Drug Interactions between buspirone and rifapentine

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.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Administration with food may increase the oral bioavailability of rifapentine and reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events. Administration with a high fat meal typically increases rifapentine's maximum concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by approximately 40% to 50% over that observed when rifapentine is administered under fasting conditions. Rifapentine is often prescribed in combination with isoniazid. When single doses of rifapentine (900 mg) and isoniazid (900 mg) were administered with a low fat, high carbohydrate breakfast, the Cmax and AUC of rifapentine increased by 47% and 51%, respectively. On the other hand, isoniazid's Cmax and AUC decreased by 46% and 23%, respectively.

MANAGEMENT: Products containing oral rifapentine as the sole ingredient recommend administration with a meal to increase bioavailability and reduce the occurrence of gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and/or vomiting. Consultation of product labeling for combination products and/or relevant guidelines may be helpful if rifapentine is combined with a medication that is typically taken on an empty stomach.