Drug Interactions between larotrectinib and 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.

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GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of larotrectinib. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated metabolism of larotrectinib by certain compounds present in grapefruit. When a single 100 mg dose of larotrectinib was coadministered with itraconazole, a potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, larotrectinib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 2.8- and 4.3-fold, respectively, compared to administration of larotrectinib alone. The interaction has not been studied with grapefruit juice. 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. Increased exposure to larotrectinib may increase the risk of adverse effects such as neurotoxicity (delirium, dysarthria, dizziness, gait disturbance, paraesthesia, encephalopathy, memory impairment, tremor) and hepatotoxicity (elevations in liver transaminases).

Food does not alter the pharmacokinetics of larotrectinib to a clinically significant extent. When a single 100 mg dose of larotrectinib was administered with a high-fat meal (approximately 900 calories; 58 g carbohydrate, 56 g fat, 43 g protein) in healthy study subjects, larotrectinib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) was reduced by 35% while systemic exposure (AUC) was similar compared to administration in the fasted state.

MANAGEMENT: Larotrectinib may be taken with or without food. Patients should avoid the consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment.

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