Drug Interactions between escitalopram and propafenone

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of propafenone. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Inhibition of hepatic CYP450 3A4 may also contribute. In over 90% of patients, propafenone is rapidly and extensively converted to 2 active metabolites: 5-hydroxypropafenone via CYP450 2D6 and N-depropylpropafenone (norpropafenone) via CYP450 3A4 and 1A2. In less than 10% of patients (approximately 6% of Caucasians in the U.S. population), however, metabolism of propafenone is slower because the 5-hydroxy metabolite is not formed, or minimally formed, due to a genetic deficiency in CYP450 2D6. In these poor metabolizers of CYP450 2D6, clearance of propafenone via the CYP450 3A4 and 1A2 metabolic pathways becomes more important, and inhibition of these pathways may substantially increase systemic exposure to propafenone. Likewise, patients taking concomitant inhibitors of CYP450 2D6 and 3A4 may experience similar pharmacokinetic effects. 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. Increased systemic exposure to propafenone may result in proarrhythmic events and exaggerated beta-adrenergic blocking activity.

MANAGEMENT: It may be advisable for patients to avoid the consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, or supplements that contain grapefruit during treatment with propafenone.

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

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving CNS-active agents should be warned of this interaction and advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.

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