Baxfendy (baxdrostat) is prescribed to help lower high blood pressure. While Baxfendy can be an effective treatment, it is important to know that it can interact with other medicines.
An interaction occurs when a substance changes how a medicine affects the body. Understanding these interactions can reduce the risk of side effects and help your medicine work as intended.
This article does not include all possible Baxfendy interactions. Always tell your health care provider and pharmacist about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins, herbs, or other supplements you use.
Understanding Baxfendy Interactions
Because of how Baxfendy works to lower blood pressure, it can change the levels of certain minerals in your body, called electrolytes. For example, it may cause high potassium or low sodium levels. So, the risk of this side effect is higher for people taking other medicines or supplements that affect these electrolytes.
Other interactions can happen because Baxfendy is broken down in the body by an enzyme called CYP3A4. Some medicines and supplements can increase the activity of this enzyme, causing the body to break down Baxfendy faster than normal. This may lower Baxfendy levels in the body, making it less effective at lowering blood pressure.
Below are more details about some Baxfendy interactions.
1. Potassium supplements
Potassium supplements are available OTC as well as by prescription (Rx). People take them to treat or prevent low potassium levels.
Examples include:
- Potassium bicarbonate
- Potassium chloride
- Potassium citrate
- Potassium gluconate
Baxfendy’s most common side effect is high potassium levels (hyperkalemia). Taking potassium supplements with Baxfendy may increase your risk of this side effect or worsen it. Do not start a potassium supplement unless your health care provider recommends it.
If you take potassium supplements with Baxfendy, your health care provider may recommend more frequent blood tests to check your potassium levels. If your potassium becomes too high, your health care provider may prescribe treatment to correct it. They may also adjust your Baxfendy dose or make other changes to your treatment plan.
2. Other medicines that increase potassium levels
As mentioned, Baxfendy can cause high potassium levels, and so can many other medicines.
Examples include:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as lisinopril
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), such as losartan
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen
Potassium-sparing diuretics (“water pills”) are another type of medicine that can increase potassium. Examples include:
- Amiloride
- Eplerenone
- Spironolactone
- Triamterene
These medicines may further increase the risk of high potassium levels when taken with Baxfendy. That’s because they can reduce how much potassium the body removes.
If you take these medicines with Baxfendy, your health care provider may recommend more frequent blood tests to monitor your potassium levels. Your provider can let you know how often to have blood tests and whether any treatment changes are needed to help keep your potassium levels within a healthy range.
3. Medicines that lower sodium levels
Some medicines can lower sodium levels in the blood. Since Baxfendy can also lower sodium levels, taking these medicines together may increase the risk of hyponatremia.
Examples include:
- Thiazide diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide
- Desmopressin
- Some antibiotics, such as linezolid and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole
- Some medicines used to treat depression or anxiety, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
If you take any of these medicines with Baxfendy, your health care provider may monitor your sodium levels more closely with blood tests. If sodium levels become too low, your provider may temporarily stop Baxfendy, lower your dose, or adjust your treatment plan.
4. Rifampin
Rifampin is commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis.
Rifampin can increase the activity of an enzyme in the body called CYP3A4, which helps break down Baxfendy. When this happens, your body may break down Baxfendy too quickly. This can lower Baxfendy levels in the body and make it less effective.
If you must take these medicines together, your health care provider may watch your blood pressure more closely. They may also ask you to check your blood pressure at home to make sure Baxfendy is working properly to help control your blood pressure. If your blood pressure readings are higher than usual, tell your health care provider. If your blood pressure is extremely high (180/120 or higher), seek medical care right away.
5. Certain cancer medicines
Like rifampin, some cancer medicines can speed up how quickly the body breaks down Baxfendy.
Examples include:
- Apalutamide
- Dabrafenib
- Enzalutamide
- Lorlatinib
These medicines can increase the activity of CYP3A4, the enzyme that helps break down Baxfendy. When this enzyme becomes more active, Baxfendy may not stay in the body long enough to work as well.
If these medicines are used together, your health care provider may monitor your blood pressure more closely to make sure Baxfendy is still helping control your blood pressure.
6. Some seizure medicines
Some seizure medicines can also lower Baxfendy levels in the body.
Examples include:
- Carbamazepine
- Phenobarbital
- Phenytoin
- Primidone
These medicines increase the activity of CYP3A4, which may cause the body to break down Baxfendy faster than normal. This may reduce how well Baxfendy works to lower blood pressure.
If you take these medicines with Baxfendy, your health care provider may suggest closer blood pressure monitoring.
Other Baxfendy Interactions
Supplement interactions
Some supplements may interact with Baxfendy. Two examples include:
- St. John’s wort may reduce how well Baxfendy works. It’s best to avoid herbal supplements that contain St. John’s wort while taking Baxfendy.
- Potassium supplements may increase the risk of side effects (see above for more details). Always check with a health care provider before taking potassium supplements while taking Baxfendy.
Other herbal and dietary supplements may cause interactions, even if they are not listed here. Make sure to tell your health care team about all supplements you use.
Alcohol Interactions
There are no known interactions between Baxfendy and alcohol.
However, Baxfendy is typically taken with other blood pressure medicines. Dizziness is a possible side effect of many blood pressure medicines. Alcohol may worsen dizziness. If you drink alcohol while taking Baxfendy, ask your health care provider how much alcohol (if any) may be safe for you.
Food interactions
Baxfendy can interact with salt substitutes and low-sodium seasoning blends, such as Dash products. These products may raise potassium levels in the blood. High potassium levels are a common side effect of Baxfendy, and using these products may further increase this risk.
Ask your health care provider before using salt substitutes while taking Baxfendy. Your health care provider may also suggest following a low-potassium diet.
How to Avoid Baxfendy Interactions
The following tips can help reduce your risk of drug interactions:
- Take Baxfendy exactly as prescribed.
- Attend all recommended blood test appointments while taking Baxfendy.
- Share an updated list of all medicines and supplements you take with your health care provider and pharmacist.
- Check with your health care provider before starting vitamins, herbs, salt substitutes, potassium supplements, or other supplements.
- Properly dispose of unused or expired medicines to help prevent accidental use or interactions.
Do not stop Baxfendy or change your treatment plan on your own. Your health care provider can help decide whether Baxfendy is safe for you with your other medicines and supplements.
