Drug Interactions between amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole and telithromycin

MONITOR: Coadministration with clarithromycin may increase the plasma concentrations of lansoprazole. The proposed mechanism is clarithromycin inhibition of intestinal (first-pass) and hepatic metabolism of lansoprazole via CYP450 3A4. Although lansoprazole is primarily metabolized by CYP450 2C19 in the liver, 3A4-mediated metabolism is the predominant pathway in individuals who are 2C19-deficient (approximately 3% to 5% of the Caucasian and 17% to 20% of the Asian population). Additionally, inhibition of P-glycoprotein intestinal efflux transporter by clarithromycin may also contribute to the interaction, resulting in increased bioavailability of lansoprazole. In 18 healthy volunteers--six each of homozygous extensive metabolizers (EMs), heterozygous EMs, and poor metabolizers (PMs) of CYP450 2C19--clarithromycin (400 mg orally twice a day for 6 days) increased the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of a single 60 mg oral dose of lansoprazole by 1.47, 1.71- and 1.52-fold, respectively, and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) by 1.55-, 1.74- and 1.80-fold, respectively, in each of these groups compared to placebo. The AUC ratio of lansoprazole to lansoprazole sulphone, which is considered an index of CYP450 3A4 activity, was significantly increased by clarithromycin in all three groups. However, elimination half-life of lansoprazole was prolonged by 1.54-fold only in PMs. Mild diarrhea was reported in two subjects and mild abdominal disturbance in six subjects during clarithromycin coadministration. These side effects continued until day 6 and ameliorated the day after discontinuation of clarithromycin, whereas no adverse events were reported during placebo administration or after lansoprazole plus placebo. In another study, clarithromycin induced dose-dependent increases in the plasma concentration of lansoprazole in a group of 20 patients receiving treatment for H. pylori eradication. Mean 3-hour plasma lansoprazole concentration was 385 ng/mL for the control subjects who received lansoprazole 30 mg and amoxicillin 750 mg twice a day for 7 days; 696 ng/mL for patients coadministered clarithromycin 200 mg twice a day; and 947 ng/mL for patients coadministered clarithromycin 400 mg twice a day.

MANAGEMENT: Although lansoprazole is generally well tolerated, caution may be advised during coadministration with clarithromycin, particularly if higher dosages of one or both drugs are used. Dosage adjustment may be necessary in patients who experience excessive adverse effects of lansoprazole.

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MONITOR: Telithromycin has the potential to prolong the QT interval of the electrocardiogram in some patients. Theoretically, coadministration with other agents that can prolong the QT interval may result in additive effects and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes and sudden death. No cardiovascular morbidity or mortality attributable to QTc prolongation occurred with telithromycin treatment in 4780 patients during clinical trials, including 204 patients having a prolonged QTc at baseline. In general, the risk of an individual agent or a combination of agents causing ventricular arrhythmia in association with QT prolongation is largely unpredictable but may be increased by certain underlying risk factors such as congenital long QT syndrome, cardiac disease, and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia). In addition, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drug(s).

MANAGEMENT: Although the risk of a serious interaction is probably low, caution is recommended if telithromycin is used in combination with other drugs that can prolong the QT interval. Since the magnitude of QTc prolongation may increase with increasing plasma concentrations of telithromycin, the recommended dosage should not be exceeded, particularly in patients with renal or hepatic impairment. Patients should be advised to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitation, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, or syncope.

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Although some in vitro data indicate synergism between macrolide antibiotics and penicillins, other in vitro data indicate antagonism. When these drugs are given together, neither has predictable therapeutic efficacy. Data are available for erythromycin, although theoretically this interaction could occur with any macrolide. Except for monitoring of the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy, no special precautions appear to be necessary.

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