Drug Interactions between entecavir and gatifloxacin

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food delays the oral absorption and reduces the oral bioavailability of entecavir. According to the product labeling, administration of entecavir 0.5 mg with a standard high-fat meal or a light meal resulted in a delay in absorption by 0.25 to 0.75 hours, a decrease in the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) by 44% to 46%, and a decrease in the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) by 18% to 20% compared to administration in the fasting state.

MANAGEMENT: To ensure maximal oral absorption, entecavir should be administered on an empty stomach at least 2 hours after a meal and 2 hours before the next meal.

Concurrent ingestion of calcium-fortified foods (i.e., cereal, orange juice) may alter the bioavailability of gatifloxacin. The mechanism is chelation of calcium and the quinolone, resulting in decreased bioavailability. In the case of orange juice, inhibition of intestinal transport mechanisms (P-glycoprotein or organic anion-transporting polypeptides) by flavones may also be involved. Data have been conflicting: One study has reported no effect with milk coadministration. Another study reported a modest decrease in gatifloxacin bioavailability (13.5% decrease in Cmax,12% decrease in AUC, 15% increase in total clearance) when taken with 12 ounces of calcium-fortified orange juice instead of water, which could be clinically significant if the infecting organisms have borderline susceptibilities. The manufacturer states that gatifloxacin may be taken without regard to food, milk, or calcium. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of an interaction if subtherapeutic effects are observed.