Drug Interactions between dexamethasone / moxifloxacin and sirolimus

MONITOR CLOSELY: Concomitant administration of corticosteroids may potentiate the risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture associated with fluoroquinolone treatment. The mechanism is unknown. Tendinitis and tendon rupture have most frequently involved the Achilles tendon, although cases involving the rotator cuff (the shoulder), the hand, the biceps, and the thumb have also been reported. Some have required surgical repair or resulted in prolonged disability. Tendon rupture can occur during or up to several months after completion of fluoroquinolone therapy.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is recommended if fluoroquinolones are prescribed in combination with corticosteroids, particularly in patients with other concomitant risk factors (e.g., age over 60 years; recipient of kidney, heart, and/or lung transplant). Patients should be advised to stop taking the fluoroquinolone, avoid exercise and use of the affected area, and promptly contact their physician if they experience pain, swelling, or inflammation of a tendon. In general, fluoroquinolones should only be used to treat conditions that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria and only if the benefits outweigh the risks.

MONITOR: Coadministration with inducers of CYP450 3A4 may decrease the plasma concentrations of sirolimus and tacrolimus, both of which are primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme.

MANAGEMENT: Given the risk of organ rejection associated with inadequate immunosuppressant drug levels, caution is advised during concomitant therapy with CYP450 3A4 inducers. Sirolimus and tacrolimus blood levels should be checked frequently and the dosage adjusted accordingly whenever a CYP450 3A4 inducer is added to or withdrawn from therapy.