Drug Interactions between amoxicillin / clarithromycin / vonoprazan 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.

MONITOR: Coadministration with inhibitors of CYP450 2D6 and/or 3A4 may increase the plasma concentrations of darifenacin, which is a substrate of these isoenzymes. According to the product labeling, coadministration of darifenacin (30 mg once daily) with the mixed CYP450 inhibitor cimetidine resulted in a 42% increase in the mean darifenacin steady-state peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and a 34% increase in the systemic exposure (AUC) compared to administration of darifenacin alone. The potent CYP450 2D6 inhibitor paroxetine (20 mg) increased steady-state AUC of darifenacin (30 mg once daily) by 33%. Erythromycin, a CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, increased the mean steady-state Cmax and AUC of darifenacin (30 mg once daily) by 128% and 95%, respectively. Fluconazole, another 3A4 inhibitor, increased these values by 88% and 84%, respectively.

MANAGEMENT: Pharmacologic response to darifenacin should be monitored more closely whenever a CYP450 2D6 and/or 3A4 inhibitor is added to or withdrawn from therapy, and the darifenacin dosage adjusted if necessary. Patients should be advised to contact their physician if they experience undue adverse effects of darifenacin such as severe abdominal pain or constipation for 3 or more days.

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.