Drug Interactions between crizotinib and Meprozine

GENERALLY AVOID: Crizotinib can cause prolongation of the QT interval, which pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling indicate may be concentration-dependent. Theoretically, coadministration with other agents that can prolong the QT interval may result in additive effects and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes and sudden death. In clinical trials done in adults on crizotinib (250 mg twice daily) QTcF (Fridericia corrected QT interval) prolongation greater than or equal to 500 msec was observed in 34 of 1619 (2.1%) and an increase from baseline QTcF greater than or equal to 60 msec was observed in 79 of 1585 patients (5%). In clinical studies of pediatric patients (dosed according to body surface area), a prolonged QT interval was observed in approximately 4% of patients. In general, the risk of an individual agent or a combination of agents causing ventricular arrhythmia in association with QT prolongation is largely unpredictable but may be increased by certain underlying risk factors such as congenital long QT syndrome, cardiac disease, and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia). Moreover, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drug(s).

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of crizotinib with drugs that prolong the QT interval should generally be avoided. ECG and serum electrolytes, including potassium, magnesium, and calcium, should be monitored before starting crizotinib therapy and periodically during treatment according to the manufacturer's labeling. Electrolytes should be replaced as clinically indicated. Crizotinib should not be started if baseline QTc (QT corrected for heart rate) is greater than 500 msec. Likewise, treatment should be interrupted in patients who develop a QTc greater than 500 msec on at least 2 separate ECGs. Once the QTc has recovered to baseline or less than 481 msec, crizotinib can be resumed at the next lower dosage recommended in the manufacturer's labeling. Crizotinib should be permanently discontinued if the patient has a QTc greater than 500 msec or a change greater than or equal to 60 msec from baseline with torsade de pointes, polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, or signs/symptoms of a serious arrhythmia. Patients should be advised to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitation, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, or syncope.

ADJUST DOSE: The central nervous system and respiratory depressant effects of meperidine may be potentiated by concomitant use of other agents with CNS depressant effects. An increased risk of serious adverse reactions such as respiratory depression, hypotension, profound sedation, syncope, coma, and even death should be considered, particularly in elderly or debilitated patients.

MANAGEMENT: Caution and dosage adjustments are advisable when meperidine is used in combination with other narcotic analgesics, general anesthetics, phenothiazines, sedative-hypnotics, tranquilizers, tricyclic antidepressants, or other CNS depressants such as alcohol. A lower dosage of meperidine should be considered initially, then titrated carefully according to pain level and clinical response. Meperidine dosage reductions of 25% to 50% have been recommended for patients receiving phenothiazines and other tranquilizers. Patients should be advised to avoid rising abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position, and to notify their physician if they experience dizziness, lightheadedness, orthostasis, syncope, tachycardia, or excessive CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities. Patients should also avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how these medications affect them.