Drug Interactions between darunavir and sibutramine

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate the central nervous system and cardiovascular effects of centrally-acting appetite suppressants. In one study, concurrent administration of methamphetamine (30 mg intravenously) and ethanol (1 gm/kg orally over 30 minutes) increased heart rate by 24 beats/minute compared to methamphetamine alone. This increases cardiac work and myocardial oxygen consumption, which may lead to more adverse cardiovascular effects than either agent alone. Subjective effects of ethanol were diminished in the eight study subjects, but those of methamphetamine were not affected. The pharmacokinetics of methamphetamine were also unaffected except for a decrease in the apparent volume of distribution at steady state.

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of centrally-acting appetite suppressants and alcohol should be avoided if possible, especially in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. Patients should be counselled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food enhances the absorption and oral bioavailability of darunavir administered in combination with low-dose ritonavir. The mechanism is unknown. When administered with food, the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of darunavir were approximately 30% higher than when administered in the fasting state. Darunavir exposure was similar for the range of meals studied. The total caloric content of the various meals evaluated ranged from 240 Kcal (12 grams fat) to 928 Kcal (56 grams fat).

MANAGEMENT: To ensure maximal oral absorption, darunavir coadministered with ritonavir should be taken with food. The type of food is not important.