Cimetidine (cimetidine)

Dosage of cimetidine hydrochloride is expressed in terms of cimetidine.

Accumulation of cimetidine may occur in patients with severe renal failure; therefore, the lowest effective dosage of the drug should be used. In patients with creatinine clearances of less than 30 mL/minute, the manufacturer recommends oral or IV cimetidine dosage of 300 mg every 12 hours. Dosage may be adjusted on the basis of gastric acid secretory response. Dosage intervals may be cautiously decreased from every 12 hours to every 8 hours or less, if necessary. In patients with severe renal impairment, accumulation of the drug may occur and the longest dosage interval compatible with an adequate response should be used. For the prevention of upper GI bleeding in critically ill patients, the manufacturer states that patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/minute) can receive one half of the usual cimetidine dosage. When hepatic impairment is also present, further reduction in dosage may be necessary. Because hemodialysis greatly reduces blood cimetidine concentrations, cimetidine should be administered at the end of dialysis and every 12 hours during the interdialysis period.

Cimetidine and cimetidine hydrochloride are administered orally. Cimetidine hydrochloride may also be given by IM or slow IV injection or by intermittent or continuous slow IV infusion, in hospitalized patients with pathologic hypersecretory conditions or intractable ulcer, or when oral therapy is not feasible. Antacids may be given as necessary for relief of pain in patients with ulcers but should not be administered simultaneously with oral cimetidine. Commercially available prefilled syringes of cimetidine hydrochloride are intended for IM injection or for preparation of IV admixtures; because the drug must be diluted prior to IV administration, the prefilled syringemust not be used for direct IV injection.

Parenteral solutions of cimetidine hydrochloride should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit.

Cimetidine, apparently through inhibition of hepatic microsomal enzyme systems, reduces the hepatic metabolism of some drugs including coumarin anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), phenytoin, propranolol, some benzodiazepines, lidocaine, metronidazole, triamterene, some tricyclic antidepressants, terfenadine (no longer commercially available in the US), and theophylline, thereby decreasing elimination and increasing blood concentrations of these drugs. Cimetidine may also decrease hepatic blood flow and thereby increase the bioavailability of drugs with high hepatic extraction ratios. Clinically important effects have occurred when cimetidine and coumarin anticoagulants were administered concomitantly; if the drugs must be administered concurrently, prothrombin time should be carefully monitored and dosage adjustment of the anticoagulant may be necessary. Adverse clinical effects have also been reported when cimetidine was administered concomitantly with phenytoin, lidocaine, or theophylline. In one study in patients receiving 300 mg of an extended-release theophylline preparation twice daily concomitantly with cimetidine 800 mg at bedtime or 300 mg 4 times daily, steady-state peak serum theophylline concentrations and area under the serum concentration-time curve were increased less substantially with the bedtime regimen than the 4-times-daily regimen. Dosage of drugs metabolized by microsomal enzyme systems or those with high hepatic extraction ratios may require adjustment when concomitant cimetidine therapy is initiated or discontinued, especially drugs with low therapeutic ratios or in patients with renal and/or hepatic impairment.

Cimetidine has reduced hepatic and renal clearances of triamterene, probably via inhibition of cytochrome P-450 microsomal hydroxylation and competition for renal tubular secretion, respectively. Minimal alteration in the natriuretic and potassium-sparing effects of triamterene occurred, but the possibility of a clinically important interaction during concomitant use should be considered.

Cimetidine may potentiate the myelosuppressive effects (e.g., neutropenia, agranulocytosis) of myelosuppressive drugs (e.g., alkylating agents, antimetabolites) or therapies (e.g., radiation). Concomitant cimetidine therapy has been reported to potentiate the neutropenic and thrombocytopenic effect of carmustine alone or combined with radiation therapy.

Some antacids may reduce the absorption of cimetidine. In one study, various aluminum and magnesium hydroxides antacids were shown to reduce the bioavailability of cimetidine when the drugs were administered concomitantly under fasting and nonfasting conditions, but not when the antacid was given 1 hour before or after cimetidine in the fasting state, or 1 hour after cimetidine was taken with food. Some interference with absorption of cimetidine by antacids has also been reported in other studies, but in some studies antacids were not shown to reduce absorption of cimetidine. To prevent any potential interaction, antacids should probably be taken 1 hour before or after cimetidine in the fasting state, or 1 hour after cimetidine is taken with food.

Alteration of gastric pH may affect the absorption of certain drugs (e.g., ketoconazole). If concomitant therapy with such drugs is needed, they should be administered at least 2 hours prior to cimetidine administration.

Currently available data suggest that consumption of moderate amounts of alcohol (e.g., 0.3 g/kg of body weight) by individuals receiving H2-receptor antagonists, including cimetidine, is unlikely to result in clinically important alterations in blood alcohol concentrations and/or alcohol metabolism, although the possibility of such alterations in predisposed individuals cannot be definitely excluded. Increases in blood alcohol concentrations have been noted in some studies in healthy individuals receiving cimetidine or some other H2 antagonists concomitantly with alcohol; however, conflicting data exist, which may be related to the effects of various patient-specific factors (e.g., gender, ethnic group, hepatic function, chronic alcoholism) on alcohol metabolism and/or to differences in study design (e.g., alcohol dose and time of administration, fasting vs fed state). Although controversy exists regarding the potential for psychomotor impairment with increases in alcohol absorption and/or blood alcohol concentration induced by H2-receptor antagonists, patients receiving these drugs should observe the usual precautions regarding alcohol intake and performance of hazardous tasks requiring mental alertness or physical coordination (e.g., driving, operating machinery).

Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

Cimetidine/Carmustine

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The exact mechanism is unknown. Both carmustine and cimetidine have bone marrow suppression properties, which may be additive during concurrent therapy. It has also been suggested that cimetidine may inhibit the metabolism of carmustine.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Cimetidine may enhance carmustine-induced bone marrow suppression, including leukopenia and neutropenia.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid concomitant use of these medications. If the drugs are used together, monitor for excessive bone marrow toxicity. Since other H-2 antagonists (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine) do not appear to interact, substituting cimetidine with one of these agents may be desirable. However, if a patient is already receiving this combination and is not experiencing adverse effects, substitution is probably not necessary.

DISCUSSION: Additive bone marrow depression was seen in patients receiving concurrent therapy with carmustine and cimetidine when compared to control patients not receiving cimetidine.(2,3) In an animal study, rats were given a single injection of cimetidine at various times up to 30 minutes before or up to 60 minutes after a carmustine injection. Enhanced carmustine bone marrow toxicity was seen with concurrent administration of cimetidine.(4)

Cimetidine/Cisapride

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Cimetidine may inhibit the metabolism of cisapride.(1) Cimetidine inhibits the hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes by binding to CYP enzymes.(2) Therefore, certain drugs which are substrates of CYP enzymes can have delayed elimination and increased blood levels when used concurrently with cimetidine.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Increased levels of cisapride which may result in cardiac arrhythmias including QT prolongation or torsades de pointes.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(4) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increased systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(4)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The concurrent administration of cimetidine and cisapride is contraindicated by the Canadian manufacturer of cisapride.(1) If concurrent therapy is deemed medically necessary, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting.

DISCUSSION: Elevated plasma levels of cisapride can cause QT prolongation and torsades de pointes-type ventricular tachycardia which may be fatal. Cisapride is metabolized by CYP enzymes. Cimetidine inhibits the hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes by binding to CYP enzymes.(2) Therefore, certain drugs which are substrates of CYP enzymes can have delayed elimination and increased blood levels when used concurrently with cimetidine. The manufacturers of cisapride state that coadministration with cimetidine leads to an increased peak plasma concentration and area-under-curve (AUC) of cisapride.(1,3) The Canadian manufacturer of Cisapride state the concurrent administration of cimetidine and cisapride is contraindicated.(1)

Cimetidine/Epirubicin

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The exact mechanism is unknown, but it is not believed to involve decreased CYP P-450 activity or decreased liver blood flow.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of cimetidine may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from epirubicin.(1,2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of epirubicin states that cimetidine therapy should be discontinued prior to epirubicin use.(2)

DISCUSSION: In a study in 8 patients, subjects received epirubicin (100 mg/m2) every 3 weeks with and without oral cimetidine (400 mg twice daily) for 7 days starting 5 days before epirubicin. Cimetidine increased the area-under-curve (AUC) of epirubicin, epirubicinol, and 7-deoxy-doxorubicinol aglycone by 50%, 41%, and 357%, respectively.(1) The clearance of epirubicin decreased by 30%.(2)

Cimetidine/Zolmitriptan (> 2.5 Mg)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Cimetidine inhibits the CYP1A2 mediated metabolism of zolmitriptan and its active N-desmethyl metabolite.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Increased concentrations of zolmitriptan and its active N-desmethyl metabolite may increase the risk for adverse effects such as paresthesia, dizziness, or sensation of heaviness or tightness in the neck/throat/jaw, or chest.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Due to the extended half-life associated with concurrent cimetidine use, multiple doses of zolmitriptan within a 24-hour period may lead to accumulation, increasing the risk for adverse effects.(1,2)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of zolmitriptan recommends the maximum single dose be reduced to 2.5 mg, not to exceed 5 mg in any 24-hour period.(1) When possible, consider use of an alternative acid reducing agent.

DISCUSSION: Zolmitriptan is converted to several metabolites, but only the N-desmethyl metabolite is active. Although plasma concentrations are about 2/3 of the parent drug, the N-desmethyl metabolite is 2 to 6 times more potent at 5-HT1B/1D receptors than zolmitriptan and may contribute substantially to its pharmacologic effect.(1) Zolmitriptan added to therapeutic doses of cimetidine 400 mg three times a day increased the area-under-curve(AUC) for zolmitriptan and its active N-desmethyl metabolite of approximately 1.5 fold and 2 fold respectively.(1,2) An open 2 period crossover study in 16 volunteer subjects evaluated the pharmacokinetics of zolmitriptan and the N-desmethyl metabolite with or without cimetidine 400mg every 8 hours for 2 days. After cimetidine treatment, the AUC of zolmitriptan and the N-desmethyl metabolite increased 1.48 and 2.05 fold respectively. The half-life of zolmitriptan increased from 4.99 to 7.19 hours, while the active metabolite half-life increased from 3.81 to 8.00 hours after treatment with cimetidine.(2)

Cyp1a2 Inhibitors/Fezolinetant

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inhibitors of CYP1A2 may inhibit the metabolism of fezolinetant.(1-4)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a CYP1A2 inhibitor may increase levels of and adverse effects from fezolinetant.(1-4)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Recommendations for concurrent use of fezolinetant with CYP1A2 inhibitors differ in different regions. The US manufacturer of fezolinetant states that concurrent use with strong, moderate, and weak CYP1A2 inhibitors is contraindicated.(1) The Australian, Canadian, and UK manufacturers of fezolinetant state that concurrent use with strong and moderate CYP1A2 inhibitors is contraindicated, while weak CYP1A2 inhibitors are not predicted to cause clinically relevant changes in fezolinetant exposure.(2-4)

DISCUSSION: In a study, fluvoxamine, a strong CYP1A2 inhibitor, increased fezolinetant maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) by 80% and 840%, respectively. Mexiletine (400 mg every 8 hours), a moderate CYP1A2 inhibitor, increased fezolinetant Cmax and AUC by 40% and 360%, respectively. Cimetidine (300 mg every 6 hours), a weak CYP1A2 inhibitor, increased fezolinetant Cmax and AUC by 30% and 100%, respectively.(1) Strong CYP1A2 inhibitors linked to this monograph include angelica root, ciprofloxacin, enasidenib, enoxacin, fluvoxamine, and rofecoxib. Moderate CYP1A2 inhibitors linked to this monograph include capmatinib, centanafadine, dipyrone, fexinidazole, genistein, hormonal contraceptives, methoxsalen, mexiletine, osilodrostat, phenylpropanolamine, pipemidic acid, rucaparib, troleandomycin, vemurafenib, and viloxazine. Weak CYP1A2 inhibitors linked to this monograph include acyclovir, allopurinol, artemisinin, belumosudil, caffeine, cannabidiol, cimetidine, curcumin, dan-shen, deferasirox, disulfiram, Echinacea, famotidine, ginseng, norfloxacin, obeticholic acid, parsley, piperine, propafenone, propranolol, ribociclib, simeprevir, thiabendazole, ticlopidine, triclabendazole, valacyclovir, verapamil, and zileuton.(5-7)

H2 Antagonists/Olverembatinib

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The aqueous solubility of olverembatinib is pH dependent. Higher gastric pH leads to lower solubility which may reduce olverembatinib absorption.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Coadministration of H2 receptor antagonists may reduce the bioavailability of olverembatinib leading to decreased systemic levels and effectiveness.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of olverembatinib states that concurrent use with H2 receptor antagonists should be avoided.(1)

DISCUSSION: Olverembatinib has pH-dependent solubility.(1)

H2 Antagonists; Proton Pump Inhibit/Posaconazole Suspension

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: H2 antagonists and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) increase the stomach pH, possibly reducing gastrointestinal absorption of posaconazole suspension.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of H2 antagonists or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may result in decreased effectiveness of posaconazole suspension.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid the concurrent use of posaconazole suspension with H2 antagonists or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).(1) If H2 antagonists or PPI therapy is required, use the tablet formulation or powder mix formulation of posaconazole.

DISCUSSION: Concurrent cimetidine (400 mg twice daily) decreased both posaconazole (200 mg daily) maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) levels by 39%.(1) No significant effects with other H2 blockers have been noted.(1) Esomeprazole (40 mg daily for 3 days) decreased the Cmax and AUC of a single dose of posaconazole suspension (400 mg) by 46% and 32%, respectively.(1) In a study of posaconazole levels in patients with acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome, use of pantoprazole was associated with decreased posaconazole levels.(3) In a cross-over study in 5 healthy subjects, esomeprazole decreased the Cmax and AUC of posaconazole suspension by 37% and 84%, respectively. Simultaneous intake of Coca-Cola did not completely counteract the effects of esomeprazole.(4) In a study in healthy subjects, esomeprazole decreased the Cmax and AUC of posaconazole suspension by 55% and 49%, respectively. Simultaneous intake of Coca-Cola did not completely counteract the effects of esomeprazole.(5)

H2 Antagonists; Proton Pump Inhibitors/Defactinib

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The aqueous solubility of defactinib is pH dependent. Higher gastric pH leads to lower solubility which may reduce defactinib absorption.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Coadministration of H2 antagonists or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may reduce the bioavailability of defactinib, leading to decreased systemic levels and effectiveness.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of defactinib states that concurrent use with H2 antagonists or proton pump inhibitors should be avoided.(1) If concurrent use with an acid-reducing agent cannot be avoided, administer defactinib 2 hours before or 2 hours after the administration of a locally acting antacid.(1)

DISCUSSION: In an interaction study, defactinib area-under-the-curve (AUC) decreased by 79% and maximum concentration (Cmax) decreased by 85% following concomitant use of multiple doses of omeprazole 40 mg daily. The AUC and Cmax of N-desmethyl amide (M4), a major metabolite of defactinib, decreased by 83% and 88%, respectively.(1)

H2 Antagonists; Proton Pump Inhibitors/Levoketoconazole

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The aqueous solubility of levoketoconazole is pH dependent. Higher gastric pH leads to lower solubility. H2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) increase gastric pH and may decrease the absorption of levoketoconazole.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Coadministration of H2RAs or PPIs may reduce the bioavailability of levoketoconazole, leading to decreased systemic levels and effectiveness.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Coadministration of levoketoconazole with PPIs and H2RAs should be avoided.(1)

DISCUSSION: Levoketoconazole is very slightly soluble in water but soluble below pH 2. H2RAs and PPIs raise gastric pH and may impair dissolution and absorption of levoketoconazole.(1)

H2 Antagonists; Proton Pump Inhibitors/Nirogacestat

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The aqueous solubility of nirogacestat is pH dependent. Higher gastric pH leads to lower solubility which may reduce nirogacestat absorption.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Coadministration of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 antagonists may reduce the bioavailability of nirogacestat, leading to decreased systemic levels and effectiveness.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Coadministration of nirogacestat with proton pump inhibitors, H2 antagonists, and antacids should be avoided. If coadministration with an acid-reducing agent is unavoidable, take nirogacestat 2 hours before or 2 hours after a locally acting antacid.(1)

DISCUSSION: The solubility of nirogacestat is poor at a pH >= 6.(1) Concomitant use of proton pump inhibitors, H2 antagonists, or antacids are expected to reduce concentrations of nirogacestat.(1)

H2 Antagonists; Proton Pump Inhibitors/Secretin

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: H2 antagonists and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may result in an incorrect secretin stimulation test result.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of H2 antagonists and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may impact the accuracy of the secretin stimulation test.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients with alcoholic or other liver disease may be hyperresponsive to stimulation with a secretin stimulation test, masking the presence of coexisting pancreatic disease. Consider additional testing and clinical assessment for diagnosis.(1)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of human secretin states concurrent use of H2 antagonists and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) at the time of stimulation testing may cause the patient to be hyperresponsive to secretin stimulation and suggest false gastrinoma results. The manufacturer recommends discontinuing H2 antagonists at least 2 days prior to testing. The US manufacturer of vonoprazan recommends stopping vonoprazan at least 4 weeks prior to testing.(2-3) Consult prescribing information for PPIs before administering prior to a secretin stimulation test.(1)

DISCUSSION: Concurrent use of H2 antagonists and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may impact the accuracy of the secretin stimulation test.(1)

H2 Antagonists; Proton Pump Inhibitors/Sotorasib

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The aqueous solubility of sotorasib is pH dependent. Higher gastric pH leads to lower solubility which may reduce sotorasib absorption.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Coadministration of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 antagonists may reduce the bioavailability of sotorasib, leading to decreased systemic levels and effectiveness.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Coadministration of sotorasib with proton pump inhibitors, H2 antagonists, and antacids should be avoided. If coadministration with an acid-reducing agent is unavoidable, take sotorasib 4 hours before or 10 hours after a locally acting antacid.(1) The UK manufacturer of sotorasib states if co-administration with an acid-reducing agent (such as a PPI or an H2 antagonist) is required, sotorasib should be taken with an acidic beverage (such as cola). Alternatively, sotorasib should be taken 4 hours before or 10 hours after administration of a local antacid.(2)

DISCUSSION: The solubility of sotorasib in the aqueous media decreases over the range pH 1.2 to 6.8 from 1.3 mg/mL to 0.03 mg/mL. In an interaction study, coadministration of repeat doses of omeprazole with a single dose of sotorasib decreased sotorasib maximum concentration (Cmax) by 65% and area-under-curve (AUC) by 57% under fed conditions, and decreased sotorasib Cmax by 57% and AUC by 42% under fasted conditions. Under fasted conditions, co-administration of repeat doses of omeprazole with a single dose of sotorasib and 240ml of an acidic beverage (non-diet cola) decreased sotorasib Cmax by 32% and AUC by 23%. The UK manufacturer of sotorasib states the clinical relevance of the decreased sotorasib exposure when co-administered with omeprazole and cola is unclear and sotorasib efficacy might be reduced.(2) Coadministration of a single dose of famotidine given 10 hours prior to and 2 hours after a single dose of sotorasib under fed conditions decreased sotorasib Cmax by 35% and AUC by 38%.(1)

H2 Antagonists; Proton Pump Inhibitors/Taletrectinib

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The aqueous solubility of taletrectinib is pH dependent. Higher gastric pH leads to lower solubility which may reduce taletrectinib absorption.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Coadministration of H2 antagonists or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may reduce the bioavailability of taletrectinib, leading to decreased systemic levels and effectiveness.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of taletrectinib states that concurrent use with H2 antagonists or proton pump inhibitors should be avoided.(1) If concurrent use with an acid-reducing agent cannot be avoided, administer taletrectinib 2 hours before or 2 hours after the administration of a locally acting antacid.(1)

DISCUSSION: In an interaction study, taletrectinib area-under-the-curve (AUC) decreased by 40% and maximum concentration (Cmax) decreased by 65% following concomitant use of omeprazole 40 mg daily.(1)

Mate Inhibitors/Dofetilide

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The active tubular secretion of dofetilide is inhibited by renal cation transport inhibitors.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of dofetilide with renal cation transport inhibitors may result in elevated levels and increased effects of dofetilide including QT prolongation or torsades de pointes.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Renal impairment may increase risk for excessive QTc prolongation as dofetilide is primarily renally eliminated. To prevent increased serum levels and risk for ventricular arrhythmias, dofetilide must be dose adjusted for creatinine clearance < or = to 60 mL/min.(1) The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of dofetilide states that the concurrent administration of dofetilide with renal cation transport inhibitors is contraindicated. The manufacturer suggests that agents that have no effect on dofetilide plasma levels, such as aluminum and magnesium hydroxide antacids, omeprazole, or ranitidine, be used as alternatives to cimetidine. If dofetilide is to be discontinued, a washout of at least 2 days is recommendation prior to starting cimetidine.(1)

DISCUSSION: Dofetilide is primarily excreted in the urine via both glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion via the cation transport system. Cimetidine is believed to inhibit the cation transport system.(1) The concurrent administration of dofetilide (500 mcg twice daily) with cimetidine (400 mg twice daily) resulted in an increase in dofetilide plasma levels by 58%. The concurrent administration of dofetilide (500 mcg single dose) with cimetidine (100 mg twice daily) resulted in an increase in dofetilide plasma levels by 13%.(1) Therefore, the manufacturer of dofetilide states that the concurrent administration of dofetilide and cimetidine is contraindicated. The manufacturer suggests that agents that have no effect on dofetilide plasma levels, such as aluminum and magnesium hydroxide antacids, omeprazole, or ranitidine, be used as alternatives to cimetidine.(1) MATE renal transport inhibitors include: cimetidine, pyrimethamine, risdiplam, and vandetanib.(3)

P-Glycoprotein (P-Gp) Inh/Colchicine (For Cardioprotection)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitors may affect the transport of colchicine, a P-gp substrate.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a P-gp inhibitor may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from colchicine. Symptoms of colchicine toxicity include abdominal pain; nausea or vomiting; severe diarrhea; muscle weakness or pain; numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes; myelosuppression; feeling weak or tired; increased infections; and pale or gray color of the lips, tongue, or palms of hands.(1,2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: This interaction is expected to be more severe in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.(1,2)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of colchicine used for cardiovascular risk reduction states that concurrent use of colchicine with P-gp inhibitors is contraindicated.(1)

DISCUSSION: There are several reports of colchicine toxicity(3-5) and death(6,7) following the addition of clarithromycin to therapy. In a retrospective review of 116 patients who received clarithromycin and colchicine during the same hospitalization, 10.2% (9/88) of patients who received simultaneous therapy died, compared to 3.6% (1/28) of patients who received sequential therapy.(8) An FDA review of 117 colchicine-related deaths that were not attributable to overdose found that 60 deaths (51%) involved concurrent use of clarithromycin.(2) There is one case report of colchicine toxicity with concurrent erythromycin.(9) In a study in 20 subjects, pretreatment with diltiazem (240 mg daily for 7 days) increased the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) of a single dose of colchicine (0.6 mg) by 44.2% (range -46.6% to 318.3%) and by 93.4% (range -30.2% to 338.6%), respectively.(1) In a study in 24 subjects, pretreatment with verapamil (240 mg twice daily for 7 days) increased the Cmax and AUC of a single dose of colchicine (0.6 mg) by 40.1% (range -47.1% to 149.5%) and by 103.3% (range -9.8% to 217.2%), respectively.(1) Colchicine toxicity has been reported with concurrent use of CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitors such as clarithromycin, cyclosporine, diltiazem, erythromycin, and verapamil.(1,2) P-gp inhibitors include abrocitinib, amiodarone, asciminib, asunaprevir, aumolertinib, azithromycin, belumosudil, capmatinib, carvedilol, cimetidine, cyclosporine, danicopan, daraxonrasib, daridorexant, deutivacaftor, diltiazem, diosmin, dronedarone, erythromycin, flibanserin, fluvoxamine, fostamatinib, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, imlunestrant, ivacaftor, lapatinib, ledipasvir, mavorixafor, neratinib, osimertinib, pirtobrutinib, propafenone, quinidine, ranolazine, schisandra, selpercatinib, sotorasib, tepotinib, valbenazine, velpatasvir, vemurafenib, venetoclax, vepdegestrant, verapamil, vimseltinib, and voclosporin.(1,10,11)

P-Glycoprotein (P-Gp) Inhibitors/Doxorubicin

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibition may increase doxorubicin cellular concentration, as well as decrease biliary or renal elimination.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Increased cellular or systemic levels of doxorubicin may result in doxorubicin toxicity, including cardiomyopathy, myelosuppression, or hepatic impairment.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The interaction magnitude may be greater in patients with impaired renal or hepatic function.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid the concurrent use of P-gp inhibitors in patients undergoing therapy with doxorubicin.(1) Consider alternatives with no or minimal inhibition. If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor the patient closely for signs and symptoms of doxorubicin toxicity. For patients on daraxonrasib, the manufacturer of daraxonrasib states that it should be taken at least 4 hours apart from P-gp substrates.(2)

DISCUSSION: Doxorubicin is a substrate of P-gp.(1) Clinical studies have identified and evaluated the concurrent use of doxorubicin and P-gp inhibitors as a target to overcome P-gp mediated multidrug resistance.(3,4) P-gp inhibitors linked to this monograph include: amiodarone, asciminib, asunaprevir, aumolertinib, azithromycin, belumosudil, capmatinib, cimetidine, cyclosporine, daclatasvir, danicopan, daraxonrasib, daridorexant, deutivacaftor, diltiazem, diosmin, dronedarone, eliglustat, erythromycin, flibanserin, fluvoxamine, fostamatinib, ginkgo, ginseng, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, hydroquinidine, imlunestrant, istradefylline, ivacaftor, lapatinib, ledipasvir, mavorixafor, neratinib, osimertinib, paroxetine, pirtobrutinib, propafenone, quercetin, quinidine, quinine, ranolazine, sarecycline, schisandra, selpercatinib, simeprevir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir, sotorasib, tepotinib, valbenazine, vemurafenib, vepdegestrant, verapamil, vimseltinib, and voclosporin.(5,6)

P-Glycoprotein (P-Gp) Inhibitors/Oral Lefamulin

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inhibitors of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) may increase the absorption of lefamulin.(1) Oral lefamulin tablets may inhibit the metabolism of P-gp inhibitors that are also sensitive CYP3A4 substrates (i.e., asunaprevir, felodipine, ivacaftor, and neratinib).(1-3)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of lefamulin with an inhibitor of P-gp may result in elevated levels of lefamulin and signs of toxicity, such as QT prolongation. Coadministration of oral lefamulin with agents that are also sensitive CYP3A4 substrates (i.e., asunaprevir, felodipine, ivacaftor, and neratinib) may result in elevated levels and toxicities of the sensitive CYP3A4 substrate.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(4) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(4)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of lefamulin states that oral lefamulin tablet coadministration with P-gp inhibitors should be avoided.(1) If concomitant therapy with a P-gp inhibitor is necessary, monitor patients closely for prolongation of the QT interval. Obtain serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitor ECG at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. Concomitant use of asunaprevir, felodipine, ivacaftor, or neratinib requires close monitoring for adverse effects of these drugs.(1) The manufacturer of venetoclax states that if concurrent use with a P-gp substrate cannot be avoided, take lefamulin at least 6 hours before venetoclax.(5)

DISCUSSION: Coadministration of ketoconazole (a strong CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitor) with lefamulin tablets increased lefamulin area-under-the-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) by 165% and 58%.(1) In a study, oral lefamulin tablets administered concomitantly with and at 2 or 4 hours before oral midazolam (a CYP3A4 substrate) increased the area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) of midazolam by 200% and 100%, respectively. No clinically significant effect on midazolam pharmacokinetics was observed when co-administered with lefamulin injection.(1) P-gp inhibitors include: asunaprevir, belumosudil, capmatinib, carvedilol, cimetidine, danicopan, daridorexant, diosmin, flibanserin, fluvoxamine, fostamatinib, ginseng, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, hydroquinidine, ivacaftor, ledipasvir, neratinib, pirtobrutinib, propafenone, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir, tepotinib, valbenazine, vimseltinib, and voclosporin.(1-3)

P-Glycoprotein (P-Gp) Inhibitors/Topotecan

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inhibitors of P-glycoprotein may increase the absorption of topotecan.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of topotecan with an inhibitor of P-glycoprotein may result in elevated levels of topotecan and signs of toxicity. These signs may include but are not limited to anemia, diarrhea, and thrombocytopenia.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of topotecan states that the use of topotecan and P-glycoprotein inhibitors should be avoided. If concurrent use is warranted, carefully monitor patients for adverse effects.(1) For patients on daraxonrasib, the manufacturer of daraxonrasib states that it should be taken at least 4 hours apart from P-gp substrates.(2)

DISCUSSION: In clinical studies, the combined use of elacridar (100 mg to 1000 mg) increased the area-under-curve (AUC) of topotecan approximately 2.5-fold.(1) Oral cyclosporine (15 mg/kg) increased the AUC of topotecan lactone and total topotecan to 2-fold to 3-fold of the control group, respectively.(1) P-gp inhibitors linked to this monograph include: adagrasib, amiodarone, asciminib, asunaprevir, aumolertinib, azithromycin, belumosudil, bosutinib, carvedilol, cimetidine, clarithromycin, cobicistat, conivaptan, daraxonrasib, daridorexant, deutivacaftor, diltiazem, diosmin, dronedarone, erythromycin, flibanserin, ginseng, hydroquinidine, imlunestrant, isavuconazonium, itraconazole, ivacaftor, josamycin, ketoconazole, ledipasvir, lonafarnib, mavorixafor, neratinib, osimertinib, pibrentasvir/glecaprevir, posaconazole, propafenone, quinidine, ranolazine, selpercatinib, sotorasib, tepotinib, tucatinib, valbenazine, velpatasvir, vemurafenib, vepdegestrant, verapamil, vimseltinib, and voclosporin.(3,4)

P-Gp Inhibitors/Daraxonrasib (>150 Mg)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Daraxonrasib is a substrate of P-gp. P-gp inhibitors may inhibit the metabolism of daraxonrasib.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of P-gp inhibitors may increase the levels and toxicities of daraxonrasib, including dermatologic toxicity, stomatitis, GI perforation, and interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: For patients taking agents that are P-gp inhibitors, reduce the dose of daraxonrasib to 150 mg daily. After the P-gp inhibitor has been discontinued, resume the daraxonrasib dosage taken prior to initiating the inhibitor.(1)

DISCUSSION: In a pharmacokinetic model, quinidine 300 mg three times daily (a P-gp inhibitor) increased the area under curve (AUC) of daraxonrasib by 1.8-fold.(1) P-gp inhibitors include: abrocitinib, amiodarone, azithromycin, belumosudil, capmatinib, carvedilol, cimetidine, curcumin, danicopan, daridorexant, diosmin, flibanserin, fostamatinib, ginseng, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, imlunestrant, ivacaftor, lapatinib, neratinib, osimertinib, pirtobrutinib, propafenone, ranolazine, selpercatinib, tepotinib, tezacaftor, turmeric, valbenazine, velpatasvir, vemurafenib, vepdegestrant, vimseltinib, and voclosporin.(2-3)

Select P-Gp Inhibitors/Aumolertinib

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Aumolertinib is a substrate for P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Inhibitors of P-gp may increase intestinal absorption and decrease elimination of aumolertinib.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use with selected P-gp inhibitors may result in higher systemic concentrations of aumolertinib which may increase the risk for cardiac failure, rhabdomyolysis, thrombosis, elevated LFTs, hyponatremia, hematologic toxicity, and QT prolongation, which may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias like torsade de pointes (TdP).(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) Patients with risk factors for thrombosis may be at higher risk of adverse events, including those with advanced age, obesity (BMI >30), smoking, prolonged immobilization, heart failure, hypercoagulable state, history of venous thromboembolism, malignancy, and major surgery. The risk for rhabdomyolysis may be greater in patients 65 years and older, inadequately treated hypothyroidism, renal impairment, carnitine deficiency, malignant hyperthermia, or in patients with a history of rhabdomyolysis.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of aumolertinib states concomitant administration of aumolertinib should be avoided with P-gp inhibitors.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting.

DISCUSSION: Based on in vitro data, aumolertinib is a substrate of P-gp.(1) P-gp inhibitors linked to this interaction are: abrocitinib, asunaprevir, belumosudil, capmatinib, carvedilol, cimetidine, cobicistat, conivaptan, curcumin, cyclosporine, danicopan, daridorexant, diltiazem, diosmin, flibanserin, fluvoxamine, fostamatinib, ginseng, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, grapefruit, imlunestrant, indinavir, isavuconazole, itraconazole, ivacaftor, josamycin, ketoconazole, mifepristone, neratinib, nirmatrelvir, pirtobrutinib, ritonavir, telaprevir, tepotinib, tezacaftor, tipranavir, tucatinib, valbenazine, velpatasvir, verapamil, vimseltinib, voclosporin, and voxilaprevir.(3)

Selected P-Glycoprotein (P-Gp) Inhibitors/Ensartinib

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Ensartinib is a P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrate. P-gp inhibitors may increase the levels of ensartinib.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of a P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitor may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from ensartinib.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of ensartinib states that concurrent use of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitors should be avoided.(1) The manufacturer of daraxonrasib states P-gp substrates should be administered at least 4 hours apart from daraxonrasib.(4)

DISCUSSION: Ensartinib is a substrate of P-gp. Inhibitors of P-gp may increase toxicity of ensartinib.(1) Inhibitors of P-gp linked to this monograph include: abrocitinib, amiodarone, Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), asunaprevir, aumolertinib, azithromycin, belumosudil, capmatinib, carvedilol, cimetidine, cyclosporine, danicopan, daraxonrasib, daridorexant, diosmin, eliglustat, flibanserin, fostamatinib, ginkgo biloba, glecaprevir and pibrentasvir, hydroquinidine, ivacaftor, lapatinib, mavorixafor, milk thistle (Silybum marianum), neratinib, osimertinib, propafenone, quercetin, quinidine, ranolazine, rolapitant, silibinin, silymarin, sotagliflozin, tepotinib, tezacaftor, valbenazine, velpatasvir, vemurafenib, venetoclax, vepdegestrant, vilazodone, vimseltinib, and voclosporin.(2,3)

Weak Cyp3a4 Inhibitors/Lemborexant (> 5 Mg)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of lemborexant.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of an inhibitor of CYP3A4 may result in increased levels of and effects from lemborexant, including somnolence, fatigue, CNS depressant effects, daytime impairment, headache, and nightmare or abnormal dreams.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The maximum recommended dose of lemborexant with concurrent use of a weak CYP3A4 inhibitors should not exceed 5 mg per dose.(1) For patients on avapritinib: this interaction applies only to gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients on avapritinib 200 mg or 300 mg.(2)

DISCUSSION: Lemborexant is a CYP3A4 substrate. In a PKPB model, concurrent use of lemborexant with itraconazole increased area-under-curve (AUC) and concentration maximum (Cmax) by 3.75-fold and 1.5-fold, respectively. Concurrent use of lemborexant with fluconazole increased AUC and Cmax by 4.25-fold and 1.75-fold, respectively.(1) Weak inhibitors of CYP3A4 include: amiodarone, amlodipine, anamorelin, asciminib, avapritinib, azithromycin, Baikal skullcap, belumosudil, berberine, bicalutamide, blueberry, brodalumab, camizestrant, cannabidiol, capivasertib, chlorzoxazone, cilostazol, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, clotrimazole, cranberry, cyclosporine, daclatasvir, daridorexant, delavirdine, dihydroberberine, diosmin, elinzanetant, everolimus, flibanserin, fosaprepitant, fostamatinib, gepotidacin, ginkgo, givinostat, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, goldenseal, grazoprevir, isoniazid, istradefylline, ivacaftor, lacidipine, lapatinib, larotrectinib, lazertinib, leflunomide, levamlodipine, linagliptin, lomitapide, lurasidone, mavorixafor, olaparib, osilodrostat, palbociclib, pazopanib, peppermint oil, piperine, propiverine, propofol, ranitidine, ranolazine, resveratrol, roxithromycin, rucaparib, selpercatinib, simeprevir, sitaxsentan, skullcap, teriflunomide, ticagrelor, tolvaptan, trofinetide, vepdegestrant, viloxazine, vonoprazan, and ziftomenib.(1,3)

Weak Cyp3a4 Inhibitors/Ubrogepant (> 50 Mg)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Weak inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of ubrogepant.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ubrogepant with weak CYP3A4 inhibitors may result in an increase in exposure of ubrogepant.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends a dosage adjustment of ubrogepant when used concomitantly with weak CYP3A4 inhibitors. Initial dose of ubrogepant should not exceed 50 mg when used concomitantly with weak inhibitors of CYP3A4. A second dose may be given within 24 hours but should not exceed 50 mg when used concurrently with weak CYP3A4 inhibitors.(1) For patients on avapritinib: this interaction applies only to gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients on avapritinib 200 mg or 300 mg.(2)

DISCUSSION: Coadministration of ubrogepant with verapamil, a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, resulted in a 3.5-fold and 2.8-fold increase in area-under-curve (AUC) and concentration maximum (Cmax), respectively. No dedicated drug interaction study was conducted to assess concomitant use with weak CYP3A4 inhibitors. The conservative prediction of the maximal potential increase in ubrogepant exposure with weak CYP3A4 inhibitors is not expected to be more than 2-fold.(1) Weak inhibitors of CYP3A4 include: amiodarone, amlodipine, anamorelin, asciminib, avapritinib, azithromycin, Baikal skullcap, berberine, bicalutamide, blueberry, brodalumab, camizestrant, cannabidiol, capivasertib, chlorzoxazone, cilostazol, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, clotrimazole, cranberry, cyclosporine, daclatasvir, delavirdine, deutivacaftor, dihydroberberine, diosmin, elinzanetant, everolimus, flibanserin, fosaprepitant, fostamatinib, gepotidacin, givinostat, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, goldenseal, grazoprevir, isoniazid, istradefylline, ivacaftor, lacidipine, lapatinib, larotrectinib, lazertinib, leflunomide, levamlodipine, linagliptin, lomitapide, lurasidone, maribavir, mavorixafor, olaparib, osilodrostat, palbociclib, pazopanib, peppermint oil, piperine, pirtobrutinib, propiverine, propofol, ranitidine, ranolazine, resveratrol, roxithromycin, rucaparib, simeprevir, sitaxsentan, skullcap, teriflunomide, ticagrelor, tolvaptan, trofinetide, vepdegestrant, viloxazine, vonoprazan, and ziftomenib. (3,4)

Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

Anticholinergics/Clozapine

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Clozapine has potent anticholinergic properties and inhibits serotonin receptors, including 5-HT3.(1-4) Both of these properties may cause inhibition of gastrointestinal (GI) smooth muscle contraction, resulting in decreased peristalsis.(3,4) These effects may be compounded by concurrent use of anticholinergic agents.(1-6)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of clozapine with other anticholinergic agents may increase the risk of constipation (common) and serious bowel complications (uncommon), including complete bowel obstruction, fecal impaction, paralytic ileus and intestinal ischemia or infarction.(1-6)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for serious bowel complications is higher with increasing age, higher frequency of constipation, and in patients on higher doses of clozapine or multiple anticholinergic agents.(1,5)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid the use of other anticholinergic agents with clozapine.(1-6) If concurrent use is necessary, evaluate the patient's bowel function regularly. Monitor for symptoms of constipation and GI hypomotility, including having bowel movements less than three times weekly or less than usual, difficulty having a bowel movement or passing gas, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain or distention.(2) Consider a prophylactic laxative in those with a history of constipation or bowel obstruction.(2) Review patient medication list for other anticholinergic agents. When possible, decrease the dosage or number of prescribed anticholinergic agents, particularly in the elderly. Counsel the patient about the importance of maintaining adequate hydration. Encourage regular exercise and eating a high-fiber diet.(2)

DISCUSSION: In a prospective cohort study of 26,720 schizophrenic patients in the Danish Central Psychiatric Research Registry, the odds ratio (OR) for ileus was 1.99 with clozapine and 1.48 with anticholinergics. The OR for fatal ileus was 6.73 with clozapine and 5.88 with anticholinergics. Use of anticholinergics with 1st generation antipsychotics (FGA) increased the risk of ileus compare to FGA alone, but this analysis was not done with clozapine.(5) A retrospective cohort study of 24,970 schizophrenic patients from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database found that the hazard ratio (HR) for clozapine-induced constipation increased from 1.64 when clozapine is used alone, to 2.15 when used concomitantly with anticholinergics. However, there was no significant difference in the HR for ileus when clozapine is used with and without anticholinergics (1.95 and 2.02, respectively).(6) In the French Pharmacovigilance Database, 7 of 38 cases of antipsychotic-associated ischemic colitis or intestinal necrosis involved clozapine, and 5 of these cases involved use of concomitant anticholinergic agents. Three patients died, one of whom was on concomitant anticholinergics.(3) In a case series, 4 of 9 cases of fatal clozapine-associated GI dysfunction involved concurrent anticholinergic agents.(4)

Anticholinergics/Glucagon (Diagnostic)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Glucagon and anticholinergic agents may have additive effects on inhibition of gastrointestinal motility.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of glucagon with anticholinergic agents may increase the risk of gastrointestinal hypomotility, including constipation and bowel complications.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Concurrent use of glucagon as a diagnotic aid is not recommended with the use of anticholinergic agents.(1) If concurrent use is necessary, evaluate the patient's bowel function. Monitor for symptoms of constipation and gastrointestinal hypomotility.

DISCUSSION: Both glucagon and anticholinergic agents may have additive effects on inhibition of gastrointestinal motility and increase the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects.(1)

Anticholinergics/Solid Oral Potassium Capsules

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concentrated potassium may damage the lining of the GI tract. Anticholinergics delay gastric emptying, resulting in the potassium product remaining in the gastrointestinal tract for a longer period of time.(1-16))

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Use of solid oral dosage forms of potassium in patients treated with anticholinergics may result in gastrointestinal erosions, ulcers, stenosis and bleeding.(1-16)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Diseases or conditions which may increase risk for GI damage include: preexisting dysphagia, strictures, cardiomegaly, diabetic gastroparesis, elderly status, or insufficient oral intake to allow dilution of potassium.(1-10,21) Other drugs which may add to risk for GI damage include: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), bisphosphonates, or tetracyclines.(21)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Regulatory agency and manufacturer recommendations regarding this interaction: - In the US, all solid oral dosage forms (including tablets and extended release capsules) of potassium are contraindicated in patients receiving anticholinergics at sufficient dosages to result in systemic effects.(2-8) Patients receiving such anticholinergic therapy should use a liquid form of potassium chloride.(2) - In Canada, solid oral potassium is contraindicated in any patient with a cause for arrest or delay in tablet/capsule passage through the gastrointestinal tract and the manufacturers recommend caution with concurrent anticholinergic medications.(1,9-10) Evaluate each patient for predisposing factors which may increase risk for GI damage. In patients with multiple risk factors for harm, consider use of liquid potassium supplements, if tolerated. For patients receiving concomitant therapy, assure any potassium dose form is taken after meals with a large glass of water or other fluid. To decrease potassium concentration in the GI tract, limit each dose to 20 meq; if more than 20 meq daily is required, give in divided doses.(2) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, distention, severe vomiting, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: In clinical trials, there was a higher incidence of gastric and duodenal lesions in patients receiving a high dose of a wax-matrix controlled-release formulation with a concurrent anticholinergic agent. The lesions were asymptomatic and not accompanied by bleeding, as shown by a lack of positive Hemoccult tests.(1-17) Several studies suggest that the incidence of gastric and duodenal lesions may be less with the microencapsulated formulation of potassium chloride.(14-17)

Anticholinergics/Solid Oral Potassium Tablets

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concentrated potassium may damage the lining of the GI tract. Anticholinergics delay gastric emptying, resulting in the potassium product remaining in the gastrointestinal tract for a longer period of time.(1-16)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Use of solid oral dosage forms of potassium in patients treated with anticholinergics may result in gastrointestinal erosions, ulcers, stenosis and bleeding.(1-16)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Diseases or conditions which may increase risk for GI damage include: preexisting dysphagia, strictures, cardiomegaly, diabetic gastroparesis, elderly status, or insufficient oral intake to allow dilution of potassium.(1-10,21) Other drugs which may add to risk for GI damage include: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), bisphosphonates, or tetracyclines.(21)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Regulatory agency and manufacturer recommendations regarding this interaction: - In the US, all solid oral dosage forms (including tablets and extended release capsules) of potassium are contraindicated in patients receiving anticholinergics at sufficient dosages to result in systemic effects.(2-8) Patients receiving such anticholinergic therapy should use a liquid form of potassium chloride.(2) - In Canada, solid oral potassium is contraindicated in any patient with a cause for arrest or delay in tablet/capsule passage through the gastrointestinal tract and the manufacturers recommend caution with concurrent anticholinergic medications.(1,9-10) Evaluate each patient for predisposing factors which may increase risk for GI damage. In patients with multiple risk factors for harm, consider use of liquid potassium supplements, if tolerated. For patients receiving concomitant therapy, assure any potassium dose form is taken after meals with a large glass of water or other fluid. To decrease potassium concentration in the GI tract, limit each dose to 20 meq; if more than 20 meq daily is required, give in divided doses.(2) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, distention, severe vomiting, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: In clinical trials, there was a higher incidence of gastric and duodenal lesions in patients receiving a high dose of a wax-matrix controlled-release formulation with a concurrent anticholinergic agent. Some lesions were asymptomatic and not accompanied by bleeding, as shown by a lack of positive Hemoccult tests.(1-17) Several studies suggest that the incidence of gastric and duodenal lesions may be less with the microencapsulated formulation of potassium chloride.(14-17)

Anticholinergics; Opioids/Eluxadoline

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Eluxadoline is a mixed mu-opioid and kappa-opioid agonist and delta-opioid antagonist and may alter or slow down gastrointestinal transit.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Constipation related adverse events that sometimes required hospitalization have been reported, including the development of intestinal obstruction, intestinal perforation, and fecal impaction.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid use with other drugs that may cause constipation. If concurrent use is necessary, evaluate the patient's bowel function regularly. Monitor for symptoms of constipation and GI hypomotility, including having bowel movements less than three times weekly or less than usual, difficulty having a bowel movement or passing gas, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain or distention.(1) Instruct patients to stop eluxadoline and immediately contact their healthcare provider if they experience severe constipation. Loperamide may be used occasionally for acute management of severe diarrhea, but must be discontinued if constipation develops.(1)

DISCUSSION: In phase 3 clinical trials, constipation was the most commonly reported adverse reaction (8%). Approximately 50% of constipation events occurred within the first 2 weeks of treatment while the majority occurred within the first 3 months of therapy. Rates of severe constipation were less than 1% in patients receiving eluxadoline doses of 75 mg and 100 mg.(1)

Cimetidine/Selected Anticoagulants (Vit K Antagonists)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Cimetidine is a weak inhibitor of CYP1A2, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4. The more potent S-warfarin isomer is metabolized by CYP2C9 where as the weaker warfarin R-enantiomer is metabolized by CYP1A2 and CYP3A4. The cimetidine inhibitory effect appears to be greater on the less active R-warfarin isomer.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The pharmacologic effects of warfarin may be increased resulting in a higher risk for bleeding.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Interaction magnitude is expected to be greater with use of prescription doses of cimetidine, e.g. 800 mg to 1,600 mg daily. The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs). Pharmacogenomic information: warfarin patients with a CYP2C9 intermediate metabolizer genotype, and/or 1-2 copies of a reduced function VKORC1 gene are expected to be more susceptible to this interaction. Although patients with a pre-existing CYP2C9 poor metabolizer genotype are expected to be less susceptible to effects from this drug combination, their reduced function genotypes (e.g. CYP2C9 *1/*3, *2/*2, *2/*3, and *3/*3) result in an inherently higher warfarin half-life and risk for warfarin-associated bleeding. CYP2C9 poor metabolizers generally require lower anticoagulant doses and more time (>2 to 4 weeks) to achieve effective and safe anticoagulation than patients without these CYP2C9 variants.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Given the availability of alternatives, coadministration of cimetidine and warfarin should be avoided, particularly if high doses of cimetidine are prescribed. Consider use of H-2 antagonists famotidine or nizatidine which are unlikely to interact with warfarin. If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling. The time of highest risk for a coumarin-type drug interaction is when the precipitant drug is initiated or discontinued. Contact the prescriber before initiating, altering the dose or discontinuing either drug.

DISCUSSION: The majority of drug interaction reports involving H-2 antagonists and warfarin have occurred with cimetidine. Reports of a possibly significant interaction between ranitidine and warfarin have been equivocal. Famotidine and nizatidine do not appear to affect prothrombin time. A study of 6 healthy subjects receiving cimetidine and warfarin concomitant therapy had no significant effect on the S-warfarin however increased R-warfarin trough concentrations 28% (p<0.05) and decreased R-warfarin clearance by 23% (p<0.05).

Cimetidine/Tacrine

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Cimetidine appears to inhibit the activity of CYP P-450-IA2, which is involved with the metabolism of tacrine.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Serum tacrine concentrations may be elevated increasing the pharmacological and toxic effects of tacrine.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: When possible use an alternative H-2 antagonist. This interaction would not be expected to occur with other H-2 antagonists (e.g., ranitidine). Monitor serum transaminase levels (specifically ALT/SGPT) weekly for at least 6 weeks if cimetidine is started in a patient who is receiving tacrine and observe the patient for a change in therapeutic response. If both drugs are being started at the same time, or if the patient is receiving cimetidine when tacrine is being started, give a conservative dose of tacrine and monitor serum transaminase levels accordingly. In all instances, observe the clinical response of the patient and adjust the dose of tacrine as needed.

DISCUSSION: Documentation of this interaction consists of data on file with the manufacturer of tacrine. Concurrent administration of tacrine and cimetidine increased the area under the tacrine plasma concentration-time curve and maximum plasma tacrine concentration by approximately 64% and 54% respectively. In order to minimize the occurrence of tacrine side effects when starting tacrine in a patient who is receiving cimetidine, monitor serum transaminase levels and observe the clinical response of the patient. The dose of tacrine should be adjusted as indicated.

Cimetidine/Theophylline Derivatives

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Cimetidine inhibits the metabolism of theophylline by CYP1A2.(1-10) The duration of cimetidine's inhibitory action is uncertain. Short-term cimetidine therapy appears to reverse rapidly(2) but may persist in prolonged therapy. Increased pentoxifylline serum levels may be the result of an increase in the oral bioavailability of pentoxifylline.(11)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent cimetidine and theophylline derivative therapy may result in elevated theophylline derivative concentration levels, prolonged elimination half-life, and decreased clearance.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Theophylline derivative blood levels should be very closely monitored if cimetidine therapy is to be initiated, changed, or discontinued. Theophylline has a narrow therapeutic range; therefore, dosage reductions up to 30-50%(4) should be considered to prevent intoxication when cimetidine therapy is started. Antacids, famotidine, or possibly ranitidine might be more judicious choices than cimetidine in patients receiving theophylline derivatives.

DISCUSSION: It is well documented that cimetidine impairs the elimination of theophylline when the two agents are co-administered to patients.(1-10, 12-22) This interaction has been noted by a variety of routes including continuous intravenous infusion.(22) Reports indicate that with concurrent cimetidine, theophylline plasma concentrations increase, theophylline half-life is prolonged from 29% to 73%(1-3;9,12-14) and theophylline clearance is decreased by 18.5% to 46%.(1-3,9,13,23) Age and smoking do not appear to affect the magnitude of the interaction.(17,18,20) Significant changes can be seen within 24 hours(3,5) and may progress as co-therapy continues.(3) A study involving ten healthy patients demonstrated that concomitant administration of cimetidine significantly decreased the plasma clearance of oxtriphylline.(24) Aminophylline is involved in a similar interaction as theophylline as seen in one case report.(25) In one report cimetidine also decreased the clearance and prolonged the half-life of caffeine.(26,27) A study demonstrated that cimetidine caused a significant increase in plasma levels of pentoxifylline.(11) Information on ranitidine is conflicting. Several studies have shown that ranitidine does not influence theophylline.(9,15,16,19,28,29) One case report noted toxic theophylline levels after ranitidine;(30) however, this case report has been challenged.(31) In another case report, theophylline levels rose from 16.6 mcg/ml to 39.7 mcg/ml(32) when the patient was given ranitidine. Other reports have also noted a reduction in theophylline elimination by ranitidine.(33,34) Famotidine has shown to have no effect on theophylline metabolism in a clinical trial;(35) however, there is one case report of decreased theophylline clearance during famotidine therapy.(36) Dyphylline, a theophylline derivative that is not converted to theophylline in vivo, is not to be expected to interact with cimetidine. A study showed that cimetidine increased the average steady state plasma concentration of pentoxifylline and its metabolite by 25% and 30%, respectively.(37)

Cimetidine; Dolutegravir/Dalfampridine

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Cimetidine and dolutegravir inhibit the organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2). Dalfampridine is eliminated mainly via the kidneys with active renal secretion by OCT2.(1-3)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of dalfampridine with an inhibitor of OCT2 may result in elevated levels of dalfampridine and signs of toxicity. Elevated levels of dalfampridine may increase the risk of seizures.(1,2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Renal impairment.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of dalfampridine states that the potential benefits of taking OCT2 inhibitors concurrently with dalfampridine should be considered against the risk of seizures. If concurrent use is warranted, carefully monitor patients for adverse effects. Permanently discontinue dalfampridine in patients who have a seizure while on treatment.(1) The UK and Canadian manufacturers of dalfampridine states that concurrent use of dalfampridine and OCT2 inhibitors is contraindicated.(4,5)

DISCUSSION: In a single dose clinical study in 23 healthy volunteers, the combined use of cimetidine (400 mg every 6 hours) increased the area-under-curve (AUC) of cimetidine approximately 25% due to a reduction in the clearance of dalfampridine.(1)

Cimetidine; Famotidine/Tizanidine

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Cimetidine and famotidine may inhibit the metabolism of tizanidine by CYP1A2.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of cimetidine or famotidine may result in elevated levels of and effects from tizanidine, including hypotension, bradycardia, drowsiness, sedation, and decreased psychomotor function.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of anticholinergic toxicities including cognitive decline, delirium, falls and fractures is increased in geriatric patients using more than one medicine with anticholinergic properties.(2)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of tizanidine states that concurrent use of tizanidine with inhibitors of CYP1A2, such as cimetidine or famotidine, should be avoided. If concurrent use is warranted, tizanidine should be initiated with 2 mg dose and increased in 2-4 mg steps daily based on patient response to therapy.(1) If adverse reactions such as hypotension, bradycardia, or excessive drowsiness occur, reduce or discontinue tizanidine therapy.(1)

DISCUSSION: In a study in 10 healthy subjects, concurrent fluvoxamine, another inhibitor of CYP1A2, increased tizanidine maximum concentration (Cmax), area-under-curve (AUC), and half-life (T1/2) by 12-fold, 33-fold, and 3-fold, respectively. Significant decreases in blood pressure and increases in drowsiness and psychomotor impairment occurred.(1) In a study in 10 healthy subjects, concurrent ciprofloxacin, another inhibitor of CYP1A2, increase tizanidine Cmax and AUC by 7-fold and 10-fold, respectively. Significant decreases in blood pressure and and increases in drowsiness and psychomotor impairment occurred.(1)

Esomeprazole; Omeprazole; Cimetidine/Clopidogrel

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Clopidogrel is a prodrug and is converted to its active metabolite via a 2 step process. The first conversion step is mediated by CYP2C19, CYP1A2 and CYP2B6, while the second step is mediated by CYP3A4, CYP2B6 and CYP2C19.(1,2) CYP2C19 contributes to both steps and is thought to be the more important enzyme involved in formation of the pharmacologically active metabolite.(1) Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may inhibit CYP2C19 mediated conversion to the active metabolite of clopidogrel. The magnitude and clinical significance of CYP2C19 inhibition is highly variable between agents.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of esomeprazole, omeprazole, or cimetidine may result in decreased clopidogrel effectiveness, resulting in increased risk of adverse cardiac events.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Evaluate patient risk for gastrointestinal(GI) bleeding. When PPIs are needed, use dexlansoprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole or rabeprazole as they have a lower interaction risk.(1,3) Consider the use of H2 blockers (such as famotidine, nizatidine, or ranitidine) in patients with a low bleeding risk and reserve the use of PPIs for patients at higher risk of GI bleeding. US manufacturers for clopidogrel and omeprazole state concurrent use of clopidogrel esomeprazole and omeprazole should be avoided.(1,4-5) As esomeprazole and omeprazole are irreversible inhibitors of CYP2C19, separating clopidogrel from esomeprazole or omeprazole administration times does not change the magnitude of this interaction.(1,4,6) The US manufacturer of clopidogrel states that alternatives to clopidogrel should be considered in patients who are poor metabolizers of CYP2C19.(1) It would be prudent to assume that patients taking strong inhibitors of CYP2C19 are poor metabolizers of this isoenzyme. Moderate CYP2C19 inhibitors, such as omeprazole, and weak CYP2C19 inhibitors, such as cimetidine, may also affect this interaction. Consider alternatives to esomeprazole, omeprazole, and cimetidine in patients stabilized on clopidogrel and alternatives to clopidogrel in patients stabilized on esomeprazole, omeprazole, and cimetidine. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider appropriate testing to assure adequate inhibition of platelet reactivity.

DISCUSSION: US manufacturer for clopidogrel states omeprazole and esomeprazole have been shown to reduce antiplatelet activity of clopidogrel and recommends against concomitant use. The antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel is reduced by approximately 40% in patients receiving 80 mg per day of omeprazole. Dexlansoprazole, lansoprazole and pantoprazole are described as having less effect on clopidogrel antiplatelet activity.(1,3) In the primary literature, documentation for this interaction is conflicting. However, both in-vitro and retrospective analyses indicate that omeprazole decreases the effectiveness of clopidogrel. Although the half-lives of esomeprazole and omeprazole (a racemic mixture of R- and esomeprazole) are short, the effect on CYP2C19 is long lasting because esomeprazole is an irreversible inhibitor of CYP2C19.(6) In two studies in healthy subjects, concurrent omeprazole decreased the effects of clopidogrel on platelets.(7-8) Several studies have found coadministration of clopidogrel with omeprazole resulted in increased platelet aggregation compared to clopidogrel with pantoprazole, or no PPI.(9-12) In a study, use of omeprazole was associated with a decreased risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin. There was no significant difference between the groups in rate of cardiovascular events.(12) Three studies found that simultaneous omeprazole with clopidogrel reduced clopidogrel concentrations and effects.(13-15) In a cross-over trial, healthy subjects received clopidogrel (300 mg loading dose/75 mg daily maintenance dose) and esomeprazole (40 mg oral once daily) co-administered for 30 days. Exposure to the active metabolite of clopidogrel was reduced by 35% to 40% over this time period.(16) In a study in 39 healthy subjects, the effects of omeprazole and rabeprazole on clopidogrel in patients with different CYP2C19 genotypes was examined. In rapid 2C19 metabolizers, simultaneous omeprazole and rabeprazole significantly decreased clopidogrel response. In decreased 2C19 responders, there was wide variation in clopidogrel response and simultaneous omeprazole and rabeprazole had no significant effect on overall clopidogrel effects; however, some subjects became low responders to clopidogrel while on PPI therapy. Staggered dosing of omeprazole had no effect on clopidogrel response in rapid metabolizers, but decreased clopidogrel response in decreased metabolizers.(17) Several retrospective studies found that patients who took clopidogrel with a PPI had increased incidence of major cardiovascular events compared to patients who took clopidogrel without a PPI.(18-22) A retrospective cohort study of 20,596 patients in the Tennessee Medicaid program, evaluated both cardiovascular disease event and GI bleed risk in patients prescribed clopidogrel with or without concurrent PPI use. Pantoprazole was prescribed in 62% of PPI patients. Concomitant PPI and clopidogrel use decreased the risk of hospitalization from GI bleeding by 50%. There was no clear-cut increase risk for serious cardiovascular disease events; however, the 95% CI for this was wide.(23) A post-hoc analysis of the PRINCIPLE-TIMI 44 trial and the TRITON-TIMI trial examined the effects of PPI use on the pharmacodynamic effects and clinical efficacy of clopidogrel. The PRINCIPLE-TIMI 44 trial examined 201 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization with planned percutaneous coronary intervention, 53 of which were taking a PPI at randomization. Patients receiving a PPI had significantly lower rates of inhibition of platelet aggregation at 0.5 hours, 2 hours, 6 hours, and 18-24 hours post-loading dose of clopidogrel. After 15 days of maintenance therapy, there were significantly more non-responders in the group receiving PPI (50% versus 7.9%). The TRITON-TIMI trial examined 13,608 patients who underwent cardiac catheterization with planned percutaneous coronary intervention, 4529 of which were taking a PPI at randomization. Patients received clopidogrel treatment for 6-15 months. There were no significant differences in occurrence of cardiovascular death, non-fatal MI, or non-fatal stroke between patients taking PPIs at randomization and those not; however, use of PPIs was only assessed at randomization and not during the study.(24) A retrospective cohort study of 16,064 patients evaluated the impact of MACE events in patients taking clopidogrel with PPIs/PCABs. Patients taking concurrent PPIs or PCABs with clopidogrel had a higher incidence of MACE compared to clopidogrel monotherapy. Among MACE, stroke recurrence was the highest risk with the PPI and PCAB groups. The PPIs studied included esomeprazole, dexlansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, ilaprazole, and rabeprazole, with esomeprazole resulting in the highest risk of MACE and stroke recurrence.(29)

H2 Antagonists/Dasatinib; Pazopanib

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The solubility of dasatinib(1) and pazopanib(2) is pH dependent. Changes in gastric pH from H2 antagonists may decrease the absorption of dasatinib(1) and pazopanib.(2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Use of H2 antagonists may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of dasatinib(1) and pazopanib.(2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid the use of H2-antagonists and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in patients receiving treatment with dasatinib(1) or pazopanib.(2) Consider the use of short-acting antacids in these patients.(1) If antacids are used, separate the administration times by at least two hours for dasatinib(1) and several hours for pazopanib.(2) The manufacturer of Phyrago states that it can be administered with gastric acid reducing agents. Administration times should be separated with antacids.(3)

DISCUSSION: In a study in 24 healthy subjects, administration of a single dose of dasatinib (50 mg) 10 hours after famotidine decreased dasatinib area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) by 61% and 63%, respectively.(1) In a study in 14 healthy subjects, administration of a single dose of dasatinib (100 mg) 22 hours after omeprazole (40 mg at steady state) decreased dasatinib AUC and Cmax by 43% and 42%, respectively.(1) In a study in 24 healthy subjects, simultaneous administration of dasatinib (50 mg) with aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide (30 ml) decreased dasatinib AUC and Cmax by 55% and 58%, respectively. In the same subjects, administration of the antacid 2 hours before dasatinib decreased dasatinib Cmax by 26%, but had no effect on dasatinib AUC.(1) In a study in 13 patients, esomeprazole (40 mg daily for 5 days) decreased the Cmax and AUC of pazopanib (400 mg daily) by 42% and 40%, respectively, when compared to the administration of pazopanib alone.(2) Phyrago is not sensitive to increased gastric pH due to its polymer formulation. No clinically significant pharmacokinetic changes were seen with concurrent administration of Phyrago with omeprazole (proton pump inhibitor) or famotidine (H2 receptor antagonist).(3)

H2 Antagonists/Ziftomenib

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The aqueous solubility of ziftomenib is pH dependent. Higher gastric pH leads to lower solubility which may reduce ziftomenib absorption.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Coadministration of H2 receptor antagonists may reduce the bioavailability of ziftomenib, leading to decreased systemic levels and effectiveness.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of ziftomenib states that concurrent use with H2 antagonists should be avoided.(1) If concurrent use cannot be avoided, administer ziftomenib 2 hours before or 10 hours after the administration of an H2 receptor antagonist.(1)

DISCUSSION: The impact of H2 receptor antagonists on the pharmacokinetics of ziftomenib has not been investigated in clinical studies. In an interaction study, coadministration of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) decreased ziftomenib area-under-the-curve (AUC) by 53% and maximum concentration (Cmax) by 70%.(1)

H2 Antagonists;Proton Pump Inhibitors/Methylphenidate Xr-Odt

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The solubility of methylphenidate extended release orally disintegrating tablets (XR-ODT) is pH-dependent. At elevated pH, methylphenidate may be released from the tablets more quickly, resulting in increased absorption.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Coadministration of H2 antagonists or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may result in an altered pharmacokinetic profile of methylphenidate XR-ODT, which may change the effectiveness and/or adverse effects of methylphenidate XR-ODT.(1,2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Coadministration of methylphenidate XR-ODT with H2 antagonists or PPIs is not recommended.(1,2)

DISCUSSION: In in vitro studies, when media pH was increased from 1.2 to 6.8, percentage release of methylphenidate from the XR-ODT tablet was increased by 67% at 0.5 hours, and by 93% at 2.5 hours. The increased dissolution of methylphenidate at higher pH may result in increased drug absorption and change the concentration-time profile of methylphenidate, which is correlated with pharmacological effect.(1)

Long Acting Antacids; H2s;Ppis/Selected Cephalosporins

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Absorption of oral cefpodoxime or cefuroxime may be reduced in patients receiving concomitant treatment with acid reducing agents.(1-5)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Antibiotic efficacy against organisms with a high minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) to cefpodoxime or cefuroxime could be decreased.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Taking cefpodoxime or cefuroxime on an empty stomach magnifies this effect.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If possible, avoid the use of H2 antagonists and proton pump inhibitors(PPIs) in patients taking cefpodoxime or cefuroxime. If concurrent therapy is needed with antacids, H2 antagonists, or PPIs, administer cefpodoxime or cefuroxime after eating to maximize oral absorption. Some vitamin preparations may contain sufficient quantities of calcium and/or magnesium salts with antacid properties to interact as well.

DISCUSSION: In a study of ten subjects, administration of cefpodoxime after single dose famotidine 40 mg decreased both maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) by approximately 40 percent compared with administration of cefpodoxime on an empty stomach.(3) In a study of 17 subjects, administration of cefpodoxime after single dose ranitidine 150 mg decreased Cmax and AUC by approximately 40 percent compared with administration of cefpodoxime on an empty stomach.(4) In a study performed prior to the introduction of PPIs, administration of ranitidine 300 mg and sodium bicarbonate followed by cefuroxime taken on a empty stomach lowered both Cmax and AUC of cefuroxime by approximately 40 per cent compared with administration of cefuroxime alone on an empty stomach. Postprandial administration of cefuroxime in subjects taking ranitidine was similar to that of subjects taking cefuroxime on an empty stomach.(5)

Mate Inhibitors/Chloroquine; Hydroxychloroquine

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inhibitors of the Multidrug and Toxin Extrusion (MATE) protein transporters in the kidneys may inhibit the renal tubular secretion of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine via the MATE1 transporter.(1,2,3)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of MATE inhibitors may result in increased levels of and toxicity from chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine, including irreversible retinopathy, potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias like torsades de pointes (TdP), hypoglycemia, or myopathy.(1,2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: In general, the risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(4) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(4)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturers of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine state that concomitant use of MATE inhibitors should be avoided.(1,2) The Israeli manufacturer of hydroxychloroquine states that hydroxychloroquine sulphate may also be subject to several of the known interactions of chloroquine. Caution is advised when coadministering hydroxychloroquine with MATE inhibitors.(5) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting.

DISCUSSION: In a study of healthy volunteers, cimetidine (400 mg daily for 4 days) decreased the clearance of single-dose chloroquine (300 mg) by 53% and half-life by 49%, compared to subjects not on cimetidine.(6) MATE inhibitors linked to this monograph include: bictegravir, brepocitinib, cimetidine, isavuconazole, pyrimethamine, risdiplam, trimethoprim, and tucatinib.(7)

Mate Inhibitors/Selected Mate Substrates

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inhibitors of the Multidrug and Toxin Extrusion (MATE) renal protein transporters in the kidneys may inhibit the transport of MATE substrates.(1) Acyclovir, cephalexin, and valacyclovir are MATE substrates.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of MATE renal transporter inhibitors may result in increased levels of and toxicity from MATE substrates.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid concurrent use of acyclovir, cephalexin, or valacyclovir with MATE renal transporter inhibitors. If concurrent use cannot be avoided, monitor for toxicity of the MATE substrate and consider dosage reduction of the MATE substrate.(1)

DISCUSSION: Based upon in vitro data, risdiplam is expected to produce clinically significant inhibition of MATE1 and MATE2-K transporters at clinically relevant concentrations.(1) Selected MATE substrates linked include: acyclovir, cephalexin, and valacyclovir.(1,2) MATE inhibitors include: cimetidine, pyrimethamine, risdiplam, and vandetanib.(2)

P-Glycoprotein (P-Gp) Inhibitors/Bilastine

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibition may increase the absorption of bilastine.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of P-gp inhibitors may result in elevated levels and toxicities from bilastine, including headache and somnolence.(1,2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The interaction magnitude may be greater in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The Canadian manufacturer of bilastine states that concomitant use of P-gp inhibitors with bilastine is not recommended. Coadministration should be avoided in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment.(1) The UK manufacturer of bilastine states that coadministration of bilastine and P-gp inhibitors should be avoided in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment.(2) The manufacturer of daraxonrasib states P-gp substrates should be administered at least 4 hours apart from daraxonrasib.(5)

DISCUSSION: In a study, ketoconazole and erythromycin both increased bilastine area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) by 2-fold and 2- to 3-fold, respectively.(1) The UK manufacturer of bilastine states that these changes do not appear to affect the safety of bilastine.(2) P-gp inhibitors linked to this monograph include: amiodarone, asunaprevir, aumolertinib, azithromycin, belumosudil, capmatinib, carvedilol, cimetidine, cyclosporine, daclatasvir, danicopan, daraxonrasib, daridorexant, deutivacaftor, diltiazem, diosmin, dronedarone, eliglustat, erythromycin, flibanserin, fluvoxamine, fostamatinib, ginkgo, ginseng, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, hydroquinidine, imlunestrant, istradefylline, ivacaftor, lapatinib, ledipasvir, mavorixafor, neratinib, osimertinib, paroxetine, pirtobrutinib, posaconazole, propafenone, quercetin, quinidine, quinine, ranolazine, sarecycline, schisandra, selpercatinib, simeprevir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir, sotorasib, tepotinib, valbenazine, vemurafenib, vepdegestrant, verapamil, vimseltinib, and voclosporin.(4,5)

P-Glycoprotein (P-Gp) Inhibitors/Colchicine (For Gout & Fmf)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitors may affect the transport of colchicine, a P-gp substrate.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a P-gp inhibitor may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from colchicine. Symptoms of colchicine toxicity include abdominal pain; nausea or vomiting; severe diarrhea; muscle weakness or pain; numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes; myelosuppression; feeling weak or tired; increased infections; and pale or gray color of the lips, tongue, or palms of hands.(1,2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: This interaction is expected to be more severe in patients with renal and/or hepatic impairment(1,2) and in patients who receive concurrent therapy.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The concurrent use of colchicine with P-gp inhibitors is contraindicated in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.(1-3) Avoid concurrent use in other patients, if possible.(3) In patients without renal or hepatic impairment who are currently taking or have taken a P-gp inhibitor in the previous 14 days, the dosage of colchicine should be reduced. For gout flares, the recommended dosage is 0.6 mg (1 tablet) for one dose. This dose should be repeated no earlier than in 3 days.(1,2) For gout prophylaxis, if the original dosage was 0.6 mg twice daily, use 0.3 mg daily. If the original dosage was 0.6 mg daily, use 0.3 mg every other day.(3-12) For Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), the recommended maximum daily dose is 0.6 mg (may be given as 0.3 mg twice a day).(1,2) Patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs of colchicine toxicity, such as abdominal pain, nausea/significant diarrhea, vomiting; muscle weakness/pain; numbness/tingling in fingers/toes; unusual bleeding or bruising, infections, weakness/tiredness, or pale/gray color of the lips/tongue/palms of hands. The manufacturer of daraxonrasib states P-gp substrates should be administered at least 4 hours apart from daraxonrasib.(13)

DISCUSSION: There are several reports of colchicine toxicity(4-6) and death(7,8) following the addition of clarithromycin to therapy. In a retrospective review of 116 patients who received clarithromycin and colchicine during the same hospitalization, 10.2% (9/88) of patients who received simultaneous therapy died, compared to 3.6% (1/28) of patients who received sequential therapy.(9) An FDA review of 117 colchicine-related deaths that were not attributable to overdose found that 60 deaths (51%) involved concurrent use of clarithromycin.(2) There is one case report of colchicine toxicity with concurrent erythromycin.(10) In a study in 20 subjects, pretreatment with diltiazem (240 mg daily for 7 days) increased the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) of a single dose of colchicine (0.6 mg) by 44.2% (range -46.6% to 318.3%) and by 93.4% (range -30.2% to 338.6%), respectively.(1) In a study in 24 subjects, pretreatment with verapamil (240 mg twice daily for 7 days) increased the Cmax and AUC of a single dose of colchicine (0.6 mg) by 40.1% (range -47.1% to 149.5%) and by 103.3% (range -9.8% to 217.2%), respectively.(1) Colchicine toxicity has been reported with concurrent use of CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitors such as clarithromycin, cyclosporine, diltiazem, erythromycin, and verapamil.(1,2) P-gp inhibitors include abrocitinib, amiodarone, asciminib, asunaprevir, aumolertinib, azithromycin, belumosudil, capmatinib, carvedilol, cimetidine, danicopan, daraxonrasib, daridorexant, deutivacaftor, diltiazem, diosmin, dronedarone, erythromycin, flibanserin, fluvoxamine, fostamatinib, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, imlunestrant, ivacaftor, lapatinib, ledipasvir, mavorixafor, neratinib, osimertinib, pirtobrutinib, propafenone, quinidine, ranolazine, schisandra, selpercatinib, sotorasib, tepotinib, valbenazine, velpatasvir, vemurafenib, venetoclax, vepdegestrant, verapamil, vimseltinib, and voclosporin.(1,11,12)

P-Glycoprotein (P-Gp) Inhibitors/Relugolix

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Relugolix is a substrate of the intestinal P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux transporter. Inhibitors of P-gp may increase the absorption of relugolix.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of relugolix with an inhibitor of P-glycoprotein may result in elevated levels of relugolix and adverse effects, including hot flashes, skin flushing, musculoskeletal pain, hyperglycemia, acute renal injury, transaminitis, arrhythmias, and hemorrhage.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of relugolix states that the coadministration of relugolix with P-gp inhibitors should be avoided. If the P-gp inhibitor is to be used short-term, relugolix may be held for up to 2 weeks. If treatment with relugolix is interrupted for longer than 7 days, resume relugolix with a loading dose of 360 mg on the first day, followed by 120 mg once daily.(1) If coadministration with a P-gp inhibitor cannot be avoided, relugolix should be taken at least 6 hours before the P-gp inhibitor. Monitor the patient more frequently for adverse events.(1) For patients on daraxonrasib, the manufacturer of daraxonrasib states that it should be taken at least 4 hours apart from P-gp substrates.(2)

DISCUSSION: Coadministration of relugolix with erythromycin (a P-gp and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor) increased the area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) of relugolix by 6.2-fold. Voriconazole (a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor) did not have a clinically significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of relugolix.(1) P-gp inhibitors linked to this monograph include: amiodarone, asunaprevir, aumolertinib, azithromycin, belumosudil, capmatinib, carvedilol, cimetidine, clarithromycin, cobicistat, conivaptan, curcumin, cyclosporine, daclatasvir, danicopan, daraxonrasib, daridorexant, deutivacaftor, diltiazem, diosmin, dronedarone, eliglustat, erythromycin, flibanserin, fluvoxamine, fostamatinib, ginkgo, ginseng, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, indinavir, itraconazole, ivacaftor, josamycin, ketoconazole, lapatinib, lonafarnib, mavorixafor, mibefradil, mifepristone, neratinib, osimertinib, paroxetine, pirtobrutinib, posaconazole, propafenone, quinidine, quinine, ranolazine, ritonavir, sarecycline, schisandra, selpercatinib, simeprevir, sotorasib, telaprevir, telithromycin, tepotinib, tucatinib, valbenazine, velpatasvir, vemurafenib, venetoclax, vepdegestrant, verapamil, vimseltinib, and voclosporin.(3,4)

P-Glycoprotein (P-Gp) Inhibitors/Vincristine

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitors may inhibit cellular efflux of vincristine.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent administration of a P-gp inhibitor may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from vincristine including myelosuppression, neurologic toxicity, tumor lysis syndrome, hepatotoxicity, constipation, or bowel obstruction.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid the use of P-gp inhibitors in patients undergoing therapy with vincristine.(1) Consider alternatives with no or minimal P-gp inhibition. The manufacturer of vincristine states that concomitant use of P-gp inhibitors should be avoided.(1) The manufacturer of lopinavir/ritonavir states that patients who develop significant hematological or gastrointestinal toxicity on concomitant vincristine should temporarily hold lopinavir/ritonavir, or use alternative medications that do not inhibit CYP3A4 or P-gp.(2) The manufacturer of daraxonrasib states that it should be taken at least 4 hours apart from P-gp substrates.(3)

DISCUSSION: Vincristine is a substrate of P-gp. Inhibitors of P-gp may increase toxicity of vincristine.(1) There are several case reports of neurotoxicity with concurrent administration of vincristine and itraconazole.(4-6) There is a case report of neurotoxicity with concurrent administration of lopinavir-ritonavir with vincristine.(7) In a prospective study in 22 children receiving various chemotherapy with prophylactic itraconazole oral solution (0.5 ml/kg per day), two children receiving vincristine developed non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and one child developed syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone secretion (SIADH).(8) Inhibitors of P-gp linked to this monograph include: abrocitinib, amiodarone, Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), asunaprevir, aumolertinib, azithromycin, belumosudil, capmatinib, carvedilol, cimetidine, cyclosporine, danicopan, daraxonrasib, daridorexant, deutivacaftor, diltiazem, diosmin, dronedarone, elagolix, eliglustat, erythromycin, flibanserin, fluvoxamine, fostamatinib, ginkgo biloba, glecaprevir and pibrentasvir, imlunestrant, isavuconazonium, ivacaftor, lapatinib, mavorixafor, milk thistle (Silybum marianum), neratinib, osimertinib, pirtobrutinib, propafenone, quercetin, quinidine, ranolazine, rolapitant, Schisandra chinensis, selpercatinib, sofosbuvir, sotorasib, tepotinib, valbenazine, velpatasvir, vemurafenib, venetoclax, vepdegestrant, verapamil, vilazodone, vimseltinib, and voclosporin.(9-10)

Select Cyp2c19 Inhibitors/Citalopram (>20 Mg)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Citalopram is primarily metabolized by the CYP2C19 isoenzyme.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of an agent that inhibits CYP2C19 may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from citalopram, including including risks for serotonin syndrome or prolongation of the QTc interval.(1-5) Prolongation of the QT interval may result in life-threatening arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(2) Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include tremor, agitation, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, clonus, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity.(5)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, advanced age, poor metabolizer status at CYP2C19, or higher blood concentrations of citalopram.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) Predisposing factors for serotonin-related adverse effects include use in the elderly, in patients with hepatic impairment, and in patients receiving multiple agents which increase central serotonin levels.(1,5) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The dose of citalopram should be limited to 20 mg in patients receiving concurrent therapy with an inhibitor of CYP2C19.(1,4) Evaluate the patient for other drugs, diseases and conditions which increase risk for QT prolongation and correct risk factors (e.g. correct hypokalemia, discontinue other QT prolonging drugs) when possible.(1,2) Weigh the specific benefits versus risks for each patient. The US manufacturer recommends ECG monitoring for citalopram patients with congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, taking concomitant QT prolonging medications or receiving concurrent therapy.(4) Citalopram should be discontinued in patients with persistent QTc measurements greater than 500 ms.(2) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. If concurrent therapy is warranted, patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Instruct patients to report muscle twitching, tremors, shivering and stiffness, fever, heavy sweating, heart palpitations, restlessness, confusion, agitation, trouble with coordination, or severe diarrhea.

DISCUSSION: Concurrent use of citalopram (40 mg daily) and cimetidine (400 mg twice daily) for 8 days increased the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) of citalopram by 39% and 43%, respectively.(1) Inhibitors of CYP2C19 include: abrocitinib, allicin (garlic derivative), armodafinil, asciminib, berotralstat, cannabidiol (CBD), cenobamate, cimetidine strengths > or = 200 mg, elagolix, enasidenib, eslicarbazepine, esomeprazole, etravirine, fedratinib, felbamate, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, givosiran, isoniazid, moclobemide, modafinil, obeticholic acid, omeprazole, piperine, rolapitant, stiripentol, tecovirimat, treosulfan, and vonoprazan.(7,8)

Selected P-Glycoprotein (P-Gp) Inhibitors/Dabigatran

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Dabigatran etexilate is a substrate for the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) system. Inhibition of intestinal P-gp leads to increased absorption of dabigatran.(1-3)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use dabigatran with P-gp inhibitors may lead to elevated plasma levels of dabigatran, increasing the risk for bleeding.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Factors associated with an increased risk for bleeding include renal impairment, concomitant use of P-gp inhibitors, patient age >74 years, coexisting conditions (e.g. recent trauma) or use of drugs (e.g. NSAIDs) associated with bleeding risk, and patient weight < 50 kg.(1-4)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Assess renal function and evaluate patient for other pre-existing risk factors for bleeding prior to initiating concurrent therapy. The US manufacturer of dabigatran states that the concurrent use of dabigatran and P-gp inhibitors should be avoided in atrial fibrillation patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl less than 30 ml/min) and in patients with moderate renal impairment (CrCl less than 50 ml/min) being treated for or undergoing prophylaxis for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). The interaction with P-gp inhibitors can be minimized by taking dabigatran several hours apart from the P-gp inhibitor dose.(1) The concomitant use of dabigatran with P-gp inhibitors has not been studied in pediatric patients but may increase exposure to dabigatran.(1) While the US manufacturer of dabigatran states that no dosage adjustment is necessary in other patients,(1) the Canadian manufacturer of dabigatran states that concomitant use of strong P-gp inhibitors (e.g., glecaprevir-pibrentasvir) is contraindicated. When dabigatran is used for the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after total hip or knee replacement concurrently with amiodarone, quinidine, or verapamil, the dose of dabigatran should be reduced from 110 mg twice daily to 150 mg once daily. For patients with CrCl less than 50 ml/min on verapamil, a further dabigatran dose reduction to 75 mg once daily should be considered. Verapamil should be given at least 2 hours after dabigatran to minimize the interaction.(2) The UK manufacturer of dabigatran also states the use of dabigatran with strong P-gp inhibitors (e.g., cyclosporine, glecaprevir-pibrentasvir or itraconazole) is contraindicated. Concurrent use of ritonavir is not recommended. When dabigatran is used in atrial fibrillation patients and for treatment of DVT and PE concurrently with verapamil, the UK manufacturer recommends reducing the dose of dabigatran from 150 mg twice daily to 110 mg twice daily, taken simultaneously with verapamil. When used for VTE prophylaxis after orthopedic surgery concurrently with amiodarone, quinidine, or verapamil, the dabigatran loading dose should be reduced from 110 mg to 75 mg, and the maintenance dose should be reduced from 220 mg daily to 150 mg daily, taken simultaneously with the P-gp inhibitor. For patients with CLcr 30-50 mL/min on concurrent verapamil, consider further lowering the dabigatran dose to 75 mg daily.(3) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin and/or hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. Consider regular monitoring of hemoglobin, platelet levels, and/or activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) or ecarin clotting time (ECT). When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling. The manufacturer of daraxonrasib states P-gp substrates should be administered at least 4 hours apart from daraxonrasib.(10)

DISCUSSION: When dabigatran was co-administered with amiodarone, the extent and rate of absorption of amiodarone and its active metabolite DEA were essentially unchanged. The dabigatran area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) were increased by about 60% and 50%, respectively;(1,2) however, dabigatran clearance was increased by 65%.(1) Pretreatment with quinidine (200 mg every 2 hours to a total dose of 1000 mg) increased the AUC and Cmax of dabigatran by 53% and 56%, respectively.(1,2) Chronic administration of immediate release verapamil one hour prior to dabigatran dose increased dabigatran AUC by 154%.(4) Administration of dabigatran two hours before verapamil results in a negligible increase in dabigatran AUC.(1) Administration of sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir (400/100/200 mg daily) increased the Cmax and AUC of a single dose of dabigatran (75 mg) by 2.87-fold and 2.61-fold, respectively.(5) Simultaneous administration of glecaprevir-pibrentasvir (300/120 mg daily) with a single dose of dabigatran (150 mg) increased the Cmax and AUC by 2.05-fold and 2.38-fold, respectively.(6) A retrospective comparative effectiveness cohort study including data from 9,886 individuals evaluated adverse bleeding rates with standard doses of oral anticoagulants with concurrent verapamil or diltiazem in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and normal kidney function. The study compared rates of bleeding following co-administration of either dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or apixaban with verapamil or diltiazem, compared to co-administration with amlodipine or metoprolol. Results of the study found that concomitant dabigatran use with verapamil or diltiazem was associated with increased overall bleeding (hazard ratio (HR) 1.52; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05-2.20, p<0.05) and increased overall GI bleeding (HR 2.16; 95% CI, 1.30-3.60, p<0.05) when compared to amlodipine. When compared to metoprolol, concomitant dabigatran use with verapamil or diltiazem was also associated with increased overall bleeding (HR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.02-2.00, p<0.05) and increased overall GI bleeding (HR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.42-3.79, p<0.05). No association was found between increased bleeding of any kind and concurrent use of rivaroxaban or apixaban with verapamil or diltiazem.(7) A summary of pharmacokinetic interactions with dabigatran and amiodarone or verapamil concluded that concurrent use is considered safe if CrCl is greater than 50 ml/min but should be avoided if CrCl is less than 50 ml/min in VTE and less than 30 ml/min for NVAF. Concurrent use with diltiazem was considered safe.(9) P-gp inhibitors include amiodarone, asunaprevir, aumolertinib, belumosudil, capmatinib, carvedilol, cimetidine, conivaptan, cyclosporine, daclatasvir, danicopan, daraxonrasib, daridorexant, diosmin, erythromycin, flibanserin, fostamatinib, ginseng, glecaprevir, imlunestrant, indinavir, itraconazole, ivacaftor, josamycin, lapatinib, ledipasvir, lonafarnib, mavorixafor, neratinib, osimertinib, pibrentasvir, posaconazole, propafenone, quinidine, ranolazine, ritonavir, selpercatinib, sotorasib, telaprevir, telithromycin, tepotinib, tezacaftor, tucatinib, valbenazine, velpatasvir, vemurafenib, vepdegestrant, verapamil, vimseltinib, voclosporin, and voxilaprevir.(1-9)

Weak Cyp2c19 Inhibitors/Mavacamten

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Weak CYP2C19 inhibitors may inhibit the metabolism of mavacamten.(1-3)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of weak CYP2C19 inhibitors increases plasma exposure of mavacamten which may increase the incidence and severity of adverse reactions of mavacamten.(1-3)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: CYP2C19 rapid and ultrarapid metabolizers may experience an increased incidence or severity of adverse effects.(1-3)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of mavacamten recommends to initiate mavacamten at the recommended starting dosage in patients who are on stable therapy with a weak CYP2C19 inhibitor. Reduce dose by one level (i.e., 15 to 10 mg, 10 to 5 mg, or 5 to 2.5 mg) in patients who are on mavacamten treatment and intend to initiate a weak CYP2C19 inhibitor. Schedule clinical and an echocardiographic assessment 4 weeks after inhibitor initiation, and do not up-titrate mavacamten until 12 weeks after inhibitor initiation.(1) Avoid initiation of concomitant weak CYP2C19 inhibitors in patients who are on stable treatment with the lowest recommended dose of mavacamten because a lower dose is not available.(1) For short-term use (e.g. 1 week), interrupt mavacamten therapy for the duration of the weak CYP2C19 inhibitor. After therapy with the weak CYP2C19 inhibitor is discontinued, mavacamten may be reinitiated at the previous dose immediately upon discontinuation.(1) The Canadian manufacturer of mavacamten recommends additional monitoring when concurrent use of weak CYP2C19 inhibitors is warranted. Adjust the dose of mavacamten based on clinical assessment.(2) The UK manufacturer of mavacamten states no dose adjustment is necessary with weak CYP2C19 inhibitors. Monitor left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in 4 weeks then resume usual monitoring schedule.(3)

DISCUSSION: Concomitant use of mavacamten (15 mg) with omeprazole (20 mg), a weak CYP2C19 inhibitor, once daily increased mavacamten area-under-curve (AUC) by 48% with no effect on maximum concentration (Cmax) in healthy CYP2C19 normal metabolizers and rapid metabolizers.(1) Weak CYP2C19 inhibitors include: armodafinil, cimetidine, enasidenib, eslicarbazepine, felbamate, givosiran, isoniazid, obeticholic acid, osilodrostat, piperine, rucaparib, tecovirimat.(4,5)

Weak Cyp3a4 Inhibitors/Eliglustat

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Weak inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of eliglustat. If the patient is also taking an inhibitor of CYP2D6, eliglustat metabolism can be further inhibited.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of an agent that is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4 may result in elevated levels of and clinical effects of eliglustat, including prolongation of the PR, QTc, and/or QRS intervals, which may result in life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: If the patient is also taking an inhibitor of CYP2D6, is a poor metabolizer of CYP2D6, and/or has hepatic impairment, eliglustat metabolism can be further inhibited.(1) The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The concurrent use of eliglustat with weak inhibitors of CYP3A4 in poor metabolizers of CYP2D6 should be avoided.(1) The dosage of eliglustat with weak inhibitors of CYP3A4 in extensive metabolizers of CYP2D6 with mild (Child-Pugh Class A) hepatic impairment should be limited to 84 mg daily.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. For patients on avapritinib: this interaction applies only to gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients on avapritinib 200 mg or 300 mg.(3)

DISCUSSION: Ketoconazole (400 mg daily), a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4, increased eliglustat (84 mg BID) maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) by 4-fold and 4.4-fold, respectively, in extensive metabolizers. Physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PKPB) models suggested ketoconazole would increase eliglustat Cmax and AUC by 4.4-fold and 5.4-fold, respectively, in intermediate metabolizers. PKPB models suggested ketoconazole may increase the Cmax and AUC of eliglustat (84 mg daily) by 4.3-fold and 6.2-fold, respectively, in poor metabolizers.(1) PKPB models suggested fluconazole, a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4, would increase eliglustat Cmax and AUC by 2.8-fold and 3.2-fold, respectively, in extensive metabolizers and by 2.5-fold and 2.9-fold, respectively in intermediate metabolizers. PKPB models suggest that concurrent eliglustat (84 mg BID), paroxetine (a strong inhibitor of CYP2D6), and ketoconazole would increase eliglustat Cmax and AUC by 16.7-fold and 24.2-fold, respectively, in extensive metabolizers. In intermediate metabolizers, eliglustat Cmax and AUC would be expected to increase 7.5-fold and 9.8-fold, respectively.(1) PKPB models suggest that concurrent eliglustat (84 mg BID), terbinafine (a moderate inhibitor of CYP2D6), and ketoconazole would increase eliglustat Cmax and AUC by 10.2-fold and 13.6-fold, respectively, in extensive metabolizers. In intermediate metabolizers, eliglustat Cmax and AUC would be expected to increase 4.2-fold and 5-fold, respectively.(1) Weak inhibitors of CYP3A4 include: amlodipine, anamorelin, asciminib, avapritinib, azithromycin, Baikal skullcap, belumosudil, berberine, bicalutamide, blueberry, brodalumab, camizestrant, cannabidiol, chlorzoxazone, cilostazol, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, clotrimazole, cranberry, cyclosporine, daclatasvir, daridorexant, delavirdine, dihydroberberine, diosmin, elinzanetant, everolimus, flibanserin, fosaprepitant, fostamatinib, gepotidacin, ginkgo, givinostat, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, goldenseal, grazoprevir, isoniazid, istradefylline, ivacaftor, lacidipine, lapatinib, larotrectinib, lazertinib, leflunomide, levamlodipine, linagliptin, lomitapide, lurasidone, olaparib, osilodrostat, palbociclib, pazopanib, peppermint oil, piperine, propiverine, propofol, ranolazine, resveratrol, roxithromycin, rucaparib, selpercatinib, simeprevir, sitaxsentan, skullcap, teriflunomide, ticagrelor, tolvaptan, trofinetide, vepdegestrant, vonoprazan, and ziftomenib.(4,5)

Weak Cyp3a4 Inhibitors/Lomitapide

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Weak inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of lomitapide.(1) Lomitapide is very susceptible to CYP3A4 inhibition. For example, in an interaction study with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor (ketoconazole) lomitapide exposure was increased 27-fold.(2) Thus even weak CYP3A4 inhibitors may affect lomitapide exposure (AUC, area-under-curve).

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4 may result in 2-fold increases in lomitapide levels and toxicity from lomitapide.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: This interaction may be more severe in patients with hepatic impairment or with end-stage renal disease.(1)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: When initiating lomitapide in patients taking a stable dose of a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor, follow the recommended dose and titration schedule per labeling. When initiating a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor in patients taking lomitapide, decrease the dose of lomitapide by 50%. The maximum recommended lomitapide dose with concurrent weak CYP3A4 inhibitors should be: -Adults (age 18 years and older): 30 mg daily, -Age group 11 to 17 years: 20 mg daily, -Age group 2 to 10 years: 10 mg daily. Due to lomitapide's long half-life, it may take 1 to 2 weeks to see the full effect of this interaction.(1) For patients on avapritinib: this interaction applies only to gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients on avapritinib 200 mg or 300 mg.(2)

DISCUSSION: Lomitapide is very susceptible to CYP3A4 inhibition. For example, in an interaction study with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor (ketoconazole) lomitapide exposure was increased 27-fold.(2) Based upon interactions with stronger inhibitors, weak inhibitors of CYP3A4 are predicted to increase lomitapide area-under-curve(AUC) 2-fold.(1) Weak CYP3A4 inhibitors linked to this interaction include: amiodarone, amlodipine, anamorelin, asciminib, atorvastatin, avapritinib, azithromycin, Baikal skullcap, belumosudil, bicalutamide, blueberry juice, brodalumab, camizestrant, cannabidiol, capivasertib, cilostazol, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, chlorzoxazone, clotrimazole, cranberry juice, cyclosporine, daridorexant, delavirdine, diosmin, elinzanetant, everolimus, flibanserin, fosaprepitant, fostamatinib, gepotidacin, ginkgo, givinostat, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, goldenseal, grazoprevir, isoniazid, istradefylline, ivacaftor, lacidipine, lapatinib, larotrectinib, lazertinib, leflunomide, levamlodipine, linagliptin, lurasidone, maribavir, mavorixafor, olaparib, osilodrostat, palbociclib, pazopanib, peppermint oil, piperine, propiverine, propofol, ranitidine, ranolazine, resveratrol, roxithromycin, rucaparib, selpercatinib, sevabertinib, sitaxsentan, skullcap, teriflunomide, ticagrelor, tolvaptan, trofinetide, vepdegestrant, viloxazine, vonoprazan, ziftomenib, and zileuton.(1-3)

Weak Cyp3a4 Inhibitors/Pimozide

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Weak inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of pimozide.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use with weak CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase the levels and effects of pimozide including QTc prolongation and potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias like torsades de pointes.(1-2) Concurrent use may also result in extrapyramidal symptoms such as akathisia, bradykinesia, cogwheel rigidity, dystonia, hypertonia, and oculogyric crisis.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increased systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) The risk of anticholinergic toxicities including cognitive decline, delirium, falls and fractures is increased in geriatric patients using more than one medicine with anticholinergic properties.(4)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of pimozide states that concomitant treatment with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors is contraindicated and treatment with less potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 should also be avoided.(1) The UK manufacturer of pimozide contraindicates concomitant use of pimozide with CYP3A4 inhibitors and CYP2D6 inhibitors, stating that inhibition of either or both CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 may result in the elevation of pimozide blood concentration and increase the possibility of QT-prolongation.(2) For patients on avapritinib: this interaction applies only to gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients on avapritinib 200 mg or 300 mg.(5) If concurrent use cannot be avoided, then correct or minimize QT prolonging risk factors, use the lowest effective dose of pimozide, and discontinue other concurrent QT prolonging agents or CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 inhibitors if possible. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting.

DISCUSSION: Pimozide is metabolized at CYP3A.(1,5) Elevated levels of pimozide may prolong the QTc interval resulting in life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.(1) Serious cardiovascular events, including QT prolongation, torsades de pointes, ventricular tachycardia, cardiac arrest, and/or sudden death have been reported in patients taking pimozide in combination with itraconazole and/or other CYP3A4 inhibitors.(1,2) Weak CYP3A4 inhibitors include: amlodipine, asciminib, avapritinib, belumosudil, berberine, bicalutamide, blueberry, brodalumab, camizestrant, cannabidiol, capivasertib, chlorzoxazone, cimetidine, clotrimazole, cranberry, cyclosporine, daclatasvir, daridorexant, dihydroberberine, diosmin, elinzanetant, everolimus, flibanserin, fostamatinib, ginkgo, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, goldenseal, grazoprevir, isoniazid, istradefylline, ivacaftor, lacidipine, larotrectinib, lazertinib, leflunomide, levamlodipine, linagliptin, lomitapide, lurasidone, marijuana, olaparib, palbociclib, peppermint, piperine, pirtobrutinib, propiverine, ranitidine, resveratrol, scutellarin, sevabertinib, simeprevir, sitaxsentan, teriflunomide, ticagrelor, tolvaptan, trofinetide, viloxazine, and vonoprazan.(7,8)

Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

Agents Affecting Gastric Ph/Itraconazole; Ketoconazole

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Antacids, buffers in didanosine products, H2 antagonists, and proton-pump inhibitors increase the stomach pH. Quinapril tablets may contain a high percentage of magnesium. Since some orally administered azole antifungal agents require an acidic medium for optimal absorption, agents may decrease the absorption of azole antifungal agents.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Simultaneous administration of an antacid, buffered didanosine, a H2 antagonist, or a proton-pump inhibitor may result in decreased therapeutic effects of the azole antifungal.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If the concurrent administration of these two agents cannot be avoided, consider administering two capsules of glutamic acid hydrochloride 15 minutes before administering the antifungal and separate the administration times of the antifungal and the agent affecting gastric pH by at least two hours.

DISCUSSION: Itraconazole, ketoconazole, and posaconazole require an acidic medium for predictable dissolution and absorption decreases as pH increases and proton pump inhibitors are expected to decrease their absorption.(1-4) In a study in 11 healthy subjects, omeprazole (40 mg daily) decreased the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) of itraconazole (200 mg single dose) by 66% and 64%, respectively.(5) In a study in 15 healthy subjects, omeprazole (40 mg daily) had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of itraconazole solution.(6) In a study in 9 healthy subjects, omeprazole (60 mg) decreased the AUC of ketoconazole (200 mg single dose) by 83.4% compared to control (ketoconazole alone). Administration of Coca-Cola (240 ml) with ketoconazole and omeprazole raised ketoconazole AUC to 65% of control values.(7) Omeprazole has been shown to have no significant effect on the absorption of fluconazole(8) or voriconazole.(9) Case reports and in-vivo studies have documented significant decreases in ketoconazole levels during concurrent therapy with H-2 antagonists, including cimetidine and ranitidine. Concurrent administration of itraconazole and famotidine resulted in a significant decrease in itraconazole levels, but no significant changes in famotidine levels. An interaction should be expected to occur between both ketoconazole or itraconazole and the other H-2 antagonists.(10-14) In randomized, open-labeled, cross-over study in 12 healthy subjects, simultaneous administration of an antacid decreased the area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) of a single dose of itraconazole (200 mg) by 66% and 70%, respectively. Time to Cmax (Tmax) increased by 70%.(15) This interaction has also been reported in a case report.(16) In a study in 3 subjects, simultaneous administration of a combination aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide (30 ml) decreased the AUC of a single dose of ketoconazole (200 mg) by 41%.(172) In a case report, a patient receiving concurrent ketoconazole with aluminum hydroxide, cimetidine, and sodium bicarbonate did not respond to therapy until cimetidine was discontinued and the administration time of aluminum hydroxide and cimetidine was changed to 2 hours after ketoconazole. In a follow-up study in 2 subjects, concurrent cimetidine and sodium hydroxide lowered ketoconazole levels.(18) In a study in 14 subjects, simultaneous administration of aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide (20 ml, 1800 mg/1200 mg) had no significant effects on fluconazole pharmacokinetics.(3) In a randomized, open-label, cross-over study in 6 subjects, simultaneous administration of itraconazole with buffered didanosine tablets resulted in undetectable levels of itraconazole.(19) In a randomized cross-over study in 12 HIV-positive subjects, administration of buffered didanosine tablets 2 hours after ketoconazole had no effects on ketoconazole levels.(20) In a randomized, cross-over, open-label study in 24 healthy subjects, simultaneous administration of enteric-coated didanosine had no effect on ketoconazole pharmacokinetics.(21) One or more of the drug pairs linked to this monograph have been included in a list of interactions that could be considered for classification as "non-interruptive" in EHR systems. This DDI subset was vetted by an expert panel commissioned by the U.S. Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health Information Technology.

Antacids; H2 Antagonists/Ledipasvir; Velpatasvir

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The aqueous solubility of ledipasvir and velpatasvir is pH dependent. Higher gastric pH leads to lower solubility which may reduce ledipasvir and velpatasvir's absorption.(1-3)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Administration of antacids and H2 antagonists may reduce the bioavailability of ledipasvir and velpatasvir, leading to decreased systemic levels and effectiveness.(1-3)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: In order to assure systemic absorption and maximal effectiveness from use of this Hepatitis C treatment, counsel patient to separate products containing ledipasvir or velpatasvir from antacid administration by 4 hours.(1-3) H2 antagonists may be administered simultaneously or 12 hours apart from products containing ledipasvir or velpatasvir at a dose that does not exceed doses comparable to famotidine 40 mg twice daily (or a total daily dose comparable to famotidine 80 mg).(1-3) Some vitamin preparations may contain sufficient quantities of calcium and/or magnesium salts with antacid properties to interact as well.

DISCUSSION: In an interaction study, famotidine 40 mg, given with or 12 hours after a ledipasvir-sofosbuvir dose did not have significant effects on ledipasvir-sofosbuvir exposure.(1) In an interaction study, famotidine 40 mg, given with or 12 hours prior to a velpatasvir-sofosbuvir dose did not have a significant effect on velpatasvir-sofosbuvir exposure.(2) In an interaction study, famotidine (dosage not stated) did not have a significant effect on the pharmacokinetic of sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, or voxilaprevir.(3)

Antacids; H2 Antagonists/Rilpivirine

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Rilpivirine requires an acidic medium for absorption. Antacid or H2 antagonist induced decrease in gastric pH may result in a decrease in rilpivirine absorption.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Simultaneous administration of an antacid or a H2 antagonist may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of rilpivirine, as well as the development of resistance.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: In patients maintained on rilpivirine, administer antacids at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after rilpivirine.(1) In patients maintained on rilpivirine, administer H2 antagonists at least 12 hours before or 4 hours after rilpivirine.(1) Concurrent use of proton pump inhibitors with rilpivirine is contraindicated.(1) Some vitamin preparations may contain sufficient quantities of calcium and/or magnesium salts with antacid properties to interact as well.

DISCUSSION: In a study in 16 subjects, omeprazole (20 mg daily) decreased the maximum concentration (Cmax), area-under-curve (AUC), and minimum concentration (Cmin) of rilpivirine (150 mg daily) by 40%, 40%, and 33%, respectively. The Cmax and AUC of omeprazole decreased by 14% and 14%, respectively.(1) In a study in 24 subjects, famotidine (40 mg single dose) administered 12 hours before a single dose of rilpivirine (150 mg) had no significant effect on rilpivirine Cmax or AUC.(1) In a study in 23 subjects, famotidine (40 mg single dose) administered 2 hours before a single dose of rilpivirine (150 mg) decreased the rilpivirine Cmax and AUC by 85% and 76%, respectively.(1) In a study in 24 subjects, famotidine (40 mg single dose) administered 4 hours after a single dose of rilpivirine (150 mg) increased the rilpivirine Cmax and AUC by 21% and 13%, respectively.(1)

Antacids; Selected H2 Antagonists/Acalabrutinib Capsules

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Acalabrutinib capsules solubility decreases with increasing pH. Antacid or H2 antagonist induced increase in gastric pH may result in a decrease in acalabrutinib capsules absorption.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Simultaneous administration of an antacid or a H2 antagonist may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of acalabrutinib capsules.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Separate administration of acalabrutinib capsules and antacids by at least 2 hours.(1) In patients on acalabrutinib capsules, administer acalabrutinib capsules at least 2 hours before taking H2 antagonists.(1) Concurrent use of proton pump inhibitors with acalabrutinib capsules is not recommended.(1) Some vitamin preparations may contain sufficient quantities of calcium and/or magnesium salts with antacid properties to interact as well. Acalabrutinib tablets are not affected by coadministration with H2 antagonists or antacids, and may be used concurrently.(1)

DISCUSSION: In a study in healthy subjects, coadministration with an antacid (calcium carbonate 1 gram) decreased area-under-curve (AUC) of acalabrutinib capsules by 53%. Coadministration with a proton pump inhibitor (omeprazole 40 mg for 5 days) decreased AUC of acalabrutinib capsules by 43%.(1)

Anticholinergics/Topiramate

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Topiramate can cause decreased sweating and elevated body temperature. Agents with anticholinergic activity can predispose patients to heat-related disorders.(1-2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of topiramate with agents with anticholinergic activity may increase the incidence of oligohidrosis and hyperthermia, especially in pediatric or adolescent patients.(1-2) Overheating and dehydration can lead to brain damage and death.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Pediatric and adolescent patients and patients with dehydration may be more likely to experience heat-related disorders.(1)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of topiramate states that caution should be used when topiramate is prescribed with other medicinal products that predispose to heat-related disorders, such as agents with anticholinergic activity (e.g. clomipramine, hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine, haloperidol, imipramine, and oxybutynin) concurrently with zonisamide.(1) Monitor for signs and symptoms of heat stroke: skin feels very hot with little or no sweating, confusion, muscle cramps, rapid heartbeat, or rapid breathing. Monitor for signs and symptoms of dehydration: dry mouth, urinating less than usual, dark-colored urine, dry skin, feeling tired, dizziness, or irritability. If signs or symptoms of dehydration, oligohidrosis, or elevated body temperature occur, discontinuation of zonisamide should be considered.

DISCUSSION: Case reports of decreased sweating and elevated temperature have been reported, especially in pediatric patients. Some cases resulted in heat stroke that required hospital treatment.(1) A 64-year old woman developed non-exertional hyperthemia while taking multiple psychiatric medications with topiramate.(2)

Anticholinergics/Zonisamide

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Zonisamide can cause decreased sweating and elevated body temperature. Agents with anticholinergic activity can predispose patients to heat-related disorders.(1-2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of zonisamide with agents with anticholinergic activity may increase the incidence of oligohidrosis and hyperthermia, especially in pediatric or adolescent patients.(1-2) Overheating and dehydration can lead to brain damage and death.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Pediatric and adolescent patients and patients with dehydration may be more likely to experience heat-related disorders.(1)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The UK and US manufacturers of zonisamide state that caution should be used in adults when zonisamide is prescribed with other medicinal products that predispose to heat-related disorders, such as agents with anticholinergic activity.(1-2) Pediatric and adolescent patients must not take anticholinergic agents (e.g. clomipramine, hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine, haloperidol, imipramine, and oxybutynin) concurrently with zonisamide.(1) Monitor for signs and symptoms of heat stroke: skin feels very hot with little or no sweating, confusion, muscle cramps, rapid heartbeat, or rapid breathing. Monitor for signs and symptoms of dehydration: dry mouth, urinating less than usual, dark-colored urine, dry skin, feeling tired, dizziness, or irritability. If signs or symptoms of dehydration, oligohidrosis, or elevated body temperature occur, discontinuation of zonisamide should be considered.

DISCUSSION: Case reports of decreased sweating and elevated temperature have been reported, especially in pediatric patients. Some cases resulted in heat stroke that required hospital treatment and resulted in death.(1)

Cimetidine/Benzodiazepines

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Cimetidine may decrease the metabolism of Phase I hepatically metabolized benzodiazepines. At doses of 800-2400 mg daily, cimetidine is a weak inhibitor of CYP1A2, CYP2C19, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use may result in increased pharmacologic or toxic effects of certain benzodiazepines. Toxic effects include profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and/or death.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Benzodiazepines that do not undergo extensive Phase I metabolism (lorazepam, oxazepam) may be an alternative to interacting benzodiazepines in patients receiving cimetidine or by administering another H-2 antagonist (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine, nizatidine). Cimetidine use at higher doses of 200-400 mg four times daily would have an increased risk of inhibiting the metabolism of benzodiazepines. Lower doses and over-the-counter doses of cimetidine would be expected to have a diminished effect. Consider using alternative H2 antagonists when long-term concurrent therapy with benzodiazepines is indicated. If concurrent use is necessary, monitor patients for unusual dizziness or lightheadedness, extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficult breathing, or unresponsiveness.

DISCUSSION: Cimetidine increases the half-life and serum concentration and decreases the clearance of benzodiazepines that undergo oxidative metabolism (e.g., alprazolam, bromazepam, diazepam, flurazepam, midazolam, triazolam). In a clinical study, cimetidine 1,200 mg daily decreased the clearance of bromazepam by 50% and increased its half-life from 23 hours to 29 hours.(22) The sedative effects of benzodiazepines have been reported to be increased during concurrent administration of cimetidine. This interaction does not appear to occur with benzodiazepines that undergo glucuronide conjugation.

Cimetidine/Carbamazepine

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inhibition of carbamazepine metabolism by CYP3A4.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The pharmacologic and toxic effects of carbamazepine may be increased.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Monitor serum carbamazepine and observe the patient for signs of carbamazepine toxicity when starting, stopping or altering the dose of cimetidine. Administration of an alternative H-2 antagonist, such as famotidine or ranitidine, may circumvent this interaction.

DISCUSSION: Elevated plasma carbamazepine concentrations and toxicity have been reported in patients stabilized on carbamazepine after cimetidine has been started. The effects of this interaction appear to dissipate within one week, at which time carbamazepine returns to the level observed prior to the addition of cimetidine. However, toxicity may still occur as long as these drugs are administered concomitantly.

Cimetidine/Lidocaine

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Cimetidine reduces the hepatic clearance of lidocaine. Changes in hepatic blood flow may contribute.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Increased serum lidocaine levels with enhanced therapeutic and toxic response.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving this combination should be monitored for signs of lidocaine toxicity. The dosage of lidocaine should be adjusted based on serum lidocaine levels and patient response. Since other H-2 antagonists (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine) do not appear to interact, substituting cimetidine with one of these agents may be desirable. However, if a patient is already receiving this combination and is not experiencing adverse effects, substitution is probably not necessary.

DISCUSSION: This interaction is likely to occur.

Cimetidine/Metoprolol; Propranolol

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Cimetidine inhibition of CYP2D6 may reduce the metabolism of metoprolol and propranolol.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of cimetidine may result in increased pharmacologic and toxic side effects of metoprolol and propranolol.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Lower dosages of metoprolol and propranolol may be required in patients receiving cimetidine. When initiating cimetidine in a patient maintained on metoprolol or propranolol, observe the patient for increased beta-blocker effects such as lower heart rate and blood pressure. Consider lower starting doses of metoprolol or propranolol in patients receiving cimetidine. A dosage adjustment of the beta-blocker may be necessary when initiating or discontinuing cimetidine. Since other H-2 antagonists (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine) do not appear to interact, substituting cimetidine with one of these agents may be desirable. However, if a patient is already receiving this combination and is not experiencing adverse effects, substitution is probably not necessary.

DISCUSSION: Concurrent administration of cimetidine (1G/day to 1.2G/day) and propranolol has resulted in approximately a two-fold increase in propranolol plasma concentrations as well as an increase in its area-under-curve (AUC) and half-life after single (80mg) or multiple (160mg/day) doses. The alterations in propranolol levels were seen within 24 to 48 hours.(1-12) Concurrent administration of cimetidine increased the AUC of metoprolol by 60% to 70%.(11-17)

Cimetidine/Moclobemide

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Cimetidine may decrease the clearance of moclobemide. (1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of cimetidine may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from moclobemide.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If moclobemide is initiated in a patient maintained on cimetidine, moclobemide should be initiated at the lowest possible dose. If cimetidine is added to moclobemide therapy, the dose of moclobemide may need to be decreased by 50%.(1)

DISCUSSION: In a study in 8 healthy subjects, single intravenous and oral doses of moclobemide (100 mg) were administered after 2 weeks of cimetidine therapy (200 mg 5 times daily). Cimetidine decreased the clearance of intravenous moclobemide by 39.3% and increased moclobemide half-life by 43.75%. Cimetidine increased the oral bioavailability of moclobemide from 54% to 68% and increased the maximum concentration (Cmax) of moclobemide by 36.9%.(2)

Cimetidine/Moricizine

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Cimetidine may inhibit moricizine's metabolism.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of cimetidine and moricizine may result in increased moricizine levels and effects.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving concurrent therapy with moricizine and cimetidine should be closely monitored for electrocardiographic (ECG) changes. The dose of moricizine may need to be adjusted if cimetidine is added to or withdrawn from therapy.

DISCUSSION: In a study of eight normal fasting volunteers taking no other medications, cimetidine administration increased the elimination half-life of moricizine by 35% and reduced the clearance by 48.5%. The area-under-curve (AUC) of moricizine was increased 39% and the apparent volume of distribution of moricizine was decreased 26% with concurrent administration of cimetidine. ECG readings, heart rate, and blood pressure were not altered significantly by co-administration of cimetidine and moricizine when compared to moricizine alone.(1)

Cimetidine/Quinidine

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Cimetidine, a CYP3A4 inhibitor, may inhibit the metabolism of quinidine.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Potentiation of quinidine effects by cimetidine with possible quinidine toxicity, including QT prolongation and potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(7) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(7)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If both drugs are administered, adjust the quinidine dose as needed based on serum quinidine levels, cardiac function, and patient response. Since other H-2 antagonists (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine) do not appear to interact, substituting cimetidine with one of these agents may be desirable. Ventricular arrhythmia has been reported during concurrent use of ranitidine and quinidine. However, if a patient is already receiving this combination and is not experiencing adverse effects, substitution is probably not necessary. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting.

DISCUSSION: The onset and reversal of the interaction may occur within 48 hours of starting or stopping cimetidine in a patient receiving quinidine. Signs and symptoms of quinidine toxicity include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, headache, tinnitus, vertigo and confusion. Electrocardiogram changes, including prolongation of the QT and QRS intervals may also occur.

Cimetidine/Selected Calcium Channel Blockers

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Cimetidine may decrease the metabolism of diltiazem, felodipine, isradipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, nisoldipine, and nitrendipine.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The pharmacological effects of the calcium channel blocker may be increased.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Observe the patient for changes in clinical response to the calcium channel blocker when starting or stopping cimetidine. The dosage of the calcium channel blocker may need to be adjusted. Ideally, suggest an alternative H-2 antagonist such as famotidine, nizatidine, or ranitidine.

DISCUSSION: Significant effects have been observed during concurrent administration of nifedipine or felodipine with cimetidine. During combined administration of nifedipine and cimetidine in six healthy volunteers, the area-under-curve (AUC) of nifedipine was increased by 80% compared to nifedipine alone. Increased heart rate and a drop in mean arterial pressure 14 mmHg were also reported. Ranitidine showed only a nonsignificant 25% rise in peak plasma levels of nifedipine and no effects on blood pressure. Similar results were reported in another study where concurrent administration of felodipine and cimetidine resulted in an increase in felodipine AUC and maximum concentration (Cmax) by 50%. Concurrent administration of cimetidine has also been shown to increase the AUC and Cmax of diltiazem by 53% and 58%, respectively. The manufacturers of isradipine and nicardipine recommend carefully monitoring patients receiving concurrent therapy with cimetidine. The manufacturer of isradipine states that concurrent therapy with cimetidine has been shown to increase the AUC of isradipine by 50%. The manufacturer of nifedipine states that careful titration is necessary in patients receiving concurrent therapy. The manufacturers of felodipine and diltiazem state that dosage adjustments may be necessary in patients receiving concurrent therapy. Ranitidine has much less affinity for CYP metabolism than cimetidine and would therefore be expected to have less of an effect on calcium channel blocker metabolism. Studies have shown that nizatidine and famotidine do not inhibit CYP3A4 metabolism.

Cimetidine/Selected Opioid Analgesics

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The metabolism of selected opioid analgesics may be inhibited by cimetidine.(1-15) At doses of 800-2400 mg daily, cimetidine is a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4 and a weak inhibitor of CYP1A2, CYP2C19, CYP2C9, and CYP2D6.(16) Benzhydrocodone is a prodrug of hydrocodone.(12)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The effect of selected opioid analgesics may be increased including profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and/or death. Opioid analgesics have been associated with histamine release and is dependent on dose, route of administration, and rate of administration. Histamine release can cause arteriole dilation and contribute to a profound decrease in systemic blood pressure. The cardiovascular effects of histamine release occurring with the opioid analgesics may be decreased by giving cimetidine concurrently.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Cimetidine use at higher doses of 200-400 mg four times daily would have an increased risk of inhibiting the metabolism of opioid analgesics. Lower doses and over-the-counter doses of cimetidine would be expected to have a diminished effect. Consider using alternative H2 antagonists when long-term concurrent therapy with opioid analgesics is indicated. The manufacturer of sufentanil sublingual tablets states that if concomitant use with CYP3A4 inhibitors is necessary, consider use of an alternate agent that allows dose adjustment.(15) Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially during therapy initiation and following dosage increases. The risk of opioid-related overdose or overdose-related death is increased with higher opioid doses, and this risk persists over the course of therapy. Consider these risks when using concurrently with other agents that may cause CNS depression.(17) Monitor the patient for increased adverse effects of the opioid analgesic including respiratory and central nervous system depression, unusual dizziness or lightheadedness, extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficult breathing, or unresponsiveness. Discuss opioid reversal agents (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Consider prescribing an opioid reversal agent (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) to patients prescribed medicines to treat OUD or opioid analgesics who are at increased risk of opioid overdose (such as those taking CNS depressants) and when a patient has household members/close contacts at risk for accidental overdose. Discuss the options for obtaining an opioid reversal agent (e.g., prescription, over-the-counter, or as part of a community-based program).(18)

DISCUSSION: Severe respiratory depression has been reported with the concurrent administration of opioid analgesics and cimetidine. Systemic levels of opioid analgesics metabolized by CYP3A4 may be increased during concurrent use with cimetidine, a CYP3A4 inhibitor.(1-15) In a study of 6 healthy subjects, the effects of ketoconazole (a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor) 400 mg daily for 3 days on alfentanil were studied. The maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) of alfentanil were increased with both sequential and simultaneous dosing of alfentanil with concurrent ketoconazole.(19) In a study of 16 healthy subjects, the effects of ketoconazole 300 mg twice daily for 2 days on fentanyl 5 mcg/kg single dose were examined. Fentanyl AUC was increased by 133% and clearance was reduced to 78%. The metabolism of fentanyl to norfentanyl by CYP3A4 was delayed and partial metabolic clearance decreased by 18% with concurrent ketoconazole.(20) In vitro results of the effects of ketoconazole on hydrocodone confirmed CYP3A4 is responsible for the metabolism of hydrocodone to norhydrocodone.(21) A review discussed the metabolism of hydrocodone by CYP2D6 to O-demethylated hydromorphone and by CYP3A4 to N-demethylated norhydrocodone. CYP3A4 activity is reported as higher in women resulting in higher fractions of the norhydrocodone metabolite in women than in men.(22) A case report of a 46 year old hemodialysis patient was on routine therapy with phenytoin 100 mg three times daily and cimetidine 300 mg three times daily. Four days after starting cimetidine, morphine 15 mg IM every 4 hours was initiated for pain. After the sixth dose of morphine, the patient was apneic with a respiratory rate of 3 breaths/minute and had a grand mal seizure. The patient responded to naloxone 0.4 mg IV single dose with improvement in respiratory rate to 12 breaths/minute. Cimetidine was stopped and phenytoin decreased to 100 mg twice daily with improvement after 80 hours from initial episode. A month later the patient required surgery and was given cimetidine 150 mg twice daily followed by Pantopon 15 mg IM every 3-6 hours postoperatively for pain. The patient again became apneic, confused, and developed muscle twitching which responded to naloxone 0.4 mg for 4 doses over the next 24 hours with complete recovery.(23) In a study of 8 healthy subjects, the effects of cimetidine on morphine were studied. Subjects were evaluated in three study periods: morphine 10 mg IM single dose; cimetidine 600 mg oral given one hour before morphine 10 mg IM single dose; and cimetidine 600 mg oral single dose. Morphine reduced resting ventilation and increased end-tidal CO2 with peak effects at 120 minutes and resolution at 12 hours. Morphine with cimetidine pretreatment had similar effects on resting ventilation and end-tidal CO2, however the recovery ratio from 120 to 720 minutes was significantly different than morphine alone (p<0.05).(24) In a study of 7 healthy subjects, the effects of cimetidine 300 mg oral four times daily for 4 days on morphine 10 mg IV single dose were evaluated. No significant differences were found in morphine concentrations at any time point from zero to ten hours after dose administration with and without cimetidine. Morphine elimination half-life (t1/2), systemic clearance, volume of distribution, and AUC with and without cimetidine had no statistical differences.(25) In a study of 40 patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery were randomized to receive either cimetidine 4 mg/kg, diphenhydramine 1 mg/kg, a combination of both cimetidine and diphenhydramine, or placebo, followed by morphine 1 mg/kg. Patients were randomized to one of four groups: 1. placebo plus morphine; 2. cimetidine plus morphine; 3. diphenhydramine plus morphine; or 4. cimetidine plus diphenhydramine plus morphine. Patients in group 1 had a 10-fold increase in plasma histamine levels within 2 minutes of morphine with a decrease in mean BP, diastolic BP, and systemic vascular resistance (SVR). Group 2 has similar effects with a peak change in SVR and plasma histamine rise within 2 minutes of morphine. The change in SVR was significant when compared to placebo but less than group 1. Group 3 patients had an increase in heart rate (HR) from diphenhydramine alone as well as peak effects within 2 minutes of morphine with decreases in BP and SVR but were less than morphine alone. Group 4 patients had a 7-fold increase in histamine with a significant increase in HR, diastolic BP, and BP. When group 4 is compared to group 1, patients had a decrease in SVR and diastolic BP that was significantly less despite comparable increases in plasma histamine.(26) In vitro testing of oxycodone and methadone, cimetidine caused a greater than 50% inhibition in all pathways: CYP2B6, CYP3A4, CYP2C18, and CYP2D6. Cimetidine was found to be a weak reversible inhibitor in vitro. Extrapolation of the data to in vivo inhibition is unlikely to produce significant inhibition unless concentrations exceed normal doses by 10-fold.(27) Two studies examined the effects of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 on the metabolism of oxycodone as well as genetic polymorphism influences. After concurrent administration of oxycodone with ketoconazole, the Cmax of the metabolites noroxycodone and noroxymorphone were decreased by 80% from baseline.(28,29) A review discussed the metabolism of oxycodone by CYP3A4 to noroxycodone, the major metabolite with weak antinociceptive properties, and by CYP2D6 to the active minor metabolite oxymorphone.(30) In a study of 8 male subjects, effects of cimetidine 600 mg twice daily for seven days on pethidine 70 mg IV single dose was evaluated. Concurrent use with cimetidine was associated with a 22% decrease in clearance, 11% decrease in elimination rate, and a 13% decrease in volume of distribution of pethidine. Changes were also seen in norpethidine, the primary metabolite, with a 23% decrease in AUC and 29% decrease in Cmax.(31) Opioid analgesics linked to this monograph include: alfentanil, benzhydrocodone, dihydrocodeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, meperidine, meptazinol, nalbuphine, oxycodone, oxymorphone, pentazocine, propoxyphene, and sufentanil.

Cimetidine/Tricyclic Compounds

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Cimetidine inhibits the hepatic metabolism of tricyclic antidepressants.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The pharmacological and toxic effects of tricyclic antidepressants may be increased.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of seizures may be increased in patients with a history of head trauma or prior seizure; CNS tumor; severe hepatic cirrhosis; excessive use of alcohol or sedatives; addiction to opiates, cocaine, or stimulants; use of over-the-counter stimulants and anorectics; diabetics treated with oral hypoglycemics or insulin; or with concomitant medications known to lower seizure threshold (antipsychotics, theophylline, systemic steroids). The risk of anticholinergic toxicities including cognitive decline, delirium, falls and fractures is increased in geriatric patients using more than one medicine with anticholinergic properties.(9)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Observe the patient for an increased or decreased response to tricyclic antidepressant therapy if cimetidine is started or stopped. Adjust the dose of the tricyclic agent accordingly. This interaction can probably be avoided by administration of an H-2 receptor antagonist other than cimetidine (e.g., famotidine, nizatidine, ranitidine).

DISCUSSION: Both controlled studies and case reports have demonstrated that concurrent administration of tricyclic antidepressants and cimetidine can result in an increase in plasma tricyclic antidepressant concentrations. Adverse effects have been reported. Similarity between cyclobenzaprine and TCA's warrants consideration of TCA interactions for cyclobenzaprine.

Cimetidine/Zaleplon

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Cimetidine inhibits the metabolism of zaleplon by aldehyde oxidase and by CYP3A4.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of cimetidine and zaleplon may result in increased levels and clinical effects of zaleplon, including profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and/or death.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of zaleplon recommends that an initial dose of 5 mg of zaleplon be used in patients being concomitantly treated with cimetidine.(1)

DISCUSSION: Concomitant administration of zaleplon (10 mg) and cimetidine (800 mg) resulted in an 85% increase in zaleplon maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC). Therefore, the manufacturer of zaleplon recommends that an initial dose of 5 mg of zaleplon be used in patients being concomitantly treated with cimetidine.(1)

Cimetidine/Zolmitriptan (<= 2.5 Mg)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Cimetidine inhibits the CYP1A2 mediated metabolism of zolmitriptan and its active N-desmethyl metabolite.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Increased concentrations of zolmitriptan and its active N-desmethyl metabolite may increase the risk for adverse effects such as paresthesia, dizziness, or sensation of heaviness or tightness in the neck/throat/jaw, or chest.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Due to the extended half-life associated with concurrent cimetidine use, multiple doses of zolmitriptan within a 24-hour period may lead to accumulation, increasing the risk for adverse effects.(1,2)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of zolmitriptan recommends the maximum single dose be reduced to 2.5 mg, not to exceed 5 mg in any 24-hour period.(1) When possible, consider use of an alternative acid reducing agent.

DISCUSSION: Zolmitriptan is converted to several metabolites, but only the N-desmethyl metabolite is active. Although plasma concentrations are about 2/3 of the parent drug, the N-desmethyl metabolite is 2 to 6 times more potent at 5-HT1B/1D receptors than zolmitriptan and may contribute substantially to its pharmacologic effect.(1) Zolmitriptan added to therapeutic doses of cimetidine 400 mg three times a day increased the area-under-curve(AUC) for zolmitriptan and its active N-desmethyl metabolite of approximately 1.5 fold and 2 fold respectively.(1,2) An open 2 period crossover study in 16 volunteer subjects evaluated the pharmacokinetics of zolmitriptan and the N-desmethyl metabolite with or without cimetidine 400mg every 8 hours for 2 days. After cimetidine treatment, the AUC of zolmitriptan and the N-desmethyl metabolite increased 1.48 and 2.05 fold respectively. The half-life of zolmitriptan increased from 4.99 to 7.19 hours, while the active metabolite half-life increased from 3.81 to 8.00 hours after treatment with cimetidine.(2)

Cimetidine; Ranitidine/Hydantoins

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The predominant mechanism appears to be inhibition of hepatic microsomal enzymes resulting in impaired hydantoin metabolism. Cimetidine may inhibit the CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 mediated metabolism of phenytoin and other hydantoins.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of cimetidine or ranitidine may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from the hydantoin. Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia have been reported with concurrent cimetidine and phenytoin. Phenytoin has a narrow therapeutic range. Early symptoms of phenytoin toxicity may include nystagmus, ataxia, dysarthria, tremor, hyperreflexia, lethargy, slurred speech, blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting. Severe toxicity may produce organ dysfunction (e.g. coma, irreversible cerebellar dysfunction and atrophy, hypotension, bradycardia, seizures, and cardiac arrest) and may be fatal.(21)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Renal impairment, hepatic impairment, or hypoalbuminemia.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Patient receiving concurrent therapy should be monitored for increased hydantoin levels and effects. A dosage adjustment may be required after initiating or discontinuing cimetidine or ranitidine. Monitor the patient for signs of hydantoin toxicity (e.g. nystagmus, ataxia, dysarthria, tremor, hyperreflexia, lethargy, slurred speech, blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting). Substituting famotidine or nizatidine may be considered in patients experiencing adverse effects from the combination or to avoid the interaction.

DISCUSSION: There are several case reports and studies documenting increases in phenytoin levels (50% or greater) during concurrent use of cimetidine (400 mg/day to 2400 mg/day).(1-11) Phenytoin toxicity occurred in some patients. The interaction often occurred in two to ten days after concurrent therapy was initiated. Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia have also been reported during concurrent phenytoin and cimetidine.(12-15) There are three case reports of elevated phenytoin levels during concurrent ranitidine therapy.(16-18) However, in a study, no alterations in phenytoin levels were seen,(19) suggesting the interaction may not occur in all patients. Studies have shown that famotidine(1) and nizatidine(20) do not interact with phenytoin.

Cyp3a4; Cyp2c8; P-Glycoprotein (P-Gp) Inhibitors/Loperamide

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inhibitors of CYP3A4, CYP2C8, and/or P-gp may increase loperamide systemic absorption and facilitate entry into central nervous system (CNS).(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of inhibitors of CYP3A4, CYP2C8, and/or P-gp may increase levels of loperamide, resulting in respiratory depression.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Use loperamide with caution in patients receiving inhibitors of CYP3A4, CYP2C8, and/or P-gp. Consider lower doses of loperamide in these patients and monitor for adverse effects. The manufacturer of lonafarnib recommends starting loperamide at a dose of 1 mg and slowly increasing the dose as needed.(2)

DISCUSSION: In a randomized, cross-over study in 12 healthy subjects, itraconazole (100 mg twice daily for 5 days - first dose 200 mg), gemfibrozil (600 mg twice daily), and the combination of itraconazole and gemfibrozil (same dosages) increased the area-under-curve (AUC) of single doses of loperamide (4 mg) by 2.9-fold, 1.6-fold, and 4.2-fold, respectively.(3) In a study of healthy subjects, lonafarnib (100 mg twice daily for 5 days) increased the AUC and maximum concentration (Cmax) of single dose loperamide (2 mg) by 299% and 214%, respectively.(3) In a study in 18 healthy males, quinidine increased the AUC of a single dose of loperamide by 2.2-fold and markedly decreased pupil size.(4) In a study in 8 healthy subjects, subjects experienced respiratory depression when a single dose of loperamide (16 mg) was administered with a single dose of quinidine (600 mg) but not when loperamide was administered alone.(6) Loperamide plasma levels increased 2-fold to 3-fold.(5) Coadministration of trofinetide 12,000 mg twice daily with 4 mg of loperamide increased the AUC of loperamide by 1.73-fold and the Cmax by 1.95-fold. Administration of trofinetide 2 hours prior to loperamide increased the AUC of loperamide by 1.22-fold and the Cmax by 1.44-fold.(7)

Dual Cyp3a4 & P-Gp Inhibitors/Nintedanib

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Nintedanib is a substrate for the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) transporter and is metabolized to a minor extent by CYP3A4.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of an agent that is both an inhibitor of P-gp and CYP3A4 may result in elevated levels of and clinical effects of nintedanib.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of nintedanib recommends close monitoring for nintedanib patients receiving drugs which are both P-gp and CYP3A4 inhibitors. In an interaction study ketoconazole increased exposure to nintedanib by 60%. Nintedanib therapy may need to be interrupted or the dose may need to be reduced.(1)

DISCUSSION: In an interaction study coadministration with ketoconazole, a P-gp and CYP3A4 inhibitor, increased nintedanib exposure (area-under-curve, AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) by 1.61-fold and 1.83 fold respectively.(1) Strong CYP3A4 & P-gp inhibitors include: adagrasib, boceprevir, clarithromycin, cobicistat, grapefruit, indinavir, itraconazole, josamycin, ketoconazole, levoketoconazole, lonafarnib, lopinavir, mibefradil, mifepristone, nefazodone, nelfinavir, nirmatrelvir, paritaprevir, posaconazole, ritonavir, saquinavir, telaprevir, telithromycin, tipranavir, and tucatinib. Moderate CYP3A4 & P-gp inhibitors include: conivaptan, diltiazem, dronedarone, erythromycin, fluvoxamine, isavuconazonium, schisandra, and verapamil. Weak CYP3A4 & P-gp inhibitors include: amiodarone, azithromycin, cimetidine, cyclosporine, daclatasvir, daridorexant, diosmin, flibanserin, fluvoxamine, fostamatinib, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, ivacaftor, lapatinib, mavorixafor, ranolazine, and vepdegestrant.(2)

H2 Antagonists/Atazanavir

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: H-2 antagonists increase gastric pH. As gastric pH increases, the solubility of atazanavir decreases.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of atazanavir and a H-2 antagonist may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of atazanavir.(1,2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The Australian and US manufacturers of atazanavir(1,2) and cobicistat(3,4) state that patients who require H-2 antagonist therapy should receive atazanavir 300 mg daily with ritonavir 100 mg daily or cobicistat 150 mg daily, taken with and/or at least 10 hours after the H-2 antagonist dose. Patients who are also on tenofovir in addition to atazanavir and a H-2 antagonist should receive atazanavir 400 mg daily with ritonavir 100 mg daily or cobicistat 150 mg daily.(2,3,5) The dose of the H-2 antagonist should not exceed the equivalent of famotidine 40 mg twice daily in treatment-naive patients, and 20 mg twice daily in treatment-experienced patients.(2-5) Treatment-experienced pregnant patients in the second or third trimester on concurrent tenofovir disoproxil should have their atazanavir dose increased to 400 mg with ritonavir 100 mg daily. The use of atazanavir with both a H2-antagonist and tenofovir in treatment-experienced pregnant women is not recommended.(2) The Australian manufacturer of atazanavir states that atazanavir without ritonavir is not recommended when co-administered with H-2 antagonists.(1) The US manufacturer of atazanavir states that treatment-naive patients who are unable to tolerate ritonavir or cobicistat should receive atazanavir 400 mg daily with food at least 2 hours before and at least 10 hours after the H-2 antagonist. The H-2 antagonist dose should not exceed the equivalent of a 20 mg single dose of famotidine and the total daily dose should not exceed a 40 mg equivalent dose of famotidine. Treatment-experienced patients should not use unboosted atazanavir with a H-2 antagonist.(2) The US manufacturer of atazanavir states that atazanavir should not be administered without ritonavir in pediatric patients at least 13 years of age who weigh at least 40 kg who are receiving a H2 antagonist. Data are not sufficient to recommend a dose of atazanavir in patients weighing less than 40 kg.(2)

DISCUSSION: In a study in 15 subjects, simultaneous administration of atazanavir (400 mg daily) with famotidine (40 mg twice daily) decreased the atazanavir maximum concentration (Cmax), area-under-curve (AUC), and minimum concentration (Cmin) by 47%, 41%, and 42%, respectively.(2) In a study in 14 subjects, atazanavir (400 mg daily) was administered 2 hours before and 10 hours after famotidine (40 mg twice daily). Atazanavir Cmax increased 8%. Atazanavir AUC and Cmin decreased by 5% and 21%, respectively.(2) In a study in 14 subjects, atazanavir (300 mg daily) and ritonavir (100 mg daily) were administered simultaneously with famotidine (40 mg twice daily). Atazanavir Cmax, AUC, and Cmin decreased by 14%, 18%, and 28%, respectively, compared to the same regimen alone. However, atazanavir Cmax was similar to levels seen with atazanavir 400 mg alone. Atazanavir AUC and Cmin were 1.79-fold and 4.46-fold higher than levels seen with atazanavir 400 mg alone.(2) In a study in 18 subjects, simultaneous administration of famotidine (20 mg twice daily) and atazanavir/ritonavir (300/100 mg daily) decreased the Cmax, AUC, and Cmin of atazanavir by 9%, 10%, and 19%, respectively.(2) In a study in 20 subjects, administration of atazanavir/ritonavir/tenofovir (300/100/300 mg daily) 12 hours after famotidine (40 mg daily) decreased the Cmax, AUC, and Cmin of atazanavir by 11%, 12%, and 23%, respectively.(2) In a study in 18 subjects, administration of atazanavir/ritonavir/tenofovir (300/100/300 mg daily) 12 hours after the evening dose and two hours before the morning dose of famotidine (40 mg twice daily) decreased the Cmax, AUC, and Cmin of atazanavir by 26%, 21%, and 28%, respectively.(2) In a study in 15 subjects, administration of atazanavir/ritonavir (400/100 mg) with famotidine (40 mg twice daily) decreased atazanavir Cmin by 14%. There were no significant effects on atazanavir Cmax or AUC.(2)

H2 Antagonists/Pritelivir

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The aqueous solubility of pritelivir is pH dependent. Higher gastric pH leads to lower solubility which may reduce pritelivir absorption.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Coadministration of H2 receptor antagonists may reduce the bioavailability of pritelivir leading to decreased systemic levels and effectiveness.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Take pritelivir at least 2 hours before or 12 hours after H2 receptor antagonists.(1)

DISCUSSION: The combination of pritelivir with H2 receptor antagonists has not been studied. Pritelivir absorption is pH-dependent. Coadministration of a single oral dose of 100 mg pritelivir (on Day 1) with esomeprazole 40 mg once daily (from day -3 to Day 1; 4 days total) decreased maximum concentration (Cmax) by 76% and area-under-curve (AUC) by 59% compared to pritelivir administered alone.(1)

H2 Antagonists/Ravidasvir

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Absorption of ravidasvir may be reduced in patients receiving concomitant treatment with acid reducing agents.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Administration of H2 antagonists may reduce the bioavailability of ravidasvir, leading to decreased systemic levels and effectiveness.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: In order to assure systemic absorption and maximal effectiveness from use of this Hepatitis C treatment, counsel patients to administer H2 antagonists 4 hours after ravidasvir.(1)

DISCUSSION: Interaction studies with antacids have not been performed. Co-administration with H2 antagonists are expected to decrease ravidasvir plasma concentrations and potentially result in Hepatitis C treatment failure.(1)

H2 Antagonists/Rilzabrutinib

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Rilzabrutinib solubility decreases with increasing pH. H2 antagonist induced increase in gastric pH may result in a decrease in rilzabrutinib absorption.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Simultaneous administration of a H2 antagonist may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of rilzabrutinib.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Administer rilzabrutinib at least 2 hours before taking H2 antagonists.(1) Concurrent use of rilzabrutinib with proton pump inhibitors should be avoided.(1)

DISCUSSION: In an interaction study, administration of famotidine (H2 receptor antagonist) two hours after the evening dose of rilzabrutinib decreased the next morning dose of rilzabrutinib maximum concentration (Cmax) by 35% and area-under-curve (AUC) by 28%.(1)

H2 Antagonists/Selected Kinase Inhibitors

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The solubility of dacomitinib,(1) erlotinib,(2) gefitinib,(3) and nilotinib(4) is pH dependent. Changes in gastric pH from H2 antagonists may decrease the absorption of dacomitinib,(1) erlotinib,(2) gefitinib,(3) and nilotinib(4).

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Use of H2 antagonists may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of dacomitinib,(1) erlotinib,(2) gefitinib,(3) and nilotinib(4).

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Consider the use of short-acting antacids in patients taking dacomitinib,(1) erlotinib,(2) gefitinib,(3) and nilotinib(4). If antacids are used, separate the administration times by several hours(1-7) but at least 2 hours for bosutinib,(1) and nilotinib,(4) and 6 hours for gefitinib.(3) If H2 antagonist therapy is required with dacomitinib, dacomitinib must be given once daily 10 hours after the H2 blocker and 6 hours before the next dose of the H2 blocker.(1) If H2 antagonist therapy is required with erlotinib or nilotinib, the kinase inhibitor must be given 10 hours after the H2 blocker and at least 2 hours before the next dose of the H2 blocker.(2-4) If H2 antagonist therapy is required with gefitinib, gefitinib should be given at least 6 hours before or after the H2 antagonist.(3) Avoid the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in patients receiving treatment dacomitinib,(1) erlotinib,(2) gefitinib,(3) and nilotinib(4).

DISCUSSION: In a study, concurrent rabeprazole decreased the Cmax and AUC of dacomitinib by 51% and 39%, respectively.(1) In a study, concurrent omeprazole decreased the AUC and Cmax of erlotinib by 46% and 61%, respectively.(2) In a study, administration of erlotinib two hours after a dose of ranitidine (300 mg), erlotinib AUC and Cmax decreased by 33% and 54%, respectively. Administration of erlotinib 10 hours after and two hours before ranitidine (150 mg twice daily), erlotinib AUC and Cmax decreased by 15% and 17%, respectively.(2) In a case report, a patient that was given erlotinib (150 mg daily,) with algeldrate/magnesium hydroxide (800/400 mg four times daily 4 hours before or 2 hours after erlotinib) did not see a significant reduction in serum trough concentrations of erlotinib. When the patient was switched to intravenous pantoprazole via continuous infusion (8 mg per hour), serum erlotinib levels decreased significantly below minimal trough concentrations for effective tyrosine kinase inhibition. When the patient was switched to oral pantoprazole (40 mg twice daily), serum trough levels of erlotinib returned to therapeutic levels.(5) In a study in 22 healthy subjects, pretreatment with esomeprazole (40 mg daily), decreased the Cmax and AUC of a single dose of nilotinib (400 mg) by 27% and 34%, respectively.(4,7) Increasing the dosage of nilotinib or separating the administration time of nilotinib and the proton pump inhibitor is not expected to eliminate the interaction.(4) There were no significant changes in nilotinib pharmacokinetics when famotidine was administered 10 hours before or 2 hours after nilotinib.(4) There were no significant changes in nilotinib pharmacokinetics when an antacid (aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide/simethicone) was administered 2 hours before or after nilotinib.(4)

H2 Antagonists; Proton Pump Inhibitors/Amphetamines

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: H2 antagonists and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may alter the timing of absorption of amphetamines.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of amphetamines and H2 antagonists or PPIs may result in an increased absorption rate and a change in timing of peak amphetamine levels.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer states that patients receiving concurrent amphetamines and H2 antagonists or PPIs should be monitored for changes in the timing and clinical effects of amphetamines.(1) Monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for changes in amphetamine effectiveness and side effects. The Canadian manufacturer states that concurrent use of proton pump inhibitors and amphetamines should be avoided.(3)

DISCUSSION: During concurrent use of a proton pump inhibitor, the median time to maximum concentration (Tmax) of Adderall XR decreased from 5 hours to 2.75 hours.(3) In a 4-way crossover study in healthy subjects, omeprazole had no effect on the total exposure a single dose of mixed amphetamine salts (20 mg); however median Tmax decreased from 5 hours to 2.75 hours. Approximately 50% of subjects had a decrease in Tmax of equal to or greater than 1 hour.(4)

Mate Inhibitors/Flecainide

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inhibitors of the Multidrug and Toxin Extrusion (MATE) protein transporters in the kidneys may interfere with the renal elimination of flecainide.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of MATE renal transporter inhibitors may result in increased levels of and toxicity from flecainide.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Risk factors for QT prolongation include: cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, recent myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), female sex, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, advanced age, and concurrent use of agents known to cause QT prolongation.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Monitor serum flecainide concentrations and observe the patients for signs of toxicity. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting.

DISCUSSION: In a pharmacokinetic study, concurrent use of cimetidine (1 gram daily) increased flecainide levels by 30% and increased half-life by 10%.(1) MATE inhibitors linked include: abemaciclib, bictegravir, brepocitinib, cimetidine, isavuconazole, pyrimethamine, risdiplam, trimethoprim, and tucatinib.(4,5)

Mate Inhibitors/Metformin

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inhibitors of the Multidrug and Toxin Extrusion (MATE) protein transporters in the kidneys may interfere with the renal tubular secretion of metformin.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use may result in increased plasma levels of metformin and toxicity such as lactic acidosis. Untreated lactic acidosis may be fatal. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, low pH, increased anion gap and elevated blood lactate.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Risk factors for metformin associated lactic acidosis include renal impairment,sepsis, dehydration, excessive alcohol intake, acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, hepatic insufficiency, acute heart failure, metformin plasma levels > 5 micrograms/mL, and conditions which may lead to tissue hypoxia. Geriatric patients may also be at higher risk due to slower metformin clearance and increased half-life in this population. The risk for metabolic acidosis is higher with increased doses of either agent.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Use an alternative agent if possible. If both drugs are given, monitor patient's renal function and for signs and symptoms of metformin toxicity (lactic acidosis) such as malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, increasing somnolence, and respiratory distress. Laboratory results which may signal lactic acidosis include: low pH, an increased anion gap, and increased lactate to pyruvate ratio. Dosage of either agent may need to be adjusted.(1)

DISCUSSION: In a study of normal healthy volunteers, concurrent metformin and oral cimetidine increased metformin maximum concentration (Cmax) in plasma and whole blood by 60% and increased metformin area-under-curve (AUC) levels in plasma and whole blood by 40%.(1) In a study in 7 subjects, concurrent metformin (250 mg daily) with cimetidine (400 mg twice daily) increased metformin AUC by 50%. Metformin renal clearance over 24 hours was reduced by 27%.(2) MATE inhibitors include: brepocitinib, cimetidine, pyrimethamine, and risdiplam.(3)

Mate Inhibitors/Oxaliplatin

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inhibitors of the Multidrug and Toxin Extrusion (MATE) protein transporters in the kidneys may inhibit the renal transport of oxaliplatin.(1) Oxaliplatin is a MATE substrate.(2,3)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of MATE renal transporter inhibitors may result in increased levels of and toxicity from oxaliplatin, including QT prolongation and neutropenia.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Risk factors for QT prolongation include: cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, recent myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), female sex, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, advanced age, and concurrent use of agents known to cause QT prolongation.(4) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(4)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Concurrent use of oxaliplatin with MATE renal transporter inhibitors should be approached with caution and monitored closely. If concurrent use is warranted, monitor for toxicities of oxaliplatin and consider dosage reduction based on toxicity dose recommendations.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting.

DISCUSSION: Oxaliplatin is a MATE substrate.(2,3) MATE inhibitors include: abemaciclib, bictegravir, cimetidine, isavuconazole, pyrimethamine, risdiplam, trimethoprim, and tucatinib.(6,7)

Moderate And Weak Cyp3a4 Inhibitors/Tacrolimus

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Moderate and weak inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of tacrolimus.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a CYP3A4 inhibitor may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from tacrolimus, including nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and prolongation of the QTc interval and life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of tacrolimus recommends monitoring tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations and reducing tacrolimus dose if needed.(1) Consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting.

DISCUSSION: In a study of 26 renal transplant recipients, conjugated estrogens 3.75 mg daily increased the tacrolimus dose-corrected concentration of tacrolimus by 85.6%. Discontinuation of the conjugated estrogens led to a decrease in tacrolimus concentration of 46.6%.(3) A case report describes a 65-year-old kidney transplant recipient who was stable on tacrolimus 9 mg per day with trough levels of 5 to 7.5 ng/mL. Ten days after starting on estradiol gel 0.5 mg per day, her tacrolimus level rose to 18.3 ng/mL and serum creatinine (Scr) rose from 1.1 mg/dL at baseline to 2 mg/dL. Tacrolimus dose was reduced by 60%, and trough levels and Scr normalized after two weeks.(4) A study of 16 healthy volunteers found that elbasvir 50 mg/grazoprevir 200 mg daily increased the area-under-curve (AUC) of tacrolimus by 43%, while the maximum concentration (Cmax) of tacrolimus was decreased by 40%.(5) An analysis of FAERS data from 2004-2017, found a significant association between transplant rejection and concurrent use of tacrolimus and clotrimazole (reporting odds ratio 1.92, 95% CI). A retrospective study of 7 heart transplant patients on concurrent tacrolimus and clotrimazole troche showed a significant correlation between tacrolimus trough concentration and AUC after clotrimazole discontinuation. Tacrolimus clearance and bioavailability after clotrimazole discontinuation was 2.2-fold greater (0.27 vs. 0.59 L/h/kg) and the trough concentration decreased from 6.5 ng/mL at 1 day to 5.3 ng/mL at 2 days after clotrimazole discontinuation.(7) A retrospective study of 26 heart transplant patients found that discontinuation of concurrent clotrimazole with tacrolimus in the CYP3A5 expresser group had a 3.3-fold increase in apparent oral clearance and AUC of tacrolimus (0.27 vs. 0.89 L/h/kg) compared to the CYP3A5 non expresser group with a 2.2-fold mean increase (0.18 vs. 0.39 L/h/kg).(8) A study of 6 adult kidney transplant recipients found that clotrimazole (5-day course) increased the tacrolimus AUC 250% and the blood trough concentrations doubled (27.7 ng/ml versus 27.4 ng/ml). Tacrolimus clearance decreased 60% with coadministration of clotrimazole.(9) A case report describes a 23-year-old kidney transplant recipient who was stable on tacrolimus 5 mg twice daily, mycophenolate mofetil 30 mg daily, prednisone (30 mg daily tapered over time to 5 mg), and clotrimazole troche 10 mg four times daily. Discontinuation of clotrimazole resulted in a decrease in tacrolimus trough levels from 13.7 ng/ml to 5.4 ng/ml over a period of 6 days. Clotrimazole was restarted with tacrolimus 6 mg resulting in an increased tacrolimus level of 19.2 ng/ml.(10) A retrospective study in 95 heart transplant recipients on concurrent clotrimazole and tacrolimus found a median tacrolimus dose increase of 66.7% was required after clotrimazole discontinuation. Tacrolimus trough concentration was found to have decreased 42.5% after clotrimazole discontinuation.(11) A retrospective study in 65 pancreas transplant patients on concurrent tacrolimus, clotrimazole, cyclosporine, and prednisone found that clotrimazole discontinuation at 3 months after transplantation may cause significant tacrolimus trough level reductions.(12) A case report describes a 6-year-old kidney transplant recipient who was on a regimen of tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. The patient was started letermovir 240 mg via G-tube 2 months post kidney transplant. One week after starting letermovir, the routine tacrolimus level showed a supratherapeutic concentration of 22.9 ng/L. A 36% dose reduction of tacrolimus was required. Upon discontinuation of letermovir, the tacrolimus level decreased by 42%.(13) Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: berotralstat, conivaptan, fluvoxamine, lenacapavir, letermovir, netupitant, nirogacestat, sevabertinib, stiripentol, and tofisopam.(6) Weak CYP3A4 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: avacopan, baikal skullcap, berberine, bicalutamide, blueberry, brodalumab, camizestrant, chlorzoxazone, cimetidine, cranberry juice, daclatasvir, daridorexant, delavirdine, diosmin, elinzanetant, estrogens, flibanserin, fostamatinib, ginkgo biloba, givinostat, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, goldenseal, grazoprevir, isoniazid, istradefylline, ivacaftor, lacidipine, lazertinib, linagliptin, lomitapide, lumateperone, lurasidone, peppermint oil, piperine, propiverine, ranitidine, resveratrol, rimegepant, simeprevir, sitaxsentan, skullcap, ticagrelor, tolvaptan, trofinetide, viloxazine, and vonoprazan-amoxicillin.(6)

Moderate Cyp3a4 Inhibitors/Mavorixafor

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors may inhibit the metabolism of mavorixafor.(1) Mavorixafor is also a substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp). P-gp inhibitors may increase mavorixafor exposure.(1) Many CYP3A4 inhibitors also inhibit P-glycoprotein (P-gp), including cimetidine, diltiazem, fluvoxamine, isavuconazonium, schisandra, and verapamil.(2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase the levels and effects of mavorixafor, including thrombocytopenia and QTc prolongation, which may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias like torsades de pointes (TdP).(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: When used concomitantly with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, monitor more frequently for mavorixafor adverse effects and reduce the dose in 100 mg increments, if necessary, but not to a dose less than 200 mg.(1) When concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring EKG at baseline and regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting.

DISCUSSION: There are no clinical studies for the combination of mavorixafor and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors. In a study with healthy subjects, itraconazole 200 mg daily (a strong CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitor) increased the exposure to single-dose mavorixafor 200 mg similar to that from single-dose mavorixafor 400 mg alone. This suggests that itraconazole increased mavorixafor exposure by about 2-fold.(1) A study in healthy volunteers found that ritonavir 100 mg twice daily (a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and P-gp inhibitor) increased the area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) of single-dose mavorixafor 200 mg by 60% and 39%, respectively.(4) Moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 include: amprenavir, aprepitant, atazanavir, avacopan, berotralstat, cimetidine, conivaptan, darunavir, diltiazem, duvelisib, fedratinib, fluvoxamine, fosamprenavir, fosnetupitant, imatinib, isavuconazonium, lenacapavir, letermovir, netupitant, rilzabrutinib, schisandra, stiripentol, tofisopam, treosulfan, verapamil and voxelotor.(2,5)

Oct2 Inhibitors/Clofarabine

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Agents that inhibit the organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) may inhibit the excretion of clofarabine by OCT2 in the kidneys.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of OCT2 renal transport inhibitors may result in increased levels of and toxicity from clofarabine, including myelosuppression, serious hemorrhages, enterocolitis, nephrotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Consider the potential benefits against the risks of concurrent use of clofarabine with OCT2 renal transport inhibitors. If concurrent use is appropriate, monitor for toxicities of the clofarabine and consider dosage reduction of clofarabine.(1)

DISCUSSION: In an animal study, cimetidine, an OCT2 inhibitor, decreased the clearance of clofarabine in rats by 61%. The clinical implications of this finding are unclear.(1,2) In a study, givinostat increased the levels of creatinine (OCT2 substrate) by 4.76 umol/L from baseline.(3) In a study, trilaciclib increased the area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) of metformin (an OCT2, MATE1, and MATE-2K substrate) by approximately 65% and 81%, respectively. Renal clearance of metformin was decreased by 37%. Trilaciclib did not cause significant changes in the pharmacokinetics of topotecan (a MATE1 and MATE-2K substrate).(4) OCT2 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: abemaciclib, arimoclomol, bictegravir, brepocitinib, cimetidine, dolutegravir, givinostat, isavuconazole, ranolazine, trilaciclib, trimethoprim, tucatinib, and vimseltinib.(5)

Oct2 Inhibitors/Pindolol

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Agents that inhibit the organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) may inhibit the excretion of pindolol by OCT2 in the kidneys.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of OCT2 renal transport inhibitors may result in increased levels of and toxicity from pindolol.(1,2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Consider the potential benefits against the risks of concurrent use of pindolol with OCT2 renal transport inhibitors. If concurrent use is appropriate, monitor for toxicities of pindolol and consider dosage reduction of pindolol.(1,2)

DISCUSSION: In a study, givinostat increased the levels of creatinine (OCT2 substrate) by 4.76 umol/L from baseline.(1) In a study, trilaciclib increased the area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) of metformin (an OCT2, MATE1, and MATE-2K substrate) by approximately 65% and 81%, respectively. Renal clearance of metformin was decreased by 37%. Trilaciclib did not cause significant changes in the pharmacokinetics of topotecan (a MATE1 and MATE-2K substrate).(2) OCT2 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: arimoclomol, brepocitinib, cimetidine, dolutegravir, givinostat, and vimseltinib.(3)

Oct2 Inhibitors/Procainamide

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Agents that inhibit the organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) may inhibit the excretion of procainamide by OCT2 in the kidneys.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of OCT2 renal transport inhibitors may result in increased levels of and toxicities of procainamide,(1,2) including potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, like torsades de pointes (TdP).(3)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Risk factors for QT prolongation include: cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, recent myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), female sex, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, advanced age, and concurrent use of agents known to cause QT prolongation.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Consider the potential benefits against the risks of concurrent use of procainamide with OCT2 renal transport inhibitors. If concurrent use is appropriate, check procainamide and N-acetylprocainamide (NAPA) levels, monitor for toxicities of procainamide and consider dosage reduction of procainamide.(1) Since other H-2 antagonists (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine) do not appear to interact, substituting cimetidine with one of these agents may be desirable. However, if a patient is already receiving this combination and is not experiencing adverse effects, substitution is probably not necessary. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting.

DISCUSSION: In a study, givinostat increased the levels of creatinine (OCT2 substrate) by 4.76 umol/L from baseline.(1) In a study, trilaciclib increased the area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) of metformin (an OCT2, MATE1, and MATE-2K substrate) by approximately 65% and 81%, respectively. Renal clearance of metformin was decreased by 37%. Trilaciclib did not cause significant changes in the pharmacokinetics of topotecan (a MATE1 and MATE-2K substrate).(2) OCT2 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: abemaciclib, arimoclomol, bictegravir, brepocitinib, cimetidine, dolutegravir, givinostat, isavuconazole, trilaciclib, tucatinib, and vimseltinib.(4)

P-Glycoprotein (P-Gp) Inhibitors/Afatinib

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inhibitors of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) may increase the absorption of afatinib.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of afatinib with an inhibitor of P-glycoprotein may result in elevated levels of afatinib and signs of toxicity. These signs may include but are not limited to worsening diarrhea, stomatitis, skin rash/exfoliation/bullae or paronychia.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of afatinib states the afatinib dose should be reduced by 10 mg if the addition of a P-glycoprotein inhibitor is not tolerated.(1) If afatinib dose was reduced due to addition of a P-gp inhibitor, resume the previous dose after the P-gp inhibitor is discontinued.(1) The manufacturer of vimseltinib states concurrent use with P-gp substrates should be avoided. If concurrent use cannot be avoided, take vimseltinib at least 4 hours prior to afatinib.(2) The manufacturer of daraxonrasib states P-gp substrates should be administered at least 4 hours apart from daraxonrasib.(4)

DISCUSSION: A drug interaction study evaluated the effects of ritonavir 200 mg twice daily on afatinib exposure. Administration of ritonavir 1 hour before afatinib administration increased systemic exposure by 48%. Afatinib exposure was not changed when ritonavir was administered simultaneously with or 6 hours after afatinib dose.(1) P-glycoprotein inhibitors linked to this monograph are: amiodarone, asunaprevir, aumolertinib, azithromycin, belumosudil, capmatinib, carvedilol, cimetidine, clarithromycin, cobicistat, cyclosporine, danicopan, daraxonrasib, daridorexant, deutivacaftor, diosmin, dronedarone, erythromycin, flibanserin, fostamatinib, ginseng, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, hydroquinidine, imlunestrant, isavuconazonium, itraconazole, ivacaftor, josamycin, ketoconazole, lapatinib, ledipasvir, lonafarnib, mavorixafor, neratinib, osimertinib, posaconazole, propafenone, quinidine, ranolazine, ritonavir, saquinavir, selpercatinib, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir, sotorasib, telaprevir, tepotinib, tucatinib, valbenazine, vemurafenib, vepdegestrant, verapamil, vimseltinib and voclosporin.(1-3)

P-Glycoprotein (P-Gp) Inhibitors/Etoposide

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibition may increase etoposide cellular concentration, decrease biliary or renal elimination, and increase systemic absorption of oral etoposide.(1-4)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Increased cellular or systemic levels of etoposide may result in etoposide toxicity.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The interaction magnitude may be greater in patients receiving oral etoposide, or with impaired renal or hepatic function.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Anticipate and monitor for increased hematologic and gastrointestinal toxicities. Adjust or hold etoposide dose when needed. In patients receiving high-dose cyclosporine therapy, etoposide dosages should be reduced by 50%.(1) Monitor for signs of etoposide toxicity. Dosages may need further adjustment. The manufacturer of vimseltinib states concurrent use with P-gp substrates should be avoided. If concurrent use cannot be avoided, take vimseltinib at least 4 hours prior to etoposide.(5) The manufacturer of daraxonrasib states that P-gp substrates should be taken 4 hours apart from daraxonrasib.(6)

DISCUSSION: In a study in 16 patients, the administration of etoposide plus cyclosporine increased etoposide area-under-curve (AUC) by 59% and half-life by 73%. Etoposide renal clearance was decreased by 38% and nonrenal clearance was decreased by 52%. White blood cell count nadir was significantly lower during concurrent therapy with cyclosporine and etoposide (1200 mm3) when compared to etoposide alone (2500 mm3). There was also a trend for higher dosages of cyclosporine to exert increased effects on etoposide, although this difference did not reach statistical significance.(1) P-gp inhibitors linked to this monograph include: asciminib, asunaprevir, aumolertinib, azithromycin, belumosudil, capmatinib, cimetidine, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, daraxonrasib, daridorexant, danicopan, deutivacaftor, diosmin, flibanserin, fostamatinib, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, imlunestrant, itraconazole, ivacaftor, josamycin, ketoconazole, lonafarnib, mavorixafor, neratinib, osimertinib, pirtobrutinib, posaconazole, propafenone, quinidine, selpercatinib, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir, sotorasib, tepotinib, tucatinib, valbenazine, vemurafenib, vepdegestrant, verapamil, vimseltinib, and voclosporin.

P-Gp Inhibitors/Daraxonrasib (<= 150 Mg)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Daraxonrasib is a substrate of P-gp. P-gp inhibitors may inhibit the metabolism of daraxonrasib.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of P-gp inhibitors may increase the levels and toxicities of daraxonrasib, including dermatologic toxicity, stomatitis, GI perforation, and interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: For patients taking agents that are P-gp inhibitors, reduce the dose of daraxonrasib from 300 mg to 150 mg daily. After the P-gp inhibitor has been discontinued, resume the daraxonrasib dosage taken prior to initiating the inhibitor.(1)

DISCUSSION: In a pharmacokinetic model, quinidine 300 mg three times daily (a P-gp inhibitor) increased the area under curve (AUC) of daraxonrasib by 1.8-fold.(1) P-gp inhibitors include: abrocitinib, amiodarone, azithromycin, belumosudil, capmatinib, carvedilol, cimetidine, curcumin, danicopan, daridorexant, diosmin, flibanserin, fostamatinib, ginseng, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, imlunestrant, ivacaftor, lapatinib, neratinib, osimertinib, pirtobrutinib, propafenone, ranolazine, selpercatinib, tepotinib, tezacaftor, turmeric, valbenazine, velpatasvir, vemurafenib, vepdegestrant, vimseltinib, and voclosporin.(2-3)

Sel Oral Cations; Antacids; H2 Antag/Dolutegravir-Rilpivirin

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Aluminum, calcium, iron, lanthanum, magnesium, sucralfate, and zinc may form chelation compounds with dolutegravir.(1) Rilpivirine requires an acidic medium for absorption. Antacid or H2 antagonist induced decrease in gastric pH may result in decrease in rilpivirine absorption.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Simultaneous administration or administration of products containing aluminum, calcium, iron, lanthanum, magnesium, and/or sucralfate close to the administration time of dolutegravir may result in decreased absorption and clinical effectiveness of dolutegravir.(1) Simultaneous administration of an antacid or a H2 antagonist may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of rilpivirine, as well as the development of resistance.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If possible, avoid concurrent therapy with dolutegravir-rilpivirine and cation-containing products. If it is necessary to use these agents concurrently, dolutegravir-rilpivirine should be administered 4 hours before or 6 hours after taking these medications.(1) Alternatively, dolutegravir-rilpivirine and supplements containing calcium or iron can be taken together with food.(1) In patients maintained on dolutegravir-rilpivirine, administer dolutegravir-rilpivirine at least 4 hours before or 6 hours after antacids .(1) In patients maintained on dolutegravir-rilpivirine, administer dolutegravir-rilpivirine at least 4 hours before or 12 hours after H2 antagonists.(1) Concurrent use of proton pump inhibitors will dolutegravir-rilpivirine is contraindicated.(1)

DISCUSSION: In a study in 16 subjects, the administration of an antacid (Maalox - aluminum and magnesium hydroxide) simultaneously with dolutegravir (50 mg single dose) decreased the maximum concentration (Cmax), area-under-curve (AUC), and minimum concentration (Cmin) of dolutegravir by 72%, 74%, and 74%, respectively.(1) In a study in 16 subjects, the administration of an antacid (Maalox - aluminum and magnesium hydroxide) 2 hours after dolutegravir (50 mg single dose) decreased dolutegravir Cmax, AUC, and Cmin by 18%, 26%, and 30%, respectively.(1) In a study in 16 subjects, the administration of a multiple vitamin (One-A-Day) simultaneously with dolutegravir (50 mg single dose) decreased dolutegravir Cmax, AUC, and Cmin by 35%, 33%, and 32%, respectively.(1) In a study in 16 subjects, omeprazole (20 mg daily) decreased the Cmax, AUC, and Cmin of rilpivirine (150 mg daily) by 40%, 40%, and 33%, respectively. The Cmax and AUC of omeprazole decreased by 14% and 14%, respectively.(1) In a study in 24 subjects, famotidine (40 mg single dose) administered 12 hours before a single dose of rilpivirine (150 mg) had no significant effect on rilpivirine Cmax or AUC.(1) In a study in 23 subjects, famotidine (40 mg single dose) administered 2 hours before a single dose of rilpivirine (150 mg) decreased the rilpivirine Cmax and AUC by 85% and 76%, respectively.(1) In a study in 24 subjects, famotidine (40 mg single dose) administered 4 hours before a single dose of rilpivirine (150 mg) increased the rilpivirine Cmax and AUC by 21% and 13%, respectively.(1)

Select P-Gp Inhibitors/Edoxaban (<= 30 Mg)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Edoxaban is a substrate for P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Inhibitors of P-gp may increase intestinal absorption and decrease renal tubular elimination of edoxaban.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use with selected P-gp inhibitors may result in higher systemic concentrations of edoxaban which may increase the risk for bleeding.(1,2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Bleeding risk may be increased in patients with creatinine clearance below 50 mL per minute(1-4). Use of multiple agents which increase edoxaban exposure or affect hemostasis would be expected to increase the risk for bleeding. The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Management recommendations between approving regulatory agencies (FDA or European Medicines Agency, EMA) are conflicting. EMA approved prescribing information specifically states that dosage adjustments are not required solely for concomitant use with amiodarone, quinidine, or verapamil regardless of indication.(3,4) Potential interactions with azithromycin, clarithromycin, or oral itraconazole are not described.(3) FDA approved prescribing recommendations for edoxaban are indication specific:(2) - For prevention of stroke or embolic events due to nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, no edoxaban dose adjustments are recommended during concomitant therapy with P-glycoprotein inhibitors. - For treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), the edoxaban dose should be reduced to 30 mg daily during concomitant use with azithromycin, clarithromycin, oral itraconazole, quinidine or verapamil. The manufacturer of vimseltinib states concurrent use with P-gp substrates should be avoided. If concurrent use cannot be avoided, take vimseltinib at least 4 hours prior to edoxaban.(6) Monitor patients receiving anticoagulant therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin and/or hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. anti Factor Xa inhibition) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling. Discontinue edoxaban in patients with active bleeding. The manufacturer of daraxonrasib states P-gp substrates should be administered at least 4 hours apart from daraxonrasib.(9)

DISCUSSION: Edoxaban in vivo interaction studies have been performed for quinidine and verapamil. In vivo interaction studies have not been conducted for the remaining P-gp inhibitors linked to this monograph.(1,4) In an interaction study, the effect of repeat administration of quinidine (300 mg TID) on a single oral dose of edoxaban 60 mg was evaluated in healthy subjects. Both peak (Cmax) and total systemic exposure (AUC) to edoxaban and to the active M4 metabolite increased approximately 1.75-fold.(1) In an interaction study, the effect of repeat administration of verapamil (240 mg Verapamil SR Tablets (Calan SR) QD for 11 Days) on a single oral dose of edoxaban 60 mg on the morning of Day 10 was evaluated in healthy subjects. Total and peak systemic exposure to edoxaban increased 1.53-fold and 1.53-fold, respectively. Total and peak systemic exposure to the active M4 metabolite increased 1.31-fold and 1.28-fold, respectively.(1) Based upon the above results, patients in the DVT/PE trial had a 50% dose reduction (from 60 mg to 30 mg) during concomitant therapy with P-glycoprotein inhibitors. Approximately 0.5% of these patients required a dose reduction solely due to P-gp inhibitor use. This low rate of concurrent therapy was too small to allow for detailed statistical evaluation. Almost all of these patients were receiving quinidine or verapamil. In these patients, both trough edoxaban concentrations (Ctrough) used to evaluate bleeding risk, and total edoxaban exposure (AUC or area-under-curve) used to evaluate treatment efficacy, were lower than patients who did not require any edoxaban dose adjustment. In this DVT/PE comparator trial, subgroup analysis revealed that warfarin had numerically better efficacy than edoxaban in patients receiving P-gp inhibitors. Based upon the overall lower exposure to edoxaban in P-gp dose adjusted subjects, both EMA and FDA Office of Clinical Pharmacology (OCP) concluded that the edoxaban 50% dose reduction overcorrected for the difference in exposure.(1,4) Consequently, EMA recommended no edoxaban dose adjustments for patients receiving concomitant therapy with quinidine or verapamil.(3,4) A summary of pharmacokinetic interactions with edoxaban and verapamil concluded that if concurrent use is considered safe.(7) P-gp inhibitors linked to this interaction are: amiodarone, asunaprevir, aumolertinib, azithromycin, belumosudil, capmatinib, carvedilol, cimetidine, clarithromycin, cobicistat, conivaptan, daclatasvir, danicopan, daraxonrasib, daridorexant, diltiazem, diosmin, flibanserin, fostamatinib, ginseng, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, hydroquinidine, imlunestrant, indinavir, oral itraconazole, ivacaftor, josamycin, ledipasvir, lonafarnib, mavorixafor, neratinib, osimertinib, pirtobrutinib, posaconazole, propafenone, quinidine, ranolazine, selpercatinib, sotorasib, telaprevir, telithromycin, tezacaftor, tepotinib, tucatinib, valbenazine, velpatasvir, vemurafenib, vepdegestrant, verapamil, vimseltinib, and voclosporin.(8)

Select P-Gp Inhibitors/Edoxaban (> 30 Mg)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Edoxaban is a substrate for P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Inhibitors of P-gp may increase intestinal absorption and decrease renal tubular elimination of edoxaban.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use with selected P-gp inhibitors may result in higher systemic concentrations of edoxaban which may increase the risk for bleeding.(1,2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Bleeding risk may be increased in patients with creatinine clearance below 50 mL per minute(1-4). Use of multiple agents which increase edoxaban exposure or affect hemostasis would be expected to increase the risk for bleeding. The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Management recommendations between approving regulatory agencies (FDA or European Medicines Agency, EMA) are conflicting. EMA approved prescribing information specifically states that dosage adjustments are not required solely for concomitant use with amiodarone, quinidine, or verapamil regardless of indication.(3,4) Potential interactions with azithromycin, clarithromycin, or oral itraconazole are not described.(3) FDA approved prescribing recommendations for edoxaban are indication specific:(2) - For prevention of stroke or embolic events due to nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, no edoxaban dose adjustments are recommended during concomitant therapy with P-glycoprotein inhibitors. - For treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), the edoxaban dose should be reduced to 30 mg daily during concomitant use with azithromycin, clarithromycin, oral itraconazole, quinidine or verapamil. The manufacturer of vimseltinib states concurrent use with P-gp substrates should be avoided. If concurrent use cannot be avoided, take vimseltinib at least 4 hours prior to edoxaban.(6) Monitor patients receiving anticoagulant therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin and/or hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. anti Factor Xa inhibition) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling. Discontinue edoxaban in patients with active bleeding. The manufacturer of daraxonrasib states P-gp substrates should be administered at least 4 hours apart from daraxonrasib.(9)

DISCUSSION: Edoxaban in vivo interaction studies have been performed for quinidine and verapamil. In vivo interaction studies have not been conducted for the remaining P-gp inhibitors linked to this monograph.(1,4) In an interaction study, the effect of repeat administration of quinidine (300 mg TID) on a single oral dose of edoxaban 60 mg was evaluated in healthy subjects. Both peak (Cmax) and total systemic exposure (AUC) to edoxaban and to the active M4 metabolite increased approximately 1.75-fold.(1) In an interaction study, the effect of repeat administration of verapamil (240 mg Verapamil SR Tablets (Calan SR) QD for 11 Days) on a single oral dose of edoxaban 60 mg on the morning of Day 10 was evaluated in healthy subjects. Total and peak systemic exposure to edoxaban increased 1.53-fold and 1.53-fold, respectively. Total and peak systemic exposure to the active M4 metabolite increased 1.31-fold and 1.28-fold, respectively.(1) Based upon the above results, patients in the DVT/PE trial had a 50% dose reduction (from 60 mg to 30 mg) during concomitant therapy with P-glycoprotein inhibitors. Approximately 0.5% of these patients required a dose reduction solely due to P-gp inhibitor use. This low rate of concurrent therapy was too small to allow for detailed statistical evaluation. Almost all of these patients were receiving quinidine or verapamil. In these patients, both trough edoxaban concentrations (Ctrough) used to evaluate bleeding risk, and total edoxaban exposure (AUC or area-under-curve) used to evaluate treatment efficacy, were lower than patients who did not require any edoxaban dose adjustment. In this DVT/PE comparator trial, subgroup analysis revealed that warfarin had numerically better efficacy than edoxaban in patients receiving P-gp inhibitors. Based upon the overall lower exposure to edoxaban in P-gp dose adjusted subjects, both EMA and FDA Office of Clinical Pharmacology (OCP) concluded that the edoxaban 50% dose reduction overcorrected for the difference in exposure.(1,4) Consequently, EMA recommended no edoxaban dose adjustments for patients receiving concomitant therapy with quinidine or verapamil.(3,4) A summary of pharmacokinetic interactions with edoxaban and verapamil concluded that if concurrent use is considered safe.(7) P-gp inhibitors linked to this interaction are: amiodarone, asunaprevir, aumolertinib, azithromycin, belumosudil, capmatinib, carvedilol, cimetidine, clarithromycin, cobicistat, conivaptan, daclatasvir, danicopan, daraxonrasib, daridorexant, diltiazem, diosmin, flibanserin, fostamatinib, ginseng, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, hydroquinidine, imlunestrant, indinavir, oral itraconazole, ivacaftor, josamycin, ledipasvir, lonafarnib, neratinib, osimertinib, pirtobrutinib, posaconazole, propafenone, quinidine, ranolazine, selpercatinib, sotorasib, telaprevir, telithromycin, tezacaftor, tepotinib, tucatinib, valbenazine, velpatasvir, vemurafenib, vepdegestrant, verapamil, vimseltinib, and voclosporin.(8)

Selected Cyp2c19 Inhibitors/Citalopram (<= 20 Mg)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Citalopram is primarily metabolized by the CYP2C19 isoenzyme.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of an agent that inhibits CYP2C19 may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from citalopram, including including risks for serotonin syndrome or prolongation of the QTc interval.(1-5) Prolongation of the QT interval may result in life-threatening arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(2) Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include tremor, agitation, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, clonus, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity.(5)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, advanced age, poor metabolizer status at CYP2C19, or higher blood concentrations of citalopram.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) Predisposing factors for serotonin-related adverse effects include use in the elderly, in patients with hepatic impairment, and in patients receiving multiple agents which increase central serotonin levels.(1,5) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The dose of citalopram should be limited to 20 mg in patients receiving concurrent therapy with an inhibitor of CYP2C19.(1,4) Evaluate the patient for other drugs, diseases and conditions which increase risk for QT prolongation and correct risk factors (e.g. correct hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, discontinue other QT prolonging drugs) when possible.(1,2) Weigh the specific benefits versus risks for each patient. The US manufacturer recommends ECG monitoring for citalopram patients with congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, taking concomitant QT prolonging medications or receiving concurrent therapy.(4) Citalopram should be discontinued in patients with persistent QTc measurements greater than 500 ms.(2) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. If concurrent therapy is warranted, patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Instruct patients to report muscle twitching, tremors, shivering and stiffness, fever, heavy sweating, heart palpitations, restlessness, confusion, agitation, trouble with coordination, or severe diarrhea.

DISCUSSION: Concurrent use of citalopram (40 mg daily) and cimetidine (400 mg twice daily) for 8 days increased the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) of citalopram by 39% and 43%, respectively.(1) Inhibitors of CYP2C19 include: abrocitinib, allicin (garlic derivative), armodafinil, asciminib, berotralstat, cannabidiol (CBD), cenobamate, cimetidine strengths > or = 200 mg, elagolix, enasidenib, eslicarbazepine, esomeprazole, etravirine, fedratinib, felbamate, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, givosiran, isoniazid, moclobemide, modafinil, obeticholic acid, omeprazole, piperine, rolapitant, stiripentol, tecovirimat, treosulfan, and vonoprazan.(7,8)

Selected Cyp2c19 Inhibitors/Escitalopram (<= 15 Mg)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: At lower systemic concentrations, escitalopram is primarily metabolized by CYP2C19; at higher concentrations is also metabolized by CYP3A4.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of an agent which significantly inhibits CYP2C19, or which inhibits both CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 may result in elevated concentrations and toxicity from escitalopram, including risks for serotonin syndrome or prolongation of the QTc interval.(1,5) Prolongation of the QT interval may result in life-threatening arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(2) Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include tremor, agitation, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, clonus, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity.(3)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation may be increased in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female sex, advanced age, poor metabolizer status at CYP2C19, concurrent use of more than one agent known to cause QT prolongation, or with higher blood concentrations of escitalopram.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) Predisposing factors for serotonin-related adverse effects include use in the elderly, in patients with hepatic impairment, and in patients receiving multiple agents which increase central serotonin levels.(1,3) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Evaluate patient for other drugs, diseases and conditions which may further increase risk for QT prolongation and correct risk factors (e.g. correct hypokalemia, discontinue other QT prolonging drugs) when possible.(2,3) It would be prudent to limit the escitalopram dose to 10 mg daily in patients with QT prolonging risk factors who also receive concurrent therapy with selected CYP2C19 inhibitors.(5) Weigh the specific benefits versus risks for each patient. If concurrent therapy is warranted, patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Instruct patients to report muscle twitching, tremors, shivering and stiffness, fever, heavy sweating, heart palpitations, restlessness, confusion, agitation, trouble with coordination, or severe diarrhea.

DISCUSSION: A thorough QT study evaluating escitalopram 10 mg or 30 mg once daily was conducted; a change of 10 msec for upper bound of the 95% confidence level is the threshold for regulatory concern. In this study, changes to the upper bound of the 95% confidence interval were 6.4 msec and 12.6 msec for the 10 mg and supratherapeutic 30 mg dose respectively. The Cmax for 30 mg was 1.7-fold higher than the Cmax for the maximum recommended escitalopram dose of 20 mg. Systemic exposure at the 30 mg dose was similar to expected steady state concentrations in 2C19 poor metabolizers following a 20 mg escitalopram dose.(1) In an interaction study, 30 mg of omeprazole, an irreversible inhibitor of CYP2C19 was administered daily for 6 days. On day 5 a single dose of escitalopram 20 mg was also administered; the area-under-curve (AUC) of escitalopram was increased by 50%. Manufacturer prescribing information recommends a maximum citalopram dose of 20mg daily in patients receiving CYP2C19 inhibitors.(1) Inhibitors of CYP2C19 include: abrocitinib, allicin (garlic derivative), armodafinil, asciminib, berotralstat, cannabidiol (CBD), cenobamate, cimetidine strengths > or = 200 mg, elagolix, enasidenib, eslicarbazepine, esomeprazole, etravirine, fedratinib, felbamate, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, givosiran, isoniazid, moclobemide, modafinil, obeticholic acid, omeprazole, piperine, rolapitant, stiripentol, tecovirimat, treosulfan, and vonoprazan.(4)

Selected Cyp2c19 Inhibitors/Escitalopram (> 15 Mg)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: At lower systemic concentrations, escitalopram is primarily metabolized by CYP2C19; at higher concentrations is also metabolized by CYP3A4.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of an agent which significantly inhibits CYP2C19, or which inhibits both CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 may result in elevated concentrations and toxicity from escitalopram, including risks for serotonin syndrome or prolongation of the QTc interval.(1,5) Prolongation of the QT interval may result in life-threatening arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(2) Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include tremor, agitation, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, clonus, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity.(3)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation may be increased in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female sex, advanced age, poor metabolizer status at CYP2C19, concurrent use of more than one agent known to cause QT prolongation, or with higher blood concentrations of escitalopram.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) Predisposing factors for serotonin-related adverse effects include use in the elderly, in patients with hepatic impairment, and in patients receiving multiple agents which increase central serotonin levels.(1,3) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Evaluate patient for other drugs, diseases and conditions which may further increase risk for QT prolongation and correct risk factors (e.g. correct hypokalemia, discontinue other QT prolonging drugs) when possible.(2,3) It would be prudent to limit the escitalopram dose to 10 mg daily in patients with QT prolonging risk factors who also receive concurrent therapy with selected CYP2C19 inhibitors.(5) Weigh the specific benefits versus risks for each patient. If concurrent therapy is warranted, patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Instruct patients to report muscle twitching, tremors, shivering and stiffness, fever, heavy sweating, heart palpitations, restlessness, confusion, agitation, trouble with coordination, or severe diarrhea.

DISCUSSION: A thorough QT study evaluating escitalopram 10 mg or 30 mg once daily was conducted; a change of 10 msec for upper bound of the 95% confidence level is the threshold for regulatory concern. In this study, changes to the upper bound of the 95% confidence interval were 6.4 msec and 12.6 msec for the 10 mg and supratherapeutic 30 mg dose respectively. The Cmax for 30 mg was 1.7-fold higher than the Cmax for the maximum recommended escitalopram dose of 20 mg. Systemic exposure at the 30 mg dose was similar to expected steady state concentrations in 2C19 poor metabolizers following a 20 mg escitalopram dose.(1) In an interaction study, 30 mg of omeprazole, an irreversible inhibitor of CYP2C19 was administered daily for 6 days. On day 5 a single dose of escitalopram 20 mg was also administered; the area-under-curve (AUC) of escitalopram was increased by 50%. Manufacturer prescribing information recommends a maximum citalopram dose of 20mg daily in patients receiving CYP2C19 inhibitors.(1) Inhibitors of CYP2C19 include: abrocitinib, allicin (garlic derivative), armodafinil, asciminib, berotralstat, cannabidiol (CBD), cenobamate, cimetidine strengths > or = 200 mg, elagolix, enasidenib, eslicarbazepine, esomeprazole, etravirine, fedratinib, felbamate, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, givosiran, isoniazid, moclobemide, modafinil, obeticholic acid, omeprazole, piperine, rolapitant, stiripentol, tecovirimat, treosulfan, and vonoprazan.(4)

Selected H2 Antagonists/Bosutinib; Neratinib

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The solubility of bosutinib(1) and neratinib(2) is pH dependent. Changes in gastric pH from H2 antagonists may decrease the absorption of bosutinib and neratinib.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Use of H2 antagonists may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of bosutinib(1) and neratinib.(2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Consider the use of short-acting antacids in patients taking bosutinib(1) and neratinib.(2) If antacids are used, separate the administration times by at least 2 hours for bosutinib(1) and 3 hours for neratinib.(2) If H2 antagonist therapy is required with bosutinib, separate administration of the H2 blocker by at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after bosutinib.(1) If H2 antagonist therapy is required with neratinib, then neratinib must be given 10 hours after the H2 blocker and at least 2 hours before the next dose of the H2 blocker.(2) Avoid the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in patients receiving treatment with bosutinib(1) and neratinib.(2)

DISCUSSION: A single dose of bosutinib 400 mg was administered alone or following multiple doses of lansoprazole 60 mg without food. Lansoprazole decreased bosutinib maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) by 46% and 26%, respectively.(1) In a study in 15 healthy subjects, lansoprazole 30 mg daily decreased the Cmax and AUC of a single dose of neratinib (240 mg) by 71% and 65%, respectively.(2)

Selected H2 Antagonists/Pexidartinib

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The solubility of pexidartinib is pH dependent. Changes in gastric pH from H2 antagonists may decrease the absorption of pexidartinib.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Use of H2 antagonists may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of pexidartinib.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Consider the use of short-acting antacids in patients taking pexidartinib. If antacids are used, separate the administration times by at least 2 hours. If H2 antagonist therapy is required, the pexidartinib must be given 10 hours after the H2 blocker and at least 2 hours before the next dose of the H2 blocker. Avoid the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).(1)

DISCUSSION: Coadministration of esomeprazole decreased pexidartinib maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) by 55% and 50%, respectively.(1)

Selected P-Glycoprotein (P-Gp) Inhibitors/Betrixaban

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Betrixaban is a substrate for the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) system. Inhibition of intestinal P-gp leads to increased absorption of betrixaban.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use betrixaban with P-gp inhibitors may lead to elevated plasma levels of betrixaban, increasing the risk for bleeding.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Factors associated with an increased risk for bleeding include renal impairment, concomitant use of P-gp inhibitors, coexisting conditions (e.g. recent trauma) or use of drugs (e.g. NSAIDs) associated with bleeding risk, and patient weight < 50 kg.(1)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Assess renal function and evaluate patient for other pre-existing risk factors for bleeding prior to initiating concurrent therapy. The concurrent use of betrixaban and P-gp inhibitors should be avoided in patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl less than 30 ml/min).(1) The recommended dose for patients receiving or starting concomitant P-gp inhibitors is an initial single dose of 80 mg followed by 40 mg once daily. The recommended duration of treatment is 35 to 42 days.(1) Note that if betrixaban is used with the combination of darunavir and cobicistat, dose adjustment of betrixaban is not necessary.(2) The manufacturer of vimseltinib states concurrent use with P-gp substrates should be avoided. If concurrent use cannot be avoided, take vimseltinib at least 4 hours prior to betrixaban.(3) Careful monitoring for signs and symptoms of bleeding is warranted during concurrent therapy. Consider regular monitoring of hemoglobin, platelet levels, and/or activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) or ecarin clotting time (ECT). Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as bleeding from the eyes, gums or nose; unusual bruising; dark stools; red or dark brown urine; and/or abdominal pain or swelling.(1) The anticoagulant effect of betrixaban is expected to persist for at least 72 hours after the last dose. The manufacturer of daraxonrasib states P-gp substrates should be administered at least 4 hours apart from daraxonrasib.(8)

DISCUSSION: In the APEX randomized, double-blind study the incidence of major or clinically relevant non-major bleeds (CRNM) in the betrixaban 40mg and 80 mg group was higher in patients taking concomitant P-gp inhibitors (2.8% vs. 4.1% vs. 4.7%).(4) In a study in 12 subjects, concomitant administration of a single dose of betrixaban (40 mg) following a 5-day regimen of ketoconazole (200 mg twice daily) resulted in an increase in betrixaban's maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-the-curve (AUC) of 2.3-fold and 2.3-fold, respectively.(5) An open-label study looking at concomitant administration of a single dose of betrixaban with verapamil in 18 subjects found an increase in betrixaban's Cmax and AUC of approximately 4.7-fold and 3-fold, respectively.(5) In a study, concomitant administration of betrixaban (80 mg) with amiodarone resulted in an increase in betrixaban's Cmax by 143%.(5) A summary of pharmacokinetic interactions with betrixaban and amiodarone, diltiazem, or verapamil concluded that if concurrent use is warranted, the betrixaban dose should be reduced to 80 mg once then 40 mg daily. Use should be avoided if CrCl is less than 30 ml/min.(6) P-gp inhibitors include asunaprevir, aumolertinib, azithromycin, belumosudil, capmatinib, carvedilol, cimetidine, clarithromycin, cobicistat, conivaptan, cyclosporine, daclatasvir, danicopan, daraxonrasib, daridorexant, diltiazem, diosmin, dronedarone, erythromycin, flibanserin, fostamatinib, ginseng, glecaprevir, hydroquinidine, imlunestrant, indinavir, itraconazole, ivacaftor, josamycin, lapatinib, ledipasvir, lonafarnib, lopinavir, mavorixafor, neratinib, osimertinib, pibrentasvir, pirtobrutinib, posaconazole, propafenone, quinidine, ranolazine, ritonavir, selpercatinib, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir, sotorasib, telaprevir, telithromycin, tepotinib, tezacaftor, tucatinib, valbenazine, velpatasvir, vemurafenib, vepdegestrant, vimseltinib, voclosporin and voxilaprevir.(1,4-7)

Selected P-Gp And Weak Cyp3a4 Inhibitors/Rivaroxaban

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Amiodarone, azithromycin, brodalumab, chloramphenicol, cimetidine, cyclosporine, felodipine, fluvoxamine, fostamatinib, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, hydroquinidine, ivacaftor, nilotinib, piperine, pirtobrutinib, quinidine, ranolazine, simeprevir, ticagrelor and tolvaptan may inhibit the metabolism of rivaroxaban by CYP3A4 and by P-glycoprotein.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of an agent that is both an inhibitor of P-gp and a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4 may result in elevated levels of and clinical effects of rivaroxaban, including an increased risk of bleeding, in patients with decreased renal function.(1,2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients with decreased renal function (CrCL of 15 ml/min to 80 ml/min) may be predisposed to this interaction.(1) The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer states no precautions are necessary with the concurrent use of these agents and rivaroxaban in patients with normal renal function.(1) It would be prudent to closely monitor concurrent use in patients with reduced renal function (CrCL of 15 ml/min to 80 ml/min). If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: Clarithromycin (500 mg twice daily) increased the area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) of a single dose of rivaroxaban by 50% and 40%, respectively.(1,2) Erythromycin (500 mg three times daily) increased the AUC and Cmax of a single dose of rivaroxaban by 30% and 30%, respectively.(1-3) In patients with mild renal impairment (CrCl of 50 ml/min to 79 ml/min) who were receiving erythromycin, rivaroxaban levels were increased 76% when compared to administration of rivaroxaban in patients with normal renal function receiving rivaroxaban alone. In patients with moderate renal impairment (CrCl of 30 ml/min to 49 ml/min) who were receiving erythromycin, rivaroxaban levels were increased 99% when compared to administration of rivaroxaban in patients with normal renal function receiving rivaroxaban alone.(1) Fluconazole increased the AUC and Cmax of a single dose of rivaroxaban by 40%% and 30%, respectively.(1) These changes are not expected to be clinically significant in patients with normal renal function.(1,2) In a case report, an 88-year-old woman with renal impairment on rivaroxaban presented with an elevated INR of 2.5 and a rivaroxaban peak plasma concentration above the upper limit of detection at >800 mcg/L (therapeutic range 58-211 mcg/L). Nothing in her medical history suggested a reason for supratherapeutic rivaroxaban levels except for a 7-week amiodarone regimen that was discontinued 3 weeks prior. This suggests the potential for amiodarone to persist in the body weeks after its use and precipitate drug-drug interactions.(4) A retrospective cohort study examined 24,943 patients aged 66 years and older with concurrent therapy of an anticoagulant, either rivaroxaban (40.0%), apixaban (31.9%), or dabigatran (28.1%), with either azithromycin or clarithromycin. The primary outcome of hospital admission with major hemorrhage within 30 days on concurrent therapy was higher in patients on clarithromycin (0.77%) compared to azithromycin (0.43%) with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.71 (95% CI, 1.20-2.45). In a self-controlled case series, 744 major hemorrhage events were identified among 647 unique individuals taking anticoagulants who were exposed to clarithromycin. The rate of events that occurred during clarithromycin use had a significant rate ratio of 1.44 (95% CI, 1.08-1.92).(5) A propensity matched cohort evaluated the concurrent use of combined P-gp and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors with apixaban or rivaroxaban. Combined inhibitors included amiodarone, diltiazem, erythromycin, dronedarone, and verapamil. Bleeding occurred in 26.4% of patients in the inhibitor group compared to 18.4% in the control group (hazard ratio 1.8; 95% CI 1.19-2.73; p=0.006). Although not statistically significant, patients in the inhibitor group also had a higher rate of major bleeding (15% vs 10.3%) and minor bleeding (8.9% vs 5.2%), respectively.(6) A summary of pharmacokinetic interactions with rivaroxaban and amiodarone concluded that concurrent use should be avoided if CrCl < 80 ml/min.(7) A prospective cohort study of 174 patients evaluated the concurrent use of rivaroxaban and amiodarone. The combination of rivaroxaban and amiodarone was associated with a higher incidence of bleeding events (p=0.041; HR=2.83, 95% CI 1.05-7.66) and clinically relevant non-major bleeding (p=0.021; HR=3.65, 95% CI 1.21-10.94). Concurrent use of amiodarone and rivaroxaban in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients was an independent risk factor for increased risk of bleeding (p=0.044; OR 2.871, 95% CI 1.028-8.023).(8) P-gp and weak CYP3A4 inhibitors linked to this monograph are: amiodarone, azithromycin, belumosudil, brodalumab, chloramphenicol, cimetidine, cyclosporine, daridorexant, diosmin, flibanserin, fostamatinib, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, hydroquinidine, istradefylline, ivacaftor, mavorixafor, nilotinib, piperine, pirtobrutinib, quinidine, ranolazine, selpercatinib, simeprevir, tolvaptan, and vepdegestrant.(9,10)

Selected Weak Cyp2d6 Inhibitors/Tamoxifen

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inhibitors of CYP2D6 may inhibit the conversion of tamoxifen to endoxifen (an active metabolite of tamoxifen).(1-2) The role of endoxifen in tamoxifen's efficacy has been debated and may involve a minimum concentration level.(3-5)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of inhibitors of CYP2D6 may decrease the effectiveness of tamoxifen in preventing breast cancer recurrence.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Concurrent use of weak CYP2D6 inhibitors in patients who are CYP2D6 intermediate metabolizers should be avoided. Patients who are CYP2D6 poor metabolizers lack CYP2D6 function and are not affected by CYP2D6 inhibition.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Although data on this interaction are conflicting, it may be prudent to use alternatives to CYP2D6 inhibitors when possible in patients taking tamoxifen. The US manufacturer of tamoxifen states that the impact on the efficacy of tamoxifen by strong CYP2D6 inhibitors is uncertain and makes no recommendation regarding coadministration with inhibitors of CYP2D6.(12) The manufacturer of paroxetine (a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor) states that alternative agents with little or no CYP2D6 inhibition should be considered.(13) The National Comprehensive Cancer Network's breast cancer guidelines advises caution when coadministering strong CYP2D6 inhibitors with tamoxifen.(14) NCCN states when prescribing a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), it is reasonable to avoid SSRIs that are strong and moderate CYP2D6 inhibitors, particularly fluoxetine and paroxetine, if an appropriate alternative exists.(14) Cancer Care Ontario breast cancer guidelines state concurrent use of weak CYP2D6 inhibitors should be closely monitored.(15) The European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) clinical practice guidelines for early breast cancer states patients on tamoxifen should be advised to avoid concurrent use of strong and moderate CYP2D6 inhibitors. Consider alternatives to tamoxifen if CYP2D6 inhibitors cannot be replaced with alternative agents.(16) If concurrent therapy is warranted, the risks versus benefits should be discussed with the patient.

DISCUSSION: Some studies have suggested that administration of fluoxetine, paroxetine, and quinidine with tamoxifen or a CYP2D6 poor metabolizer phenotype may result in a decrease in the formation of endoxifen (an active metabolite of tamoxifen) and a shorter time to breast cancer recurrence.(1-2,9) A retrospective study of 630 breast cancer patients found an increasing risk of breast cancer mortality with increasing durations of coadministration of tamoxifen and paroxetine. In the adjusted analysis, absolute increases of 25%, 50%, and 75% in the proportion of time of overlapping use of tamoxifen with paroxetine was associated with 24%, 54%, and 91% increase in the risk of death from breast cancer, respectively.(18) The CYP2D6 genotype of the patient may have a role in the effects of this interaction. Patients with wild-type CYP2D6 genotype may be affected to a greater extent by this interaction. Patients with a variant CYP2D6 genotype may have lower baseline levels of endoxifen and may be affected to a lesser extent by this interaction.(6-10) In a retrospective review, 1,325 patients treated with tamoxifen for breast cancer were classified as being poor 2D6 metabolizers (lacking functional CYP2D6 enzymes), intermediate metabolizers (heterozygous alleles), or extensive metabolizers (possessing 2 functional alleles). After a mean follow-up period of 6.3 years, the recurrence rates were 14.9%, 20.9%, and 29.0%, in extensive metabolizers, intermediate metabolizers, and poor metabolizers, respectively.(11) In October of 2006, the Advisory Committee Pharmaceutical Science, Clinical Pharmacology Subcommittee of the US Food and Drug Administration recommended that the US tamoxifen labeling be updated to include information about the increased risk of breast cancer recurrence in poor CYP2D6 metabolizers (either by genotype or drug interaction).(19-20) The labeling changes were never made due to ongoing uncertainty about the effects of CYP2D6 genotypes on tamoxifen efficacy. In contrast to the above information, two studies have shown no relationship between CYP2D6 genotype and breast cancer outcome.(21-23) As well, a number of studies found no association between use of CYP2D6 inhibitors and/or antidepressants in patients on tamoxifen and breast cancer recurrence,(24-28) though the studies were limited by problematic selection of CYP2D6 inhibitors and short follow-up. Weak inhibitors of CYP2D6 include: alogliptin, artesunate, celecoxib, chloroquine, cimetidine, clobazam, clomipramine, cobicistat, delavirdine, diltiazem, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, dronabinol, dupilumab, echinacea, enasidenib, fedratinib, felodipine, fluvoxamine, gefitinib, hydralazine, imatinib, labetalol, lorcaserin, nicardipine, osilodrostat, ranitidine, ritonavir, sarpogrelate, sertraline, verapamil and viloxazine.(29)

Slt Moderate And Weak Cyp3a4 Inhibit/Sirolimus Protein-Bound

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Moderate and weak CYP3A4 inhibitors may inhibit the metabolism of sirolimus by CYP3A4.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of moderate or weak CYP3A4 inhibitors may result in elevated levels of and side effects from sirolimus.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of sirolimus protein-bound injection (Fyarro) states a dose reduction to 56 mg/m2 is recommended when used concurrently with moderate or weak CYP3A4 inhibitors. Concurrent use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors should be avoided.(1)

DISCUSSION: In an open, randomized, cross-over trial in 18 healthy subjects, concurrent single doses of diltiazem (120 mg) and sirolimus (10 mg) increased sirolimus area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) by 60% and by 43%, respectively. Sirolimus apparent oral clearance and volume of distribution decreased by 38% and 45%, respectively. There were no effects on diltiazem pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics.(2) In a study in 26 healthy subjects, concurrent sirolimus (2 mg daily) with verapamil (180 mg twice daily) increased sirolimus AUC and Cmax by 2.2-fold and 2.3-fold, respectively. The AUC and Cmax of the active S-enantiomer of verapamil each increased by 1.5-fold. Verapamil time to Cmax (Tmax) was increased by 1.2 hours.(2) Moderate and weak CYP3A4 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: amlodipine, anamorelin, aprepitant, avacopan, azithromycin, berberine, berotralstat, bicalutamide, blueberry, brodalumab, camizestrant, chlorzoxazone, cilostazol, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, clofazimine, conivaptan, crizotinib, daclatasvir, daridorexant, delavirdine, diltiazem, diosmin, elinzanetant, estrogen, flibanserin, fluvoxamine, fosaprepitant, fosnetupitant, fostamatinib, ginkgo, givinostat, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, gepotidacin, goldenseal, grazoprevir, isoniazid, istradefylline, ivacaftor, lacidipine, lazertinib, oral lefamulin, lenacapavir, levamlodipine, linagliptin, lomitapide, lumateperone, lurasidone, mavorixafor, netupitant, nicardipine, omeprazole, osilodrostat, peppermint oil, piperine, propiverine, propofol, ranitidine, ranolazine, resveratrol, rimegepant, roxithromycin, scutellarin, sevabertinib, simeprevir, sitaxsentan, stiripentol, ticagrelor, tofisopam, tolvaptan, trofinetide, vonoprazan, and voxelotor.(3,4)

Strong Or Mod 3A4 Inh; Dual 3A4 And 1A2 Inhibit/Roflumilast

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Agents that are either strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors or dual inhibitors of CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of roflumilast.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The coadministration of roflumilast with strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors or dual inhibitors of CY3A4 and CYP1A2 may increase roflumilast systemic exposure and may result in increased adverse reactions.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of roflumilast states concurrent use with CYP3A4 inhibitors or dual inhibitors of CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 should be approached with caution and the risk should be weighed carefully against the benefit. Consider alternatives with no or minimal enzyme inhibition.(1)

DISCUSSION: In healthy subjects, concurrent use of roflumilast (500 mcg single dose) with erythromycin, a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, (500 mg three times daily for 15 days) increased the area-under-curve (AUC) and concentration maximum (Cmax) of roflumilast by 70% and 40%, respectively, and decreased the AUC and Cmax of roflumilast N-oxide by 4% and 34%, respectively.(1,2) In healthy subjects, concurrent use of roflumilast (500 mcg single dose) with ketoconazole, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, (200 mg twice daily for 13 days) increased the AUC and Cmax of roflumilast by 99% and 23%, respectively, and decreased the AUC and Cmax of roflumilast N-oxide by 3% and 38%, respectively.(1) In healthy subjects, concurrent use of roflumilast (500 mcg single dose) with fluvoxamine, a dual CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 inhibitor, (50 mg daily for 14 days) increased the AUC and Cmax of roflumilast by 156% and 12%, respectively, and decreased the AUC and Cmax of roflumilast N-oxide by 52% and 210%, respectively.(1) In healthy subjects, concurrent use of roflumilast (500 mcg single dose) with cimetidine, a dual CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 inhibitor, (400 mg twice daily for 14 days) increased the AUC and Cmax of roflumilast by 85% and 46%, respectively, and increased the AUC and decreased Cmax of roflumilast N-oxide by 27% and 4%, respectively.(1) Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: adagrasib, boceprevir, ceritinib, clarithromycin, cobicistat, ensitrelvir, idelalisib, indinavir, itraconazole, josamycin, ketoconazole, levoketoconazole, lonafarnib, lopinavir, mibefradil, mifepristone, nefazodone, nelfinavir, nirmatrelvir, paritaprevir, posaconazole, relacorilant, saquinavir, telaprevir, tipranavir, tucatinib, and voriconazole.(3,4) Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: amprenavir, aprepitant, atazanavir, avacopan, berotralstat, clofazimine, conivaptan, crizotinib, darunavir, diltiazem, dronedarone, duvelisib, erythromycin, fedratinib, fluconazole, fluvoxamine, fosamprenavir, fosnetupitant, imatinib, isavuconazole, lefamulin (oral), lenacapavir, letermovir, netupitant, nilotinib, nirogacestat, schisandra, stiripentol, tofisopam, treosulfan, and voxelotor.(3,4) Dual CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: belumosudil, cannabidiol, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, fluvoxamine, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, grapefruit, osilodrostat, piperine, ribociclib, rucaparib, simeprevir, telithromycin, troleandomycin, verapamil, and viloxazine.(3,4)

Weak Cyp3a4 Inhibitors/Lemborexant (<= 5 Mg)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of lemborexant.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of an inhibitor of CYP3A4 may result in increased levels of and effects from lemborexant, including somnolence, fatigue, CNS depressant effects, daytime impairment, headache, and nightmare or abnormal dreams.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The maximum recommended dose of lemborexant with concurrent use of a weak CYP3A4 inhibitors should not exceed 5 mg per dose.(1) For patients on avapritinib: this interaction applies only to gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients on avapritinib 200 mg or 300 mg.(2)

DISCUSSION: Lemborexant is a CYP3A4 substrate. In a PKPB model, concurrent use of lemborexant with itraconazole increased area-under-curve (AUC) and concentration maximum (Cmax) by 3.75-fold and 1.5-fold, respectively. Concurrent use of lemborexant with fluconazole increased AUC and Cmax by 4.25-fold and 1.75-fold, respectively.(1) Weak inhibitors of CYP3A4 include: amiodarone, amlodipine, anamorelin, asciminib, avapritinib, azithromycin, Baikal skullcap, belumosudil, berberine, bicalutamide, blueberry, brodalumab, camizestrant, cannabidiol, capivasertib, chlorzoxazone, cilostazol, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, clotrimazole, cranberry, cyclosporine, daclatasvir, daridorexant, delavirdine, dihydroberberine, diosmin, elinzanetant, everolimus, flibanserin, fosaprepitant, fostamatinib, gepotidacin, ginkgo, givinostat, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, goldenseal, grazoprevir, isoniazid, istradefylline, ivacaftor, lacidipine, lapatinib, larotrectinib, lazertinib, leflunomide, levamlodipine, linagliptin, lomitapide, lurasidone, mavorixafor, olaparib, osilodrostat, palbociclib, pazopanib, peppermint oil, piperine, propiverine, propofol, ranitidine, ranolazine, resveratrol, roxithromycin, rucaparib, selpercatinib, simeprevir, sitaxsentan, skullcap, teriflunomide, ticagrelor, tolvaptan, trofinetide, vepdegestrant, viloxazine, vonoprazan, and ziftomenib.(1,3)

Weak Cyp3a4 Inhibitors/Ubrogepant (<= 50 Mg)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Weak inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of ubrogepant.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ubrogepant with weak CYP3A4 inhibitors may result in an increase in exposure of ubrogepant.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends a dosage adjustment of ubrogepant when used concomitantly with weak CYP3A4 inhibitors. Initial dose of ubrogepant should not exceed 50 mg when used concomitantly with weak inhibitors of CYP3A4. A second dose may be given within 24 hours but should not exceed 50 mg when used concurrently with weak CYP3A4 inhibitors.(1) For patients on avapritinib: this interaction applies only to gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients on avapritinib 200 mg or 300 mg.(2)

DISCUSSION: Coadministration of ubrogepant with verapamil, a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, resulted in a 3.5-fold and 2.8-fold increase in area-under-curve (AUC) and concentration maximum (Cmax), respectively. No dedicated drug interaction study was conducted to assess concomitant use with weak CYP3A4 inhibitors. The conservative prediction of the maximal potential increase in ubrogepant exposure with weak CYP3A4 inhibitors is not expected to be more than 2-fold.(1) Weak inhibitors of CYP3A4 include: amiodarone, amlodipine, anamorelin, asciminib, avapritinib, azithromycin, Baikal skullcap, berberine, bicalutamide, blueberry, brodalumab, camizestrant, cannabidiol, capivasertib, chlorzoxazone, cilostazol, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, clotrimazole, cranberry, cyclosporine, daclatasvir, delavirdine, deutivacaftor, dihydroberberine, diosmin, elinzanetant, everolimus, flibanserin, fosaprepitant, fostamatinib, gepotidacin, givinostat, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, goldenseal, grazoprevir, isoniazid, istradefylline, ivacaftor, lacidipine, lapatinib, larotrectinib, lazertinib, leflunomide, levamlodipine, linagliptin, lomitapide, lurasidone, maribavir, mavorixafor, olaparib, osilodrostat, palbociclib, pazopanib, peppermint oil, piperine, pirtobrutinib, propiverine, propofol, ranitidine, ranolazine, resveratrol, roxithromycin, simeprevir, sitaxsentan, skullcap, teriflunomide, ticagrelor, tolvaptan, trofinetide, vepdegestrant, viloxazine, vonoprazan, and ziftomenib.(3,4)

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There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.

• Chronic kidney disease stage 4 (severe) GFR 15-29 ml/min
• Chronic kidney disease stage 5 (failure) GFr<15 ml/min
• Gastric cancer

• Kidney disease with likely reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFr)

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Rare or Very Rare

• Agranulocytosis
• Atrioventricular block
• Bradycardia
• Erythema multiforme
• Exfoliative dermatitis
• Fever
• Hypersensitivity drug reaction
• Interstitial nephritis
• Leukopenia
• Pancreatitis
• Stevens-johnson syndrome
• Tachycardia
• Thrombocytopenic disorder

More Frequent

• Headache disorder

Less Frequent

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Drowsy
• Nausea
• Skin rash
• Vomiting

Rare or Very Rare

• Abnormal sexual function
• Acute cognitive impairment
• Alopecia
• Anticholinergic toxicity
• Arthralgia
• Erectile dysfunction
• Gynecomastia
• Mastalgia
• Myalgia
• Urinary retention

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Reproduction studies in rats, rabbits, and mice at doses up to 40 times the normal human dose of cimetidine have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus. However, there are no adequate and controlled studies to date using cimetidine in pregnant women, and the drug should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed.

Since cimetidine is distributed into milk, nursing should generally not be undertaken during therapy with the drug. Women who are pregnant or nursing should seek the advice of a health professional before using cimetidine for self-medication.

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