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Drug Interactions between astemizole and deferasirox

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

astemizole deferasirox

Applies to: astemizole and deferasirox

MONITOR: Coadministration with deferasirox may decrease the plasma concentrations of drugs that are substrates of the CYP450 3A4 isoenzyme. The mechanism may involve induction of CYP450 3A4 activity by deferasirox, although in vitro, the drug has been shown to inhibit CYP450 3A4. In healthy volunteers, administration of the CYP450 3A4 probe substrate midazolam in combination with deferasirox resulted in a reduction of midazolam peak concentration by 23% and systemic exposure by 17%. In the clinical setting, this effect may be more pronounced.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if deferasirox must be used concomitantly with medications that undergo metabolism by CYP450 3A4, particularly those with a narrow therapeutic range. Dosage adjustments as well as clinical and laboratory monitoring may be appropriate for some drugs whenever deferasirox is added to or withdrawn from therapy.

References

  1. (2005) "Product Information. Exjade (deferasirox)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals
  2. Skerjanec A, Wang J, Maren K, Rojkjaer L (2010) "Investigation of the pharmacokinetic interactions of deferasirox, a once-daily oral iron chelator, with midazolam, rifampin, and repaglinide in healthy volunteers." J Clin Pharmacol, 50, p. 205-13

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Drug and food interactions

Major

astemizole food

Applies to: astemizole

GENERALLY AVOID: Some beverages such as tonic water contain varying amounts of quinine. Coadministration of a single 430 mg dose of quinine has been shown to increase plasma concentrations of astemizole and its metabolite, desmethylastemizole. Elevated levels of these agents may cause a prolongation of the electrocardiographic QT interval and potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmias. Although pharmacokinetic data have indicated that the amounts of quinine in beverages (up to 80 mg quinine in 32 oz of tonic water) are not sufficient to produce a significant effect, the potential for an interaction exists if large amounts of tonic water are ingested. Also, grapefruit juice has been shown to inhibit CYP450 enzymes, which may lead to increased serum astemizole concentrations. The risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias may be increased.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be counseled to limit consumption of quinine-containing beverages and avoid grapefruit juice while they are taking astemizole.

References

  1. (2002) "Product Information. Hismanal (astemizole)." Janssen Pharmaceuticals

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Moderate

deferasirox food

Applies to: deferasirox

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: According to product labeling, the bioavailability of deferasirox was variably increased when taken with a meal.

MANAGEMENT: To ensure consistent plasma drug levels, deferasirox should be taken on an empty stomach 30 minutes before eating preferably at the same time everyday.

References

  1. (2005) "Product Information. Exjade (deferasirox)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.


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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.