Drug Interactions between DHC Plus and lefamulin

GENERALLY AVOID: Chronic, excessive consumption of alcohol may increase the risk of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity, which has included rare cases of fatal hepatitis and frank hepatic failure requiring liver transplantation. The proposed mechanism is induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes during chronic alcohol use, which may result in accelerated metabolism of acetaminophen and increased production of potentially hepatotoxic metabolites.

MANAGEMENT: In general, chronic alcoholics should avoid regular or excessive use of acetaminophen. Alternative analgesic/antipyretic therapy may be appropriate in patients who consume three or more alcoholic drinks per day. However, if acetaminophen is used, these patients should be cautioned not to exceed the recommended dosage (maximum 4 g/day in adults and children 12 years of age or older).

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ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food may reduce the oral bioavailability of lefamulin. When a single 600 mg oral dose of lefamulin was administered with a high-calorie, high-fat breakfast (800 to 1000 calories; approximately 50% from fat), lefamulin peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) decreased by approximately 23% and 18%, respectively.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the oral bioavailability of lefamulin. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Inhibition of hepatic CYP450 3A4 may also contribute. The interaction has not been studied with grapefruit juice, but pharmacokinetic data are available for the potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, ketoconazole. When oral lefamulin was administered with oral ketoconazole, mean lefamulin peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 58% and 165%, respectively. In general, the effect of grapefruit juice is concentration-, dose- and preparation-dependent, and can vary widely among brands. Certain preparations of grapefruit juice (e.g., high dose, double strength) have sometimes demonstrated potent inhibition of CYP450 3A4, while other preparations (e.g., low dose, single strength) have typically demonstrated moderate inhibition. Increased exposure to lefamulin may increase the risk of QT interval prolongation, which has been associated with ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes and sudden death.

MANAGEMENT: Lefamulin tablets should be taken at least one hour before or two hours after a meal. Patients should preferably avoid or limit the consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with lefamulin.

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The effect of grapefruit juice on the pharmacologic activity of caffeine is controversial. One report suggests that grapefruit juice increases the effect of caffeine. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of cytochrome P-450 metabolism of caffeine. However, a well-conducted pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study did not demonstrate this effect. The clinical significance of this potential interaction is unknown.

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