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

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: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of tasimelteon. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food may delay the absorption and onset of action of tasimelteon. According to the product labeling, administration of tasimelteon with a high-fat meal decreased peak plasma concentration (Cmax) by 44% and delayed the median time to reach Cmax by approximately 1.75 hours compared to administration in the fasted state.

MONITOR: Smoking induces CYP450 1A2 and may reduce the plasma concentrations of tasimelteon, which is metabolized by the isoenzyme. According to the product labeling, tasimelteon systemic exposure was approximately 40% lower in smokers than in nonsmokers.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving tasimelteon should be advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Tasimelteon should be taken without food. Patients who smoke may have a reduced therapeutic response to tasimelteon.

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.