Interactions between Bosentan and Irinotecan
1 drug interaction and 10 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:
- bosentan
- irinotecan
Drug interactions
Moderate drug interactions
Moderate:
irinotecan bosentan
Applies to: irinotecan and bosentan
Monitor
Coadministration with inducers of the CYP450 3A4 isoenzyme may decrease the plasma concentrations of irinotecan and its pharmacologically active metabolite, SN-38. Irinotecan is partially metabolized by CYP450 3A4, and induction of this process results in less of the drug available in the plasma for conversion to SN-38 via carboxylesterases. The interaction has been reported with St. John's wort and the enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin. An approximately 40% reduction in SN-38 systemic exposure (AUC) has been reported in the presence of St. John's wort and greater than 60% reductions have been reported in the presence of enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants. However, all of these agents are known to be potent inducers of CYP450 3A4 as well as other enzymatic pathways (e.g., UDP-glucuronosyl transferase, or UGT; carboxylesterases) and drug transporters (e.g., multispecific organic anion transporter, or MRP2; P-glycoprotein) that may be involved in the clearance of irinotecan and/or SN-38. The extent, if any, to which irinotecan may interact with less potent CYP450 3A4 inducers is unknown.
Management
The antitumour activity of irinotecan may be reduced in patients treated with CYP450 3A4 inducers. Pharmacologic response to irinotecan should be monitored more closely whenever a CYP450 3A4 inducer is added to or withdrawn from therapy, and the irinotecan dosage adjusted as necessary.
References (15)
- (2001) "Product Information. Camptosar (irinotecan)." Pharmacia and Upjohn
- De Bruijn P, De Jonge MJ, Mathijssen RH, Sparreboom A, Verweij J (2002) Modulation of irinotecan(CPT-11)metabolism by St. John's wort in cancer patients. http:aacr02.agora.com/planner/displayabstract.asp?presentationid=2603
- Murry DJ, Cherrick I, Salama V, et al. (2002) "Influence of phenytoin on the disposition of irinotecan: a case report." J Pediatr Hematol Oncol, 24, p. 130-3
- Mathijssen RH, Verweij J, De Bruijn P, Loos WJ, Sparreboom A (2002) "Effects of St. John's Wort on Irinotecan Metabolism." J Natl Cancer Inst, 94, p. 1247-9
- Kuhn JG (2002) "Influence of anticonvulsants on the metabolism and elimination of irinotecan. A North American Brain Tumor Consortium preliminary report." Oncology (Williston Park, 16(8 Suppl 7), p. 33-40
- Friedman HS, Petros WP, Friedman AH, et al. (1999) "Irinotecan therapy in adults with recurrent or progressive malignant glioma." J Clin Oncol, 17, p. 1516-25
- Santos A, Zanetta S, Cresteil T, et al. (2000) "Metabolism of irinotecan (CPT-11) by CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 in humans." Clin Cancer Res, 6, p. 2012-20
- Yonemori K, Takeda Y, Toyota E, Kobayashi N, Kudo K (2004) "Potential interactions between irinotecan and rifampin in a patient with small-cell lung cancer." Int J Clin Oncol, 9, p. 206-9
- Innocenti F, Undevia SD, Ramirez J, et al. (2004) "A phase I trial of pharmacologic modulation of irinotecan with cyclosporine and phenobarbital." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 76, p. 490-502
- Di YM, Li CG, Xue CC, Zhou SF (2008) "Clinical drugs that interact with St. John's wort and implication in drug development." Curr Pharm Des, 14, p. 1723-42
- Crews KR, Stewart CF, Jones-Wallace D, et al. (2002) "Altered irinotecan pharmacokinetics in pediatric high-grade glioma patients receiving enzyme-inducing anticonvulsant therapy." Clin Cancer Res, 8, p. 2202-9
- Radomski KM, Gajjar AJ, Kirstein MN, et al. (2000) "Irinotecan clearance is increased by concomitant administration of enzyme inducers in a patient with glioblastoma multiforme." Pharmacotherapy, 20, p. 353
- Minami H, Lad TE, Nicholas MK, Vokes EE, Ratain MJ (1999) "Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of 9-aminocamptothecin infused over 72 hours in phase II studies." Clin Cancer Res, 5, p. 1325-30
- Zamboni WC, Gajjar AJ, Heideman RL, et al. (1998) "Phenytoin alters the disposition of topotecan and N-desmethyl topotecan in a patient with medulloblastoma." Clin Cancer Res, 4, p. 783-9
- (2015) "Product Information. Onivyde (irinotecan liposomal)." Merrimack Pharmaceuticals
Food/lifestyle interactions
No alcohol/food interactions were found. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Disease interactions
10 potential interactions Applies to: 9 conditions, including Heart Failure, Anemia, Fever, Liver Disease, and Infection.
Anemia
Moderate:
bosentan
Bosentan has a moderate potential interaction with Anemia.
Clinical studies have shown that most endothelin receptor antagonists decrease hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit levels. There are some postmarketing reports of anemia cases which needed blood transfusion. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels should be measured prior to treatment initiation and should be monitored periodically thereafter. Initiation of therapy is not recommended in patients with clinically significant anemia.
Bleeding Disorder
Major:
irinotecan
Irinotecan has a major potential interaction with Bleeding Disorder.
Irinotecan induces myelosuppression, causing leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia. Deaths due to sepsis following severe neutropenia have been reported in patients treated with irinotecan. Hold irinotecan if neutropenic fever occurs or if the absolute neutrophil count drops <1000/mm3. After recovery to an absolute neutrophil count =1000/mm3, subsequent doses of irinotecan should be reduced. Therapy with irinotecan should be administered cautiously in patients who have received previous irradiation therapy. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs or symptoms suggesting bone marrow suppression such as fever, sore throat, local infection, or bleeding. Close clinical monitoring of hematopoietic function is recommended.
Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts
Major:
irinotecan
Irinotecan has a major potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.
Irinotecan induces myelosuppression, causing leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia. Deaths due to sepsis following severe neutropenia have been reported in patients treated with irinotecan. Hold irinotecan if neutropenic fever occurs or if the absolute neutrophil count drops <1000/mm3. After recovery to an absolute neutrophil count =1000/mm3, subsequent doses of irinotecan should be reduced. Therapy with irinotecan should be administered cautiously in patients who have received previous irradiation therapy. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs or symptoms suggesting bone marrow suppression such as fever, sore throat, local infection, or bleeding. Close clinical monitoring of hematopoietic function is recommended.
Fever
Major:
irinotecan
Irinotecan has a major potential interaction with Fever.
Irinotecan induces myelosuppression, causing leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia. Deaths due to sepsis following severe neutropenia have been reported in patients treated with irinotecan. Hold irinotecan if neutropenic fever occurs or if the absolute neutrophil count drops <1000/mm3. After recovery to an absolute neutrophil count =1000/mm3, subsequent doses of irinotecan should be reduced. Therapy with irinotecan should be administered cautiously in patients who have received previous irradiation therapy. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs or symptoms suggesting bone marrow suppression such as fever, sore throat, local infection, or bleeding. Close clinical monitoring of hematopoietic function is recommended.
Heart Failure
Moderate:
bosentan
Bosentan has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Failure.
Peripheral edema and fluid retention are known clinical consequences of pulmonary hypertension and also known effects of endothelin receptor antagonists. Caution and monitoring is recommended if these agents are used in patients with underlying left ventricular dysfunction or underlying heart failure, as they have an increased risk for developing significant fluid retention that may need treatment or require discontinuation.
Infection
Major:
irinotecan
Irinotecan has a major potential interaction with Infection.
Irinotecan induces myelosuppression, causing leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia. Deaths due to sepsis following severe neutropenia have been reported in patients treated with irinotecan. Hold irinotecan if neutropenic fever occurs or if the absolute neutrophil count drops <1000/mm3. After recovery to an absolute neutrophil count =1000/mm3, subsequent doses of irinotecan should be reduced. Therapy with irinotecan should be administered cautiously in patients who have received previous irradiation therapy. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs or symptoms suggesting bone marrow suppression such as fever, sore throat, local infection, or bleeding. Close clinical monitoring of hematopoietic function is recommended.
Liver Disease
Major:
bosentan
Bosentan has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) have been associated with aminotransferase elevations, hepatotoxicity, and cases of liver failure. Hepatic function should be assessed before treatment initiation and closely monitored during treatment. Therapy should be discontinued if aminotransferase elevations are accompanied by increases in bilirubin, or clinical symptoms of hepatotoxicity such as nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain or jaundice. Treatment should be avoided in patients with elevated aminotransferases at baseline as monitoring for hepatotoxicity may be more difficult. In general, the use of ERAs is not recommended for patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment.
Moderate:
irinotecan
Irinotecan has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Irinotecan clearance is diminished in patients with hepatic impairment. The magnitude of these effects is proportional to the degree of liver impairment as measured by elevations in total bilirubin and transaminase concentrations. However, the tolerability of irinotecan in patients with hepatic dysfunction (bilirubin greater than 2 mg/dl) has not been assessed sufficiently, and no recommendations for dosing are made by the manufacturers. Therapy with irinotecan should be administered cautiously to patients with or predisposed to compromised hepatic function. Clinical monitoring of hepatic function is recommended.
Pulmonary Impairment
Moderate:
irinotecan
Irinotecan has a moderate potential interaction with Pulmonary Impairment.
Irinotecan can cause severe and fatal interstitial pulmonary disease (IPD). Risk factors include preexisting-existing lung disease. It is recommended to withhold treatment with irinotecan in patients with new or progressive dyspnea, cough, and fever, pending diagnostic evaluation and to discontinue treatment in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of IPD. Exercise caution when using this agent in patients presenting symptoms of dyspnea and patients with pulmonary impairment.
Renal Dysfunction
Moderate:
irinotecan
Irinotecan has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
The influence of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of irinotecan has not been evaluated. Therefore, caution should be undertaken in patients with impaired renal function. Irinotecan hydrochloride is not recommended for use in patients on dialysis.
More resources
bosentan
A total of 528 drugs are known to interact with bosentan.
- Bosentan is in the drug class agents for pulmonary hypertension.
- Bosentan is used to treat Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.
irinotecan
A total of 472 drugs are known to interact with irinotecan.
- Irinotecan is in the drug class miscellaneous antineoplastics.
- Irinotecan is used to treat the following conditions:
Drug Interaction Classification
| Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
| Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
| 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. | |
| No interaction information available. |
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.