Drug Interactions between bepridil and calcium / ferrous fumarate / vitamin d

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Administration with food may increase the absorption of calcium. However, foods high in oxalic acid (spinach or rhubarb), or phytic acid (bran and whole grains) may decrease calcium absorption.

MANAGEMENT: Calcium may be administered with food to increase absorption. Consider withholding calcium administration for at least 2 hours before or after consuming foods high in oxalic acid or phytic acid.

MONITOR: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of orally administered drugs that are substrates of the CYP450 3A4 isoenzyme. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. 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.

MANAGEMENT: Patients who regularly consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice should be monitored for adverse effects and altered plasma concentrations of drugs that undergo significant presystemic metabolism by CYP450 3A4. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided if an interaction is suspected. Orange juice is not expected to interact with these drugs.

MONITOR: Additive effects and possible toxicity (e.g., hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, and/or hyperphosphatemia) may occur when patients using vitamin D and/or vitamin D analogs ingest a diet high in vitamin D, calcium, and/or phosphorus. The biologically active forms of vitamin D stimulate intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus. This may be helpful in patients with hypocalcemia and/or hypophosphatemia. However, sudden increases in calcium or phosphorus consumption due to dietary changes could precipitate hypercalcemia and/or hyperphosphatemia. Patients with certain disease states, such as impaired renal function, may be more susceptible to toxic side effects like ectopic calcification. On the other hand, if dietary calcium is inadequate for the body's needs, the active form of vitamin D will stimulate osteoclasts to pull calcium from the bones. This may be detrimental in a patient with reduced bone density.

MANAGEMENT: Given the narrow therapeutic index of vitamin D and vitamin D analogs, the amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D present in the patient's diet may need to be taken into consideration. Specific dietary guidance should be discussed with the patient and regular lab work should be monitored as indicated. Calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels should be kept within the desired ranges, which may differ depending on the patient's condition. Patients should also be counseled on the signs and symptoms of hypervitaminosis D, hypercalcemia, and/or hyperphosphatemia.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Concomitant use of some oral medications may reduce the bioavailability of orally administered iron, and vice versa.

Food taken in conjunction with oral iron supplements may reduce the bioavailability of the iron. However, in many patients intolerable gastrointestinal side effects occur necessitating administration with food.

MANAGEMENT: Ideally, iron products should be taken on an empty stomach (i.e., at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals), but if this is not possible, administer with meals and monitor the patient more closely for a subtherapeutic effect. Some studies suggest administration of iron with ascorbic acid may enhance bioavailability. In addition, administration of oral iron products and some oral medications should be separated whenever the bioavailability of either agent may be decreased. Consult the product labeling for specific separation times and monitor clinical responses as appropriate.

MONITOR: Many psychotherapeutic and CNS-active agents (e.g., anxiolytics, sedatives, hypnotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, opioids, alcohol, muscle relaxants) exhibit hypotensive effects, especially during initiation of therapy and dose escalation. Coadministration with antihypertensives and other hypotensive agents, in particular vasodilators and alpha-blockers, may result in additive effects on blood pressure and orthostasis.

MANAGEMENT: Caution and close monitoring for development of hypotension is advised during coadministration of these agents. Some authorities recommend avoiding alcohol in patients receiving vasodilating antihypertensive drugs. Patients should be advised to avoid rising abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position and to notify their physician if they experience dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, orthostasis, or tachycardia. Patients should also avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how the medications affect them.

MONITOR: Calcium-containing products may decrease the effectiveness of calcium channel blockers by saturating calcium channels with calcium. Calcium chloride has been used to manage acute severe verapamil toxicity.

MANAGEMENT: Management consists of monitoring the effectiveness of calcium channel blocker therapy during coadministration with calcium products.