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Drug Interactions between Ambien and itraconazole

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

itraconazole zolpidem

Applies to: itraconazole and Ambien (zolpidem)

MONITOR: Coadministration with inhibitors of CYP450 3A4 may increase the plasma concentrations of zolpidem, which is partially metabolized by the isoenzyme. When a single 5 mg dose of zolpidem was administered to 12 healthy study subjects following treatment with the potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole (200 mg twice daily for 2 days), zolpidem peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 35% and 67%, respectively. Increased sedation and other pharmacodynamic effects were noted.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when zolpidem is used with CYP450 3A4 inhibitors. Patients should be advised to avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in potentially hazardous activities requiring mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how the medications affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive somnolence or dizziness.

References

  1. "Product Information. Ambien (zolpidem)." sanofi-aventis PROD (2001):
  2. "Product Information. Norvir (ritonavir)." Abbott Pharmaceutical PROD (2001):
  3. Luurila H, Kivisto KT, Neuvonen PJ "Effect of itraconazole on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of zolpidem." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 54 (1998): 163-6
  4. Greenblatt DJ, vonMoltke LL, Harmatz JS, Mertzanis P, Graf JA, Durol ALB, Counihan M, RothSchechter B, Shader RI "Kinetic and dynamic interaction study of zolpidem with ketoconazole, itraconazole, and fluconazole." Clin Pharmacol Ther 64 (1998): 661-71
  5. Greenblatt DJ, von Moltke LL, Harmatz JS, et al. "Differential impairment of triazolam and zolpidem clearance by ritonavir." J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 24 (2000): 129-36
  6. Saari TI, Laine K, Leino K, Valtonen M, Neuvonen PJ, Olkkola KT "Effect of voriconazole on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of zolpidem in healthy subjects." Br J Clin Pharmacol 63 (2007): 116-20
  7. Farkas D, Volak L, Harmatz J, von Moltke L, Court M, Greenblatt D "Short-term clarithromycin administration impairs clearance and enhances pharmacodynamic effects of trazodone but not of zolpidem." Clin Pharmacol Ther 85 (2009): 644-50
View all 7 references

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Drug and food interactions

Moderate

itraconazole food

Applies to: itraconazole

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food increases the absorption of itraconazole capsules but decreases the absorption of itraconazole oral solution. Cola beverages may increase the bioavailability of itraconazole capsules. Itraconazole capsules require an acidic gastric pH for adequate dissolution and subsequent absorption. Cola beverages help lower gastric pH and improve absorption.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may impair the absorption of itraconazole capsules, resulting in decreased antifungal effects. In a small, randomized, crossover study, the administration of itraconazole capsules with double-strength grapefruit juice (compared to water) was associated with significantly decreased (43%) plasma concentrations of itraconazole and its pharmacologically active hydroxy metabolite, as well as delayed times to reach peak concentrations of both. The exact mechanism of interaction is unknown but may involve reduced absorption of itraconazole secondary to enhanced activity of intestinal P-glycoprotein drug efflux pumps and delayed gastric emptying induced by certain compounds present in grapefruits. Another study reported no pharmacokinetic changes with single-strength grapefruit juice. Whether or not these observations apply to itraconazole oral solution is unknown.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends that the capsules be taken immediately after a full meal and the solution be taken on an empty stomach to ensure maximal absorption. Cola beverages may help increase the bioavailability of itraconazole capsules, particularly in patients with hypochlorhydria or those treated concomitantly with gastric acid suppressants. Until more information is available, it may be advisable to avoid the consumption of grapefruits and grapefruit juice during itraconazole therapy.

References

  1. Van Peer A, Woestenborghs R, Heykants J, et al. "The effects of food and dose on the oral systemic availability of itraconazole in healthy subjects." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 36 (1989): 423-6
  2. Wishart JM "The influence of food on the pharmacokinetics of itraconazole in patients with superficial fungal infection." J Am Acad Dermatol 17 (1987): 220-3
  3. "Product Information. Sporanox (itraconazole)." Janssen Pharmaceuticals PROD (2002):
  4. Barone JA, Koh JG, Bierman RH, Colaizzi JL, Swanson KA, Gaffar MC, Moskovitz BL, Mechlinski W, Van de Velde V "Food interaction and steady-state pharmacokinetics of itraconazole capsules in healthy male volunteers." Antimicrob Agents Chemother 37 (1993): 778-84
  5. Zimmermann T, Yeates RA, Albrecht M, Laufen H, Wildfeuer A "Influence of concomitant food intake on the gastrointestinal absorption of fluconazole and itraconazole in japanese subjects." Int J Clin Pharmacol Res 14 (1994): 87-93
  6. "Product Information. Sporanox (itraconazole)." Janssen Pharmaceuticals (2022):
  7. Kawakami M, Suzuki K, Ishizuka T, Hidaka T, Matsuki Y, Nakamura H "Effect of grapefruit juice on pharmacokinetics of itraconazole in healthy subjects." Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 36 (1998): 306-8
  8. Barone JA, Moskotitz BL, Guarnieri J, Hassell AE, Colaizzi JL, Bierman RH, Jessen L "Food interaction and steady-state pharmacokinetics of itraconazole oral solution in healthy volunteers." Pharmacotherapy 18 (1998): 295-301
  9. Penzak SR, Gubbins PO, Gurley BJ, Wang PL, Saccente M "Grapefruit juice decreases the systemic availability of itraconazole capsules in healthy volunteers." Ther Drug Monit 21 (1999): 304-9
  10. Katz HI "Drug interactions of the newer oral antifungal agents." Br J Dermatol 141 (1999): 26-32
View all 10 references

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Moderate

zolpidem food

Applies to: Ambien (zolpidem)

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of zolpidem. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Administration of zolpidem with food may delay the onset of hypnotic effects. In 30 healthy subjects, administration of zolpidem 20 minutes after a meal resulted in decreased mean peak plasma drug concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) by 25% and 15%, respectively, compared to fasting. The time to reach peak plasma drug concentration (Tmax) was prolonged by 60%, from 1.4 to 2.2 hours.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving zolpidem should be advised to avoid the consumption of alcohol. For faster sleep onset, zolpidem should not be administered with or immediately after a meal.

References

  1. "Product Information. Ambien (zolpidem)." sanofi-aventis PROD (2001):
  2. Yamreudeewong W, Henann NE, Fazio A, Lower DL, Cassidy TG "Drug-food interactions in clinical practice." J Fam Pract 40 (1995): 376-84

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.

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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

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