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Drug Interactions between Di-Phen and guanfacine

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

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Interactions between your drugs

Major

phenytoin guanFACINE

Applies to: Di-Phen (phenytoin) and guanfacine

ADJUST DOSE: Coadministration with inducers of CYP450 3A4 may significantly decrease the plasma concentrations of guanfacine, which is primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme. Rifampin, a potent CYP450 3A4 inducer, has been reported to decrease guanfacine peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 54% and 70%, respectively. A computer simulation suggests that efavirenz, a moderate CYP450 3A4 inducer, would reduce guanfacine Cmax and AUC by a similar magnitude.

MANAGEMENT: Close monitoring and dosage adjustment should be considered when guanfacine is administered with potent and moderate CYP450 3A4 inducers. For extended-release guanfacine, some manufacturers recommend increasing the dosage up to double the recommended level when initiating therapy in patients who are already receiving a CYP450 3A4 inducer. Further dosage adjustments may be required based on patient tolerance and response. If a CYP450 3A4 inducer is added to existing guanfacine therapy, the guanfacine dosage may be increased up to double the recommended level over 1 to 2 weeks. The dosage should be decreased to the recommended level over 1 to 2 weeks following discontinuation of the CYP450 3A4 inducer.

References

  1. Kiechel JR, Lavene D, Guerret M, Comoy E, Godin M, Fillastre JP (1983) "Pharmacokinetic aspects of guanfacine withdrawal syndrome in a hypertensive patient with chronic renal failure." Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 25, p. 463-6
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  3. (2009) "Product Information. Intuniv (guanfacine)." Shire US Inc

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Drug and food interactions

Major

guanFACINE food

Applies to: guanfacine

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of guanfacine. The risk of adverse reactions such as hypotension, bradycardia, and sedation may increase. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Ketoconazole, a potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, has been reported to increase guanfacine peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by approximately 2- and 3-fold, respectively. A computer simulation suggests that fluconazole, a moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, would increase guanfacine Cmax and AUC by about 1.5- and 2-fold, respectively. In general, the effect of grapefruit juice is concentration-, dose- and preparation-dependent, and can vary widely among brands. Certain preparations of grapefruit juice (e.g., high dose, double strength) have sometimes demonstrated potent inhibition of CYP450 3A4, while other preparations (e.g., low dose, single strength) have typically demonstrated moderate inhibition.

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may enhance the sedative and hypotensive effects of guanfacine.

GENERALLY AVOID: Administration of extended-release guanfacine with a high-fat meal may increase the bioavailability of guanfacine. When a single 4 mg dose of extended-release guanfacine was administered to adult volunteers with a high-fat breakfast, mean guanfacine peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) increased by approximately 75% and 40%, respectively, compared to dosing in a fasted state.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated with guanfacine should avoid consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice. In addition, it is preferable to avoid or limit the use of alcohol during treatment. Patients should be advised against driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how the medication affects them. The extended-release formulation of guanfacine should not be taken together with a high-fat meal.

References

  1. (2001) "Product Information. Tenex (guanfacine)." Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  3. (2009) "Product Information. Intuniv (guanfacine)." Shire US Inc

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Moderate

phenytoin food

Applies to: Di-Phen (phenytoin)

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Phenytoin bioavailability may decrease to subtherapeutic levels when the suspension is given concomitantly with enteral feedings. The mechanism may be related to phenytoin binding to substances in the enteral formula (e.g., calcium, protein) and/or binding to the tube lumen. Data have been conflicting and some studies have reported no changes in phenytoin levels, while others have reported significant reductions.

MONITOR: Acute consumption of alcohol may increase plasma phenytoin levels. Chronic consumption of alcohol may decrease plasma phenytoin levels. The mechanism of this interaction is related to induction of phenytoin metabolism by ethanol during chronic administration. Other hydantoin derivatives may be similarly affected by ethanol.

MANAGEMENT: Some experts have recommended interrupting the feeding for 2 hours before and after the phenytoin dose, giving the phenytoin suspension diluted in water, and flushing the tube with water after administration; however, this method may not entirely avoid the interaction and is not always clinically feasible. Patients should be closely monitored for clinical and laboratory evidence of altered phenytoin efficacy and levels upon initiation and discontinuation of enteral feedings. Dosage adjustments or intravenous administration may be required until therapeutic serum levels are obtained. In addition, patients receiving phenytoin therapy should be warned about the interaction between phenytoin and ethanol and they should be advised to notify their physician if they experience worsening of seizure control or symptoms of toxicity, including drowsiness, visual disturbances, change in mental status, nausea, or ataxia.

References

  1. Sandor P, Sellers EM, Dumbrell M, Khouw V (1981) "Effect of short- and long-term alcohol use on phenytoin kinetics in chronic alcoholics." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 30, p. 390-7
  2. Holtz L, Milton J, Sturek JK (1987) "Compatibility of medications with enteral feedings." JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr, 11, p. 183-6
  3. Sellers EM, Holloway MR (1978) "Drug kinetics and alcohol ingestion." Clin Pharmacokinet, 3, p. 440-52
  4. (2001) "Product Information. Dilantin (phenytoin)." Parke-Davis
  5. Doak KK, Haas CE, Dunnigan KJ, et al. (1998) "Bioavailability of phenytoin acid and phenytoin sodium with enteral feedings." Pharmacotherapy, 18, p. 637-45
  6. Rodman DP, Stevenson TL, Ray TR (1995) "Phenytoin malabsorption after jejunostomy tube delivery." Pharmacotherapy, 15, p. 801-5
  7. Au Yeung SC, Ensom MH (2000) "Phenytoin and enteral feedings: does evidence support an interaction?" Ann Pharmacother, 34, p. 896-905
  8. Ozuna J, Friel P (1984) "Effect of enteral tube feeding on serum phenytoin levels." J Neurosurg Nurs, 16, p. 289-91
  9. Faraji B, Yu PP (1998) "Serum phenytoin levels of patients on gastrostomy tube feeding." J Neurosci Nurs, 30, p. 55-9
  10. Marvel ME, Bertino JS (1991) "Comparative effects of an elemental and a complex enteral feeding formulation on the absorption of phenytoin suspension." JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr, 15, p. 316-8
  11. Fleisher D, Sheth N, Kou JH (1990) "Phenytoin interaction with enteral feedings administered through nasogastric tubes." JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr, 14, p. 513-6
  12. Haley CJ, Nelson J (1989) "Phenytoin-enteral feeding interaction." DICP, 23, p. 796-8
  13. Guidry JR, Eastwood TF, Curry SC (1989) "Phenytoin absorption in volunteers receiving selected enteral feedings." West J Med, 150, p. 659-61
  14. Krueger KA, Garnett WR, Comstock TJ, Fitzsimmons WE, Karnes HT, Pellock JM (1987) "Effect of two administration schedules of an enteral nutrient formula on phenytoin bioavailability." Epilepsia, 28, p. 706-12
  15. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  16. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
View all 16 references

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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.