Drug Interactions between elbasvir / grazoprevir and stiripentol

GENERALLY AVOID: Taking stiripentol on an empty stomach may reduce its oral bioavailability. Stiripentol degrades rapidly when exposed to gastric acid in an empty stomach.

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate the depressant effects of stiripentol on the central nervous system. Concomitant use may result in increased sedation and dizziness as well as impairment of psychomotor skills.

GENERALLY AVOID: It is not known whether stiripentol may reduce theophylline and caffeine metabolism, as data on the potential for inhibition of CYP450 1A2 are limited. Consumption of foods and nutritional products such as cola drinks (which contain significant quantities of caffeine) and chocolate (which contains caffeine and trace amounts of theophylline) may be unsafe during treatment with stiripentol, particularly in children.

MANAGEMENT: Stiripentol should be taken during a meal for optimal absorption; however, it should not be taken with milk, dairy products (e.g., yogurt, soft cream cheese), fruit juice, or carbonated beverages. Patients should be advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol and to avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how the medication affects them. Food and beverages that may contain caffeine or theophylline such as colas, chocolate, coffee, tea, or energy drinks should also be avoided during treatment with stiripentol.

Food does not appear to have clinically significant effects on the pharmacokinetics of elbasvir and grazoprevir. When a single 50 mg-100 mg dose of elbasvir-grazoprevir was administered to healthy study subjects with a high-fat meal (900 kcal; 500 kcal from fat), elbasvir peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) decreased by 15% and 11%, respectively, while grazoprevir Cmax and AUC increased by 2.8- and 1.5-fold, respectively, compared to administration under fasting conditions. According to the product labeling, elbasvir-grazoprevir may be administered with or without food.