Drug Interactions between astemizole and eluxadoline

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.

CONTRAINDICATED: Consumption of more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day may increase the risk of acute pancreatitis during treatment with eluxadoline. Pancreatitis has been reported rarely during clinical trials of eluxadoline, and may or may not be related to sphincter of Oddi spasm.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: High-fat meals may reduce the oral bioavailability of eluxadoline. In 28 healthy volunteers, administration of a single 100 mg dose of eluxadoline with a high-fat meal (approximately 800 to 1000 total calories, 50% from fat) decreased eluxadoline peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 50% and 60%, respectively, compared to administration in the fasted state. There was no significant effect on the time to peak concentration (Tmax). The clinical relevance of this interaction is unknown. It should be noted that phase 3 clinical trials were conducted under fed conditions.

MANAGEMENT: Chronic or acute excessive use of alcohol should be avoided during treatment with eluxadoline. Alcoholism, alcohol abuse, alcohol addiction, and consumption of more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day are considered contraindications to the use of eluxadoline. The product labeling recommends taking eluxadoline with food. Patients should be advised to stop taking eluxadoline and seek medical attention if they experience potential symptoms of pancreatitis such as persistent nausea, vomiting, abdominal tenderness, and upper abdominal pain, especially that which is made worse after eating or radiates to the back or shoulders.