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Drug Interactions between efavirenz and orlistat

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

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

efavirenz orlistat

Applies to: efavirenz and orlistat

MONITOR: Orlistat may theoretically reduce the gastrointestinal absorption and therapeutic efficacy of antiretroviral agents. The mechanism may involve retention of lipophilic medicines in the gastrointestinal tract or reduced gastrointestinal tract transit time. Data have been reported for efavirenz and lopinavir. Other antiretroviral agents may also be affected.

MANAGEMENT: The potential reduction in antiretroviral efficacy should be considered before initiating treatment with orlistat. Patients who take antiretroviral medications should be advised to consult their physician before using the non-prescription brand of orlistat.

References

  1. MHRA. Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency "Orlistat: theoretical interaction with antiretroviral HIV medicines. http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Safetyinformation/DrugSafetyUpdate/CON392868" (2014):

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Drug and food interactions

Moderate

efavirenz food

Applies to: efavirenz

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Administration with food increases the plasma concentrations of efavirenz and may increase the frequency of adverse reactions. According to the product labeling, administration of efavirenz capsules (600 mg single dose) with a high-fat/high-caloric meal (894 kcal, 54 g fat, 54% calories from fat) or a reduced-fat/normal-caloric meal (440 kcal, 2 g fat, 4% calories from fat) was associated with mean increases of 39% and 51% in efavirenz peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and 22% and 17% in systemic exposure (AUC), respectively, compared to administration under fasted conditions. For efavirenz tablets, administration of a single 600 mg dose with a high-fat/high-caloric meal (approximately 1000 kcal, 500-600 kcal from fat) resulted in a 79% increase in mean Cmax and a 28% increase in mean AUC of efavirenz relative to administration under fasted conditions.

MANAGEMENT: Efavirenz should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime. Dosing at bedtime may improve the tolerability of nervous system symptoms such as dizziness, insomnia, impaired concentration, somnolence, abnormal dreams and hallucinations, although they often resolve on their own after the first 2 to 4 weeks of therapy . Patients should be advised of the potential for additive central nervous system effects when efavirenz is used concomitantly with alcohol or psychoactive drugs, and to avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how the medication affects them.

References

  1. "Product Information. Sustiva (efavirenz)." DuPont Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):

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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.

See also

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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.

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