin interaction: A case report with deadly consequences

Elliot V Hersh

Abstract

Adverse drug-drug interactions are more common in the elderly because of the commonality of polypharmacy. When one of the interacting drugs has a low therapeutic index, the consequences can be life-threatening or fatal. This case describes a fatal cerebral haemorrhage in an 80-year old male on stable doses of warfarin prescribed by his cardiologist, who was prescribed fluconazole 200mg, once daily, for 14 days by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to treat an intraoral fungal infection. The oral surgeon was aware that the patient was on warfarin and his INR two days prior to the appointment was 2.4. While a drug interaction alert was sent to the patient’s primary care family physician regarding fluconazole and the simvastatin she had been prescribing, the interaction was not reviewed by her for another 9- days. She then informed the patient that “it was fine” to finish the fluconazole. However, this phone conversation prompted the patient to discontinue the fluconazole after 8 doses. Two days later, the patient was confused and driving his car erratically. His son rushed him to the hospital where a CAT scan revealed a large frontal intraparenchymal haemorrhage. His INR was a 9.6. This event illustrates that this well-documented adverse drug interaction needs to be better highlighted in dental and medical training. Warfarin’s primary metabolic pathway involves the cytochrome P-450 2C9 isoform and fluconazole is a strong inhibitor of this enzyme, with the potential outcome being excessive warfarin blood levels. Frequent INR monitoring with potential warfarin dosage adjustments downward if fluconazole is prescribed, or the complete avoidance of fluconazole is recommended in patients taking warfarin. The importance of communication and coordinated care between different health care providers cannot be overstated.
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