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Drug Interactions between buspirone and Emend

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

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

busPIRone aprepitant

Applies to: buspirone and Emend (aprepitant)

MONITOR: Coadministration with aprepitant or its prodrug, fosaprepitant, may increase the plasma concentrations of drugs that are primarily metabolized by CYP450 3A4. The mechanism is decreased clearance due to inhibition of CYP450 3A4 activity by aprepitant. According to the manufacturer, administration of the CYP450 3A4 substrate dexamethasone (20 mg orally on day 1 and 8 mg on days 2 through 5) in combination with aprepitant (125 mg single dose on day 1 and 80 mg/day on days 2 through 5) resulted in a 2.2-fold increase in dexamethasone systemic exposure (AUC) on days 1 and 5. Similarly, aprepitant increased the AUC of methylprednisolone (125 mg intravenously on day 1 and 40 mg orally on days 2 and 3) by 1.34-fold on day 1 and 2.5-fold on day 3. The effect of aprepitant on the pharmacokinetics of CYP450 3A4 substrates is expected to be greater when the substrates are administered orally as opposed to intravenously and may be altered following prolonged administration.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when aprepitant or fosaprepitant is used concomitantly with drugs that undergo metabolism by CYP450 3A4, particularly those with a narrow therapeutic range. Dosage adjustments as well as clinical and laboratory monitoring may be appropriate for some drugs whenever aprepitant or fosaprepitant is added to or withdrawn from therapy. Chronic, continuous use of aprepitant for prevention of nausea and vomiting is not recommended because it has not been studied and because the drug interaction profile may change during long-term use.

References

  1. (2003) "Product Information. Emend (aprepitant)." Merck & Co., Inc
  2. (2008) "Product Information. Emend for Injection (fosaprepitant)." Merck & Co., Inc

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Drug and food interactions

Moderate

busPIRone food

Applies to: buspirone

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of buspirone. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: In a small, randomized, crossover study, the consumption of large amounts of grapefruit juice (compared to water) was associated with significantly increased plasma buspirone concentrations, slightly prolonged elimination half-lives, and delayed times to reach peak drug concentration. The perceived pharmacodynamic effect of buspirone, as measured by subjective drowsiness and overall subjective drug effect, was also enhanced by grapefruit juice. These alterations may stem from the delay of gastric emptying as well as inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall induced by certain compounds present in grapefruits.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving buspirone should be advised to avoid consumption of alcohol. Patients also should preferably avoid the consumption of large amounts of grapefruits and grapefruit juice to prevent any undue fluctuations in plasma drug levels. If this is not possible, the buspirone dose should be taken at least 2 hours before or 8 hours after grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Monitoring for increased CNS depression is recommended.

References

  1. (2002) "Product Information. Buspar (buspirone)." Bristol-Myers Squibb
  2. Lilja JJ, Kivisto KT, Backman JT, Lamberg TS, Neuvonen PJ (1998) "Grapefruit juice substantially increases plasma concentrations of buspirone." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 64, p. 655-60
  3. Bailey DG, Dresser GR, Kreeft JH, Munoz C, Freeman DJ, Bend JR (2000) "Grapefruit-felodipine interaction: Effect of unprocessed fruit and probable active ingredients." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 68, p. 468-77

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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.