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Drug Interactions between droperidol and vemurafenib

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Major

droPERidol vemurafenib

Applies to: droperidol and vemurafenib

GENERALLY AVOID: Vemurafenib can cause concentration-dependent prolongation of the QT interval. Theoretically, coadministration with other agents that can prolong the QT interval may result in additive effects and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes and sudden death. The effect of vemurafenib 960 mg administered twice daily on QTc interval was evaluated in a multicenter, open-label, single-arm study consisting of 132 patients with BRAF V600E mutation-positive metastatic melanoma. No changes in mean QTc interval exceeding 20 ms from baseline were detected in the trial. In the first month of treatment, the largest mean increase from baseline was 12.8 ms, observed at 2 hours post-dose on Day 15. In the first 6 months of treatment, the largest mean increase from baseline was 15.1 ms, which was detected at a predose time point. In general, the risk of an individual agent or a combination of agents causing ventricular arrhythmia in association with QT prolongation is largely unpredictable but may be increased by certain underlying risk factors such as congenital long QT syndrome, cardiac disease, and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia). Moreover, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drug(s).

MANAGEMENT: Coadministration of vemurafenib with other drugs that can prolong the QT interval is not recommended. ECG and serum electrolytes, including potassium, magnesium and calcium, should be monitored before starting vemurafenib therapy and after dose modification. An ECG should also be obtained 15 days after treatment initiation, monthly during the first 3 months of treatment, and every 3 months thereafter (or more often as clinically indicated). Vemurafenib should not be started in the presence of uncorrected electrolyte abnormalities or a baseline QTc greater than 500 ms. Likewise, treatment should be interrupted if QTc exceeds 500 ms. Any electrolyte abnormalities must then be corrected and cardiac risk factors for QT prolongation (e.g., congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias) under control prior to resuming treatment. Vemurafenib may be restarted once QTc decreases below 500 ms, but at a reduced dosage as described in the product labeling. Permanent discontinuation of treatment is recommended if, after correction of associated risk factors, both the QTc is greater than 500 ms and the QTc increase is greater than 60 ms from pretreatment values. Patients should be advised to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitation, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, or syncope.

References

  1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  2. Canadian Pharmacists Association (2006) e-CPS. http://www.pharmacists.ca/function/Subscriptions/ecps.cfm?link=eCPS_quikLink
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
  4. (2011) "Product Information. Zelboraf (vemurafenib)." Genentech
View all 4 references

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Drug and food interactions

Major

droPERidol food

Applies to: droperidol

MONITOR CLOSELY: The use of droperidol has been associated with QT interval prolongation, torsade de pointes and other serious arrhythmias, and sudden death. The concurrent administration of agents that can produce hypokalemia and/or hypomagnesemia (e.g., potassium-wasting diuretics, amphotericin B, cation exchange resins), drugs known to increase the QT interval (e.g., phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants, antiarrhythmic agents, etc.), certain other drugs (benzodiazepines, volatile anesthetics, intravenous opiates), or alcohol abuse may increase the risk of prolonged QT syndrome. In addition, central nervous system- and/or respiratory-depressant effects may be additively or synergistically increased in patients taking droperidol with certain other drugs that cause these effects, especially in elderly or debilitated patients.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends extreme caution if droperidol must be given concomitantly with these agents. The dosage of droperidol should be individualized and titrated to the desired effect. Routine vital sign and ECG monitoring is recommended. When droperidol is used in combination with other drugs that cause CNS and/or respiratory depression, patients should be monitored for potentially excessive or prolonged CNS and respiratory depression. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their doctor if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.

References

  1. (2001) "Product Information. Inapsine (droperidol)." Janssen Pharmaceuticals
  2. Glassman AH, Bigger JT Jr (2001) "Antipsychotic drugs: prolonged QTc interval, torsade de pointes, and sudden death." Am J Psychiatry, 158, p. 1774-82
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  4. Canadian Pharmacists Association (2006) e-CPS. http://www.pharmacists.ca/function/Subscriptions/ecps.cfm?link=eCPS_quikLink
  5. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
  6. EMA. European Medicines Agency. European Union (2013) EMA - List of medicines under additional monitoring. http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/regulation/document_listing/document_listing_000366.jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058067c852
View all 6 references

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.


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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.