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Drug Interactions between astemizole and belzutifan

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

astemizole belzutifan

Applies to: astemizole and belzutifan

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with belzutifan may decrease the plasma concentrations and therapeutic effects of drugs that are substrates of CYP450 3A4. The interaction may be significant for sensitive CYP450 3A4 substrates or those that demonstrate a narrow therapeutic index. In addition, the extent of the decrease in concentration and effects may be more pronounced in patients who are dual uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 2B17 and CYP450 2C19 poor metabolizers. The proposed mechanism is increased clearance due to belzutifan-mediated induction of CYP450 3A4. Concomitant use of belzutifan (120 mg once daily) with midazolam (a sensitive CYP450 3A4 substrate) decreased the midazolam systemic exposure (AUC) and peak plasma concentration (Cmax) by 40% and 34%, respectively. In patients with higher belzutifan concentrations (e.g., dual UGT 2B17 and CYP450 2C19 poor metabolizers) the AUC of midazolam is predicted to decrease by up to 70%.

MANAGEMENT: Use of belzutifan with sensitive CYP450 3A4 substrates or those that demonstrate a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., cisapride, ergot alkaloids, colchicine, fentanyl, macrolide immunosuppressants, midazolam, pimozide, triazolam, vinca alkaloids) should generally be avoided. If coadministration is unavoidable, patients should be monitored for diminished therapeutic effects. Clinical and laboratory monitoring should be considered whenever belzutifan is added to or withdrawn from therapy with these drugs, and the dosage of the sensitive CYP450 3A4 substrate drug adjusted as necessary.

References (1)
  1. (2021) "Product Information. Welireg (belzutifan)." Merck & Co., Inc

Drug and food interactions

Major

astemizole food

Applies to: astemizole

GENERALLY AVOID: Some beverages such as tonic water contain varying amounts of quinine. Coadministration of a single 430 mg dose of quinine has been shown to increase plasma concentrations of astemizole and its metabolite, desmethylastemizole. Elevated levels of these agents may cause a prolongation of the electrocardiographic QT interval and potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmias. Although pharmacokinetic data have indicated that the amounts of quinine in beverages (up to 80 mg quinine in 32 oz of tonic water) are not sufficient to produce a significant effect, the potential for an interaction exists if large amounts of tonic water are ingested. Also, grapefruit juice has been shown to inhibit CYP450 enzymes, which may lead to increased serum astemizole concentrations. The risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias may be increased.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be counseled to limit consumption of quinine-containing beverages and avoid grapefruit juice while they are taking astemizole.

References (1)
  1. (2002) "Product Information. Hismanal (astemizole)." Janssen Pharmaceuticals

Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.


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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.