Brittany Murphy's Death and Drug Interactions

Experts consulted to date are not hitting on a key issue in the death of Brittany Murphy.

Drug interactions kill thousands each year.

The list of medications found in her home are recognized by millions of people. They are common medications. Yet, they are also potentially deadly, even if taken as prescribed. That is the focus of this article.

For all we know, it was the antibiotic, Biaxin, listed in published reports that led directly to her death.

First of all, it is reported that Ms. Murphy had a heart murmur since childhood, according to that same article.
The propranolol listed could have been given to her for prevention of extra heart beats. The extra heart beat issue could be key. She was not eating well, given a recent illness. ( tea and soup ). That could make extra heart beats more likely.

Several of the medications could cause extra hearts beats to exacerbate. (Tegretol, and to a much lesser degree Fluoxetine ) ADDING the Biaxin, an antibiotic, could have increased a drug level that led to an arrhythmia and death. Unless she had a clear reason for Biaxin, it should have been avoided in favor of something else. Biaxin increases the drug levels of TONS of medications. It is in the Erythromycin class of medications.

Ativan and Klonipin are in the same class of drugs. Biaxin increases the drug levels of these medications. Being tiny, Ms. Murphy could have taken a prescribed dose of the Ativan but then had a respiratory arrest due to the Biaxin Ativan interaction.

Biaxin alone could have caused an arrhythmia

Tegretol on its own increases Ativan and Klonpin levels.

Fluoxetine on its own increases Ativan and Klonipin levels.

While probably not clinically important, Biaxin also increases methylprednisolone levels.

The MAIN purpose of this article, considering she may or may not have been taking any of these medications is to UNDERSCORE the critical importance of drug interactions. I have avoided speculating on the particular illnesses present in Ms. Murphy. Some of that speculation on the press is incorrect based on the list.

Most importantly you have to tell your doctor about everything you are taking. It is best to keep a list, and include over the counter and homeopathic remedies. Taking Biaxin with all of those other medications is just asking for trouble. It may WELL have been the small push she needed given the other drugs she was taking, to exacerbate one of her medical conditions.

ALL who read this need to keep an up to date list, and leave the interpretation to the pros. It is EXTREMELY complicated, as you can see if you start surfing the Internet.

A good reference for drug interactions is http://www.rxlist.com/biaxin-drug.htm.

http://www.tmz.com/2009/12/21/brittany-murphy-cardiac-arrest-diabetes-vomit-autopsy-coroner/
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2518671/brittany_murphy_autopsy_report_leaked.html?cat=49