Drug Interactions between Diacomit and Fintepla

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.

GENERALLY AVOID: Taking stiripentol on an empty stomach may reduce its oral bioavailability. Stiripentol degrades rapidly when exposed to gastric acid in an empty stomach.

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate the depressant effects of stiripentol on the central nervous system. Concomitant use may result in increased sedation and dizziness as well as impairment of psychomotor skills.

GENERALLY AVOID: It is not known whether stiripentol may reduce theophylline and caffeine metabolism, as data on the potential for inhibition of CYP450 1A2 are limited. Consumption of foods and nutritional products such as cola drinks (which contain significant quantities of caffeine) and chocolate (which contains caffeine and trace amounts of theophylline) may be unsafe during treatment with stiripentol, particularly in children.

MANAGEMENT: Stiripentol should be taken during a meal for optimal absorption; however, it should not be taken with milk, dairy products (e.g., yogurt, soft cream cheese), fruit juice, or carbonated beverages. Patients should be advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol and to avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how the medication affects them. Food and beverages that may contain caffeine or theophylline such as colas, chocolate, coffee, tea, or energy drinks should also be avoided during treatment with stiripentol.