Drug Interactions between Benadryl and Gleevec

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration of imatinib with strong CYP450 3A4 inhibitors such as grapefruit juice, may significantly increase the plasma concentrations of imatinib, a known substrate of CYP450 3A4. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated metabolism of imatinib by certain compounds present in grapefruits. Because grapefruit juice inhibits primarily intestinal rather than hepatic CYP450 3A4, the magnitude of interaction is greatest for those drugs that undergo significant presystemic metabolism by CYP450 3A4 (i.e., drugs with low oral bioavailability). 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. Pharmacokinetic interactions involving grapefruit juice are also subject to a high degree of interpatient variability, thus the extent to which a given patient may be affected is difficult to predict. In a single-dose study, coadministration of imatinib with ketoconazole (a strong CYP450 3A4 inhibitor) increased imatinib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 26% and 40%, respectively.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated with imatinib should preferably avoid the consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice. If coadministration is unavoidable, monitor for prolonged and/or increased pharmacologic effects of imatinib, including edema, hematologic toxicity and immunosuppression.

GENERALLY AVOID: Use of anticholinergic agents with alcohol may result in sufficient impairment of attention so as to render driving and operating machinery more hazardous. In addition, the potential for abuse may be increased with the combination. The mechanism of interaction is not established but may involve additive depressant effects on the central nervous system. No effect of oral propantheline or atropine on blood alcohol levels was observed in healthy volunteers when administered before ingestion of a standard ethanol load. However, one study found impairment of attention in subjects given atropine 0.5 mg or glycopyrrolate 1 mg in combination with alcohol.

MANAGEMENT: Alcohol should generally be avoided during therapy with anticholinergic agents. Patients should be counseled to avoid activities requiring mental alertness until they know how these agents affect them.