Drug Interactions between Pacaps and Rifater

MONITOR CLOSELY: The risk of hepatotoxicity is greater when rifampin and isoniazid (INH) are given concomitantly, than when either drug is given alone. The proposed mechanism is rifampin's induction of isoniazid hydrolase, an enzyme involved in the conversion of INH to isonicotinic acid and hydrazine. Hydrazine is the proposed toxic metabolite of INH, which has been shown in animal studies to cause steatosis, hepatocyte vacuolation and glutathione depletion. Some studies have also shown that slow acetylators have a two-fold increased risk of developing antituberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity (ATDH) as compared with fast acetylators due to more available INH for direct hydrolysis to hydrazine. Theoretically, a similar reaction may occur with rifabutin and isoniazid. Additional risk factors for developing hepatotoxicity include patients with advanced age, malnutrition, existing hepatic impairment, daily alcohol consumption, female gender, HIV infection, extra-pulmonary tuberculosis and/or patients who are taking other potent CYP450-inducing agents.

MANAGEMENT: Caution and close monitoring should be considered if isoniazid (INH) is coadministered with rifampin or rifabutin. In cases where coadministration is required, careful monitoring of liver function, especially ALT and AST, should be done at baseline and then every 2 to 4 weeks during therapy, or in accordance with individual product labeling. Some manufacturers of INH recommend strongly considering its discontinuation if serum aminotransferase concentrations (AST or SGOT, ALT or SGPT) exceed 3 to 5 times the upper limit of normal. Product labeling for rifampin also recommends the immediate discontinuation of therapy if hepatic damage is suspected. INH product labeling suggests alternate drugs be used if hepatitis is attributed to INH in patients with tuberculosis. However, if INH must be used, it should only be resumed after the patient's symptoms and laboratory abnormalities have cleared. It should also be restarted in very small, gradually increasing doses and immediately withdrawn if there is any indication of recurrent liver involvement. Patients should be counseled to immediately report signs or symptoms consistent with liver damage and notified that prodromal symptoms usually consist of fatigue, weakness, malaise, anorexia, nausea, and/or vomiting.

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GENERALLY AVOID: A two-month regimen consisting of rifampin (RIF) and pyrazinamide (PZA) for the treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) has been associated with liver injury resulting in high rates of hospitalization and death. The exact mechanism of interaction is unknown, although both agents are individually hepatotoxic and may have additive effects on the liver during coadministration. In one prospective cohort study of 224 patients in a community setting between 1999 and 2001, investigators found that the risk of hepatotoxicity in patients receiving the RIF-PZA regimen was increased threefold compared to patients receiving six months of isoniazid (INH). When patients were monitored more intensively, severe hepatotoxicity did not develop, but the difference did not reach statistical significance.

MANAGEMENT: The American Thoracic Society and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that the two-month RIF-PZA regimen generally not be offered to patients with LTBI (Note: This recommendation does not apply to the appropriate use of RIF and PZA in multidrug regimens for the treatment of persons with active TB disease). A nine-month course of daily INH remains the preferred treatment for LTBI in both HIV-negative and HIV-positive patients. Other acceptable options include nine months of twice-weekly INH, or six months of either daily or twice-weekly INH. Twice-weekly therapy must be administered under direct observed therapy (DOT), and the six-month regimens should generally not be used in HIV-infected individuals, those with fibrotic lesions on chest radiographs, and children. Four months of daily RIF may be considered for persons who are contacts of patients with INH-resistant, RIF-susceptible TB. The RIF-PZA regimen should never be offered to patients who are taking concomitant medications associated with liver injury; patients who drink alcohol excessively (even if alcohol use is discontinued during treatment); patients with underlying liver disease; and patients with a history of INH-associated liver injury. RIF-PZA may be considered in carefully selected patients if there is reason to believe they are not likely to complete the preferred six- or nine-month regimens. If RIF-PZA is prescribed, the PZA dosage should be no more than 20 mg/kg/day (up to a maximum of 2 g/day) or 50 mg/kg twice weekly (up to a maximum of 4 g twice weekly), and no more than a two-week supply of the medications should be dispensed at any given time. Patients should be evaluated in person by a healthcare provider at 2, 4, and 6 weeks of treatment for adherence, tolerance and adverse effects, and at 8 weeks to document treatment completion. Patients should also be instructed to discontinue the drugs promptly and seek medical attention if signs and symptoms of hepatic injury develop, including fever, rash, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, right upper quadrant pain, dark urine, and jaundice. Serum transaminases and bilirubin should be measured at baseline and at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of treatment in patients taking RIF-PZA. Therapy should be withdrawn and not resumed if transaminase levels exceed five times the upper limit of normal or are anywhere above the normal range when accompanied by symptoms of hepatitis, or if serum bilirubin is greater than the normal range. U.S. healthcare providers should report possible cases of RIF-PZA hepatotoxicity to CDC's Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, telephone 404-639-8442.

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MONITOR: Some reports have suggested that isoniazid may increase the potential hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen. The mechanism may be related to induction of CYP450 2E1 metabolism of acetaminophen to toxic metabolites during concurrent administration, or transient increased metabolism of acetaminophen after discontinuation of isoniazid. Study data have been conflicting and causality is unclear due to the presence of other drugs in some cases. Both isoniazid and acetaminophen have individually been associated with hepatotoxicity.

MANAGEMENT: Until more information is available, concurrent acetaminophen use should be limited. Close attention should be paid to clinical and laboratory evidence of hepatotoxicity. Both drugs should be discontinued if evidence of hepatoxicity is observed. Aspirin or nonsteroidal inflammatory agents may be safer alternatives.

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MONITOR: Coadministration of isoniazid (INH) with other agents known to induce hepatotoxicity may potentiate the risk of liver injury. INH-associated hepatotoxicity is believed to be due to an accumulation of toxic metabolites and may also be partly immune mediated, though the exact mechanisms are not universally agreed upon. INH is metabolized by N-acetyltransferase and CYP450 2E1. The rate of INH's acetylation is genetically determined and generally classified as slow or rapid, with slow acetylators characterized by a relative lack of N-acetyltransferase. While the rate of acetylation does not significantly alter INH's effectiveness, it can lead to higher blood levels of INH and an increase of adverse reactions. In addition, INH is an in vitro inhibitor of several CYP450 isoenzymes (2C9, 2C19, 2E1, and 3A4). Coadministration of hepatotoxic drugs eliminated by one or more of these pathways may lead to elevated concentrations of the concomitant drug and increase the risk of hepatotoxicity. Most of the INH-associated hepatitis cases occur during the first 3 months of treatment, but may occur at any time and have been reported to be severe or even fatal. INH is reported in medical literature to cause clinically apparent acute liver injury with jaundice in 0.5% to 1% and fatality in 0.05% to 0.1% of recipients. A United States Public Health Service Surveillance Study of 13,838 people taking INH reported 8 deaths among 174 cases of hepatitis. Risk factors for INH related liver injury may include: age > 35 years, female gender, postpartum period, daily consumption of alcohol, injection drug user, slow acetylator phenotype, malnutrition, HIV infection, pre-existing liver disease, extra-pulmonary tuberculosis, and concomitant use of hepatotoxic medications. Clinical data have been reported with concurrent use of acetaminophen, alcohol, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and rifampin.

MANAGEMENT: Coadministration of isoniazid (INH) with other hepatotoxic medications should be done with caution and close clinical monitoring. Some authorities recommend avoiding concurrent use when possible. If coadministration is needed, baseline and monthly liver function testing as well as monthly interviewing of the patient to check for signs and symptoms of adverse effects is recommended. More frequent testing may be advisable in patients at increased risk of INH-associated liver injury. Some manufacturers of INH recommend strongly considering its discontinuation if serum aminotransferase concentrations (AST or SGOT, ALT or SGPT) exceed 3 to 5 times the upper limit of normal. Patients should be counseled to immediately report signs or symptoms consistent with liver damage and notified that prodromal symptoms usually consist of fatigue, weakness, malaise, anorexia, nausea, and/or vomiting. If hepatic damage is suspected, INH should be immediately discontinued as continuation may lead to more severe damage. If hepatitis is attributed to INH in patients with tuberculosis, alternative drugs should be used. However, if INH must be used, it should only be resumed after the patient's symptoms and laboratory abnormalities have cleared. It should also be restarted in very small, gradually increasing doses and immediately withdrawn if there is any indication of recurrent liver involvement. Consultation with product labeling and relevant guidelines is advisable.

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MONITOR: Barbiturates may increase the hepatotoxic potential of acetaminophen and decrease its therapeutic effects. The mechanism may be related to accelerated CYP450 metabolism of acetaminophen with consequent increase in hepatotoxic metabolites. This interaction is of greatest concern in cases of acetaminophen overdose.

MANAGEMENT: Monitoring for altered efficacy and safety is recommended. Prolonged use or high doses of acetaminophen should be avoided by patients on barbiturate therapy.

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MONITOR: Limited clinical data suggest that nonselective monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may enhance or prolong the central nervous system effects of barbiturates. The mechanism of interaction is unknown, but may involve inhibition of barbiturate metabolism by MAOIs. Somnolence, dizziness, ataxia, and semi-consciousness have been reported.

MANAGEMENT: Until more information is available, patients should be monitored for increased barbiturate effects during coadministration with an MAOI or other agents that possess MAOI activity such as furazolidone, linezolid, methylene blue, and procarbazine.

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Rifampin may slightly decrease the therapeutic effects of acetaminophen, although at usual doses, no intervention appears to be necessary. Additionally, rifampin may increase the risk of hepatotoxicity in patients taking acetaminophen and isoniazid.

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Rifampin may decrease the plasma concentrations of barbiturates by inducing hepatic metabolism. When given concomitantly with rifampin, patients should be monitored for inadequate response to barbiturates or decreases in serum concentrations, with dosages adjusted as necessary.

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