Drug Interactions between Di-Phen and vilazodone

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.

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GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of vilazodone. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food enhances the oral bioavailability of vilazodone. According to the product labeling, vilazodone blood concentrations in the fasted state can be decreased by approximately 50% compared to the fed state, which may result in diminished effectiveness in some patients. The absolute bioavailability of vilazodone is 72% with food. In study subjects, administration with food (high-fat or light meal) increased vilazodone peak plasma concentration (Cmax) by approximately 147% to 160% and systemic exposure (AUC) by approximately 64% to 85%.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving vilazodone should be advised to avoid consumption of alcohol. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how vilazodone affects them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities. Vilazodone should be taken with food. Administration without food may result in inadequate drug concentrations and diminished effectiveness.

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