Drug Interactions between abiraterone and timolol

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food may significantly increase the oral bioavailability of some formulations of abiraterone acetate. Compared to administration in the fasted state, abiraterone peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) were approximately 7- and 5-fold higher, respectively, when a single dose of abiraterone acetate was administered with a low-fat meal (7% fat; 300 calories) and approximately 17- and 10-fold higher, respectively, when it was administered with a high-fat meal (57% fat; 825 calories). Given the normal variation in the content and composition of meals, taking abiraterone acetate with meals has the potential to result in increased and highly variable exposures. The safety of these increased exposures during multiple dosing has not been assessed. However, the abiraterone acetate 125 mg tablet, commonly marketed as Yonsa, was found to have an approximately 6.5-fold higher Cmax and 4.4-fold higher AUC when a single dose of 500 mg (4 tablets) was administered with a high-fat meal (56% - 60% fat, 900 - 1000 calories) compared to overnight fasting in healthy volunteers. These differences were not considered clinically significant for this formulation.

MANAGEMENT: Some formulations of abiraterone acetate must be taken on an empty stomach. No food should be consumed for at least two hours before and one hour after the abiraterone acetate dose. However, the abiraterone acetate 125 mg tablet, commonly marketed as Yonsa, can be taken with or without food. The manufacturer's product labeling should be consulted for specific guidance.

MONITOR: Many psychotherapeutic and CNS-active agents (e.g., anxiolytics, sedatives, hypnotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, opioids, alcohol, muscle relaxants) exhibit hypotensive effects, especially during initiation of therapy and dose escalation. Coadministration with antihypertensives and other hypotensive agents, in particular vasodilators and alpha-blockers, may result in additive effects on blood pressure and orthostasis.

MANAGEMENT: Caution and close monitoring for development of hypotension is advised during coadministration of these agents. Some authorities recommend avoiding alcohol in patients receiving vasodilating antihypertensive drugs. Patients should be advised to avoid rising abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position and to notify their physician if they experience dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, orthostasis, or tachycardia. Patients should also avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how the medications affect them.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Concurrent administration with calcium salts may decrease the oral bioavailability of atenolol and possibly other beta-blockers. The exact mechanism of interaction is unknown. In six healthy subjects, calcium 500 mg (as lactate, carbonate, and gluconate) reduced the mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of atenolol (100 mg) by 51% and 32%, respectively. The elimination half-life increased by 44%. Twelve hours after the combination, beta-blocking activity (as indicated by inhibition of exercise tachycardia) was reduced compared to that with atenolol alone. However, during a 4-week treatment in six hypertensive patients, there was no difference in blood pressure values between treatments. The investigators suggest that prolongation of the elimination half-life induced by calcium coadministration may have led to atenolol cumulation during long-term dosing, which compensated for the reduced bioavailability.

MANAGEMENT: It may help to separate the administration times of beta-blockers and calcium products by at least 2 hours. Patients should be monitored for potentially diminished beta-blocking effects following the addition of calcium therapy.