Drug Interactions between E.E.S. Granules and ospemifene

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food may variably affect the bioavailability of different oral formulations and salt forms of erythromycin. The individual product package labeling should be consulted regarding the appropriate time of administration in relation to food ingestion. Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of orally administered erythromycin. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. In an open-label, crossover study consisting of six healthy subjects, the coadministration with double-strength grapefruit juice increased the mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of a single dose of erythromycin (400 mg) by 52% and 49%, respectively, compared to water. The half-life was not affected. The clinical significance of this potential interaction is unknown.

MANAGEMENT: In general, optimal serum levels are achieved when erythromycin is taken in the fasting state, one-half to two hours before meals. However, some erythromycin products may be taken without regard to meals.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food significantly enhances the oral bioavailability of ospemifene. In a cross-study comparison, administration of a single 60 mg dose of ospemifene with a high-fat/high-calorie meal (860 kcal) in postmenopausal women increased ospemifene peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 2.3- and 1.7-fold, respectively, compared to administration under fasted condition. Elimination half-life and time to maximum concentration (Tmax) were not altered. In two separate food effect studies where different ospemifene tablet formulations were given to healthy male volunteers, ospemifene Cmax and AUC increased by 2.3- and 1.8-fold, respectively, with a low-fat/low-calorie meal (300 kcal) and 3.6- and 2.7-fold, respectively, with a high-fat/high-calorie meal (860 kcal) relative to fasting.

MANAGEMENT: Ospemifene should be taken once daily with food.

Ethanol, when combined with erythromycin, may delay absorption and therefore the clinical effects of the antibiotic. The mechanism appears to be due to slowed gastric emptying by ethanol. Data is available only for erythromycin ethylsuccinate. Patients should be advised to avoid ethanol while taking erythromycin salts.