Drug Interactions between albendazole and entrectinib

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice and Seville oranges may increase the plasma concentrations of entrectinib. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit and Seville oranges Inhibition of hepatic CYP450 3A4 may also contribute. The interaction has not been studied with grapefruit juice, but pharmacokinetic data are available for the potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, itraconazole. When a single 100 mg dose of entrectinib was administered with itraconazole, entrectinib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 1.7- and 6-fold, respectively. Coadministration of entrectinib with a moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor is predicted to increase entrectinib Cmax and AUC by 2.9- and 3-fold, respectively. 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 entrectinib may increase the risk and/or severity of adverse effects such as cognitive impairment, mood disorders, dizziness, sleep disturbances, liver enzyme elevations, hyperuricemia, congestive heart failure, edema, myocarditis, QT prolongation, vision problems, anemia, and neutropenia.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should avoid consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and Seville oranges during treatment with entrectinib.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food enhances the oral bioavailability of albendazole, which is rapidly converted by hepatocytes and intestinal mucosal cells into the active metabolite, albendazole sulfoxide (ABZSX), following absorption. The proposed mechanism is stimulation of gastric acid secretion, as the absorption of albendazole is thought to be pH-dependent. According to the product labeling, plasma concentrations of ABZSX are up to 5-fold higher on average when albendazole is administered with a fatty meal (fat content approximately 40 g) compared to administration in the fasted state. In one study of six healthy male volunteers, administration of a single 10 mg/kg oral dose of albendazole in combination with a high-fat meal (57 g fat, 1399 kcal) increased the mean ABZSX peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 6.5- and 9.4-fold, respectively, and delayed the time to reach Cmax (Tmax) from 2.5 to 5.3 hours compared to administration in the fasted state with water. The elimination half-life was not affected.

MONITOR: Grapefruit juice may increase the oral bioavailability of albendazole, which is rapidly converted by hepatocytes and intestinal mucosal cells into the active metabolite, albendazole sulfoxide (ABZSX), following absorption. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. In six healthy male volunteers, administration of a single 10 mg/kg oral dose of albendazole in combination with 250 mL of double-strength grapefruit juice increased the mean ABZSX peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 3.2- and 3.1-fold, respectively, compared to administration with water. However, because pharmacokinetic interactions involving grapefruit juice are often subject to a high degree of interpatient variability, the extent to which a given patient may be affected is difficult to predict.

MANAGEMENT: To ensure maximal oral absorption, albendazole should be taken with food. Grapefruit juice may also enhance the oral bioavailability of albendazole.