Drug Interactions between Dilacor XR and rimegepant

MONITOR: Like many CNS-active agents, alcohol can exhibit hypotensive effects. Coadministration with antihypertensive agents including diltiazem may result in additive effects on blood pressure and orthostasis.

MONITOR: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of orally administered diltiazem in some patients. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. In a study of ten healthy male volunteers, administration of a single 120 mg oral dose of immediate-release diltiazem in combination with 250 mL of grapefruit juice increased the diltiazem peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by an average of 22% and 20%, respectively, compared to administration with water. The time to reach Cmax (Tmax) and the terminal half-life were not affected, and no statistically significant differences in blood pressure and heart rate were observed during administration with grapefruit juice relative to water. In a different study, repeated administration of 200 mL of grapefruit juice at 0, 2, 4, 8 and 12 hours had no significant effect on the Cmax or AUC of a single 120 mg oral dose of diltiazem, but increased its half-life from 4.1 to 5.1 hours. The ratios for the N-demethyl and deacetyl metabolites to diltiazem were also not affected by grapefruit juice. However, because pharmacokinetic interactions involving grapefruit juice are often subject to a high degree of interpatient variability, the extent to which a given patient may be affected is difficult to predict.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be advised that alcohol may potentiate the hypotensive effects of diltiazem, especially during the initiation of therapy and following a dosage increase. Caution should be exercised when rising from a sitting or recumbent position, and patients should notify their physician if they experience dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, orthostasis, or tachycardia. Patients who regularly consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice should be monitored for increased adverse effects of diltiazem such as such as headache, irregular heartbeat, edema, unexplained weight gain, and chest pain. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided if an interaction is suspected.

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ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Coadministration with grapefruit or grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of rimegepant. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall induced by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Concomitant administration of a single dose of rimegepant (75 mg) with itraconazole, a strong CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, at steady state increased the systemic exposure (AUC) and peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of rimegepant by 4-fold and approximately 1.5-fold, respectively. The manufacturer also states that concomitant administration of rimegepant with a moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor may increase rimegepant AUC by less than 2-fold. Because grapefruit juice inhibits primarily intestinal rather than hepatic CYP450 3A4, the magnitude of interaction is greatest for those drugs that undergo significant presystemic metabolism by CYP450 3A4 (i.e., drugs with low oral bioavailability). 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. Pharmacokinetic interactions involving grapefruit juice are also subject to a high degree of interpatient variability, thus the extent to which a given patient may be affected is difficult to predict.

MONITOR: When administered with a high-fat meal under fed condition, Tmax was delayed by 1 hour, which resulted in a 42% to 53% reduction in Cmax and a 32% to 38% reduction in AUC. However, the impact of this reduction on rimegepant efficacy remains unknown.

MANAGEMENT: Rimegepant may be administered with or without food. Until more information is available, patients receiving rimegepant may want to avoid the regular consumption of grapefruits and grapefruit juice to prevent undue increases in plasma levels and systemic effects of rimegepant. If grapefruit or grapefruit juice is consumed concomitantly with rimegepant, the manufacturer recommends avoiding another dose of rimegepant within 48 hours.

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MONITOR: Calcium-containing products may decrease the effectiveness of calcium channel blockers by saturating calcium channels with calcium. Calcium chloride has been used to manage acute severe verapamil toxicity.

MANAGEMENT: Management consists of monitoring the effectiveness of calcium channel blocker therapy during coadministration with calcium products.

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