Drug Interactions between amoxicillin / clarithromycin / omeprazole and darifenacin

ADJUST DOSE: Coadministration with inhibitors of CYP450 3A4 may significantly increase the plasma concentrations of darifenacin, which is partially metabolized by the isoenzyme. Darifenacin is also metabolized by CYP450 2D6, but 3A4 is the major pathway of metabolism in so-called poor metabolizers of 2D6 (approximately 7% of Caucasians and 2% of Asians and those of African descent). In a drug interaction study involving 10 extensive metabolizers and 1 poor metabolizer of 2D6, coadministration with the potent 3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole (400 mg) increased the mean steady-state peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of darifenacin (extended-release 7.5 mg once a day) approximately 5-fold each compared to values previously reported for extensive metabolizers of 2D6. In the poor metabolizer, Cmax and AUC of darifenacin increased approximately 13-fold each compared to values previously reported for poor metabolizers. When a 15 mg daily dose of extended-release darifenacin was given with ketoconazole, mean darifenacin Cmax and AUC in 3 extensive metabolizers increased approximately 12-fold compared to historical values, while Cmax and AUC increased approximately 6-fold in the poor metabolizer compared to historical values.

MANAGEMENT: The dosage of darifenacin should not exceed 7.5 mg/day when used with CYP450 3A4 inhibitors such as ketolide and certain macrolide antibiotics.

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.

Clarithromycin may increase and prolong the omeprazole plasma concentration. The mechanism may be related to clarithromycin inhibition of hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes responsible for omeprazole metabolism. Coadministration of omeprazole may result in an increase in clarithromycin and 14-(R)-hydroxyclarithromycin plasma concentrations. These increases may be due to the effect of omeprazole on gastric pH.