Drug Interactions between E.E.S. Granules and sirolimus protein-bound

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.

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration of protein-bound sirolimus intravenous suspension with grapefruit juice may increase the systemic exposure to sirolimus. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated metabolism of sirolimus by certain compounds present in grapefruit. However, grapefruit juice primarily inhibits CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall and may have limited effects on medications that are not administered orally. No formal studies evaluating the drug interaction potential of protein-bound sirolimus have been conducted. 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.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends avoiding grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with protein-bound sirolimus.

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.