iressa and Cardizem la Interactions

Interactions between iressa(gefitinib) and Cardizem la (diltiazem)

diltiazem and gefitinib (Moderate Drug-Drug)

MONITOR: Coadministration with inhibitors of CYP450 3A4 may increase the plasma concentrations of gefitinib, which is primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme. According to the product labeling, administration of gefitinib (250 mg single dose) with the potent inhibitor itraconazole (200 mg once a day for 12 days) increased the mean gefitinib systemic exposure (AUC) by 88% in healthy male volunteers. This increase may be clinically significant, as adverse events of gefitinib are related to dose and exposure.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if gefitinib is administered with CYP450 3A4 inhibitors, particularly potent ones like itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, delavirdine, ketolide and certain macrolide antibiotics, and most protease inhibitors. Pharmacologic response to gefitinib should be monitored more closely whenever a CYP450 3A4 inhibitor is added to or withdrawn from therapy, and the dosage adjusted as necessary. Patients should be advised to contact their doctor if they experience possible symptoms of gefitinib toxicity such as severe diarrhea, nausea, dyspnea, cough, and fever.