Drug Interactions between amoxicillin / clarithromycin / omeprazole and fenfluramine

MONITOR: Coadministration with fenfluramine may decrease the plasma concentrations and therapeutic efficacy of drugs that are substrates of the CYP450 2B6 and/or CPY3A4 isoenzymes. The proposed mechanism, based on in vitro data, might be increased clearance due to induction of CYP450 2B6 and intestinal CYP450 3A4.

MANAGEMENT: Caution and monitoring are recommended if fenfluramine is used concomitantly with drugs that are substrates of CYP450 2B6 and/or CYP450 3A4, particularly sensitive substrates or those with a narrow therapeutic range. Monitoring for potential loss of therapeutic efficacy is recommended. The prescribing information for concomitant medications may be consulted to assess the benefits versus risks of coadministration, as well as any dosage adjustments that may be required during coadministration and/or following the discontinuation of a CYP450 2B6 and/or CYP450 3A4 inducer.

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.

Coadministration of fenfluramine with inducers of CYP450 1A2, 2B6, or 3A4/5 may decrease exposure to fenfluramine and its major active metabolite, norfenfluramine. Over 75% of fenfluramine is metabolized to norfenfluramine prior to elimination, primarily by CYP450 1A2, 2B6 and 2D6, but also to a minor extent by CYP450 2C9, 2C19 and 3A4/5. When a single 0.35 mg/kg dose of fenfluramine oral solution was coadministered with 600 mg once daily rifampin (a weak CYP450 1A2, moderate CYP450 2B6, and potent CYP450 3A4/5 inducer) at steady state in healthy volunteers, fenfluramine peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) decreased by 40% and 58%, respectively, compared to fenfluramine administered alone. The AUC of norfenfluramine also decreased by 50%, while the Cmax increased by 13%. The interaction has not been studied with other, less potent CYP450 inducers; however, a clinically significant interaction is not expected.