Drug Interactions between aspirin / butalbital / caffeine and nirogacestat

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit, grapefruit juice, Seville oranges, and starfruit may significantly increase the plasma concentrations and pharmacologic effects of nirogacestat. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in these fruits. Coadministration of multiple doses of nirogacestat (150 mg twice daily) with the moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitors erythromycin and fluconazole are predicted to increase the AUC of nirogacestat by 2.73-fold and 3.18-fold, respectively. The interaction has not been studied with grapefruit, Seville oranges, or starfruit. In general, the effect of grapefruit juice is concentration-, dose- and preparation-dependent, and can vary widely among brands. Certain preparations of grapefruit juice (e.g., high dose, double strength) have sometimes demonstrated potent inhibition of CYP450 3A4, while other preparations (e.g., low dose, single strength) have typically demonstrated moderate inhibition. Increased systemic exposure to nirogacestat may increase the risk of adverse effects including diarrhea, ovarian toxicity, hepatotoxicity, electrolyte abnormalities, and non-melanoma skin cancers.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated with nirogacestat should avoid consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, Seville oranges, starfruit, or any supplement containing grapefruit.

GENERALLY AVOID: Concurrent acute use of barbiturates and ethanol may result in additive CNS effects, including impaired coordination, sedation, and death. Tolerance of these agents may occur with chronic use. The mechanism is related to inhibition of microsomal enzymes acutely and induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes chronically.

MANAGEMENT: The combination of ethanol and barbiturates should be avoided.

GENERALLY AVOID: The concurrent use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and ethanol may lead to gastrointestinal (GI) blood loss. The mechanism may be due to a combined local effect as well as inhibition of prostaglandins leading to decreased integrity of the GI lining.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be counseled on this potential interaction and advised to refrain from alcohol consumption while taking aspirin or NSAIDs.

The effect of grapefruit juice on the pharmacologic activity of caffeine is controversial. One report suggests that grapefruit juice increases the effect of caffeine. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of cytochrome P-450 metabolism of caffeine. However, a well-conducted pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study did not demonstrate this effect. The clinical significance of this potential interaction is unknown.

One study has reported that coadministration of caffeine and aspirin lead to a 25% increase in the rate of appearance and 17% increase in maximum concentration of salicylate in the plasma. A significantly higher area under the plasma concentration time curve of salicylate was also reported when both drugs were administered together. The exact mechanism of this interaction has not been specified. Physicians and patients should be aware that coadministration of aspirin and caffeine may lead to higher salicylate levels faster.