Drug Interactions between carbamazepine and Tikosyn

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

In a small, randomized, crossover study, the administration of carbamazepine with grapefruit juice (compared to water) increased plasma drug concentrations by approximately 40%. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving carbamazepine should be advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Given the drug's narrow therapeutic index, patients receiving carbamazepine therapy should preferably avoid the regular consumption of grapefruits and grapefruit juice to prevent any undue fluctuations in plasma drug levels. Patients should be advised to report signs of carbamazepine toxicity (nausea, visual disturbances, dizziness, or ataxia) to their physicians.

In vitro data suggest that grapefruit juice may inhibit the CYP450 3A4 first-pass metabolism of dofetilide. Decreased first-pass metabolism may increase dofetilide concentrations and increase the risk of QT interval prolongation and arrhythmias. The clinical significance is unknown, since dofetilide has a high oral bioavailability and a low affinity for CYP450 3A4. The manufacturer recommends caution.