Drug Interactions between Etrafon Forte and fenfluramine

GENERALLY AVOID: The coadministration of fenfluramine and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may result in elevated plasma concentrations of the latter. The mechanism is decreased clearance of TCAs due to inhibition of CYP450 enzymatic activities by fenfluramine. In addition, the combination of fenfluramine with a TCA may potentiate the risk of serotonin syndrome, which is a rare but serious and potentially fatal condition thought to result from hyperstimulation of brainstem 5-HT1A and 2A receptors. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include mental status changes such as irritability, altered consciousness, confusion, hallucination, and coma; autonomic dysfunction such as tachycardia, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, shivering, blood pressure lability, and mydriasis; neuromuscular abnormalities such as hyperreflexia, myoclonus, tremor, rigidity, and ataxia; and gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

MANAGEMENT: In general, the concomitant use of multiple serotonergic agents should be avoided if possible, or otherwise approached with caution if potential benefit is deemed to outweigh the risk. Close monitoring is recommended for signs and symptoms of TCA toxicity as well as excessive serotonergic activity such as CNS irritability, altered consciousness, confusion, myoclonus, ataxia, abdominal cramping, hyperpyrexia, shivering, pupillary dilation, diaphoresis, hypertension, and tachycardia. If serotonin syndrome develops or is suspected during the course of therapy, all serotonergic agents should be discontinued immediately and supportive care rendered as necessary. Moderately ill patients may also benefit from the administration of a serotonin antagonist (e.g., cyproheptadine, chlorpromazine). Severe cases should be managed under consultation with a toxicologist and may require sedation, neuromuscular paralysis, intubation, and mechanical ventilation in addition to the other measures.

MONITOR: Coadministration of a phenothiazine with a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) may result in elevated plasma concentrations of one or both drugs as well as additive adverse effects. Most phenothiazines and TCAs have been found to undergo metabolism by CYP450 2D6, thus competitive inhibition of the enzyme may occur when more than one of these agents are administered. Although these drugs have been used together clinically, the possibility of increased risk of serious adverse effects such as central nervous system depression, tardive dyskinesia, hypotension, and prolongation of the QT interval should be considered, as many of these agents alone can and have produced these effects. In addition, excessive anticholinergic effects may occur in combination use, which can result in paralytic ileus, hyperthermia, heat stroke, and the anticholinergic intoxication syndrome. Peripheral symptoms of anticholinergic intoxication commonly include mydriasis, blurred vision, flushed face, fever, dry skin and mucous membranes, tachycardia, urinary retention, and constipation. Central symptoms may include memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, hallucinations, psychosis, delirium, hyperactivity, twitching or jerking movements, stereotypy, and seizures.

MANAGEMENT: Concurrent use of phenothiazines and TCAs should be approached with caution, particularly in the elderly and those with underlying organic brain disease, who tend to be more sensitive to the central anticholinergic effects of these drugs and in whom toxicity symptoms may be easily overlooked. Patients should be advised to notify their physician promptly if they experience potential symptoms of anticholinergic intoxication (e.g., abdominal pain, fever, heat intolerance, blurred vision, confusion, hallucinations) or cardiovascular toxicity (e.g., dizziness, palpitations, arrhythmias, syncope). Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid activities requiring mental alertness until they know how these agents affect them. A dosage reduction in one or both drugs may be necessary if excessive adverse effects develop.

MONITOR: Coadministration with inhibitors of CYP450 1A2 or 2D6 may increase the plasma concentrations of fenfluramine. Over 75% of fenfluramine is metabolized to norfenfluramine prior to elimination, primarily by CYP450 1A2, 2B6 and 2D6, but also to a minor extent by CYP450 2C9, 2C19 and 3A4/5. When a single 0.35 mg/kg dose of fenfluramine oral solution was coadministered with 50 mg once daily fluvoxamine (a potent CYP450 1A2 inhibitor) at steady state in healthy volunteers, fenfluramine peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 22% and 102%, respectively, while the Cmax and AUC of norfenfluramine decreased by 44% and 22%, respectively. Coadministration with 30 mg once daily paroxetine (a potent CYP450 2D6 inhibitor) at steady state in healthy volunteers increased the Cmax and AUC of fenfluramine by 13% and 81%, respectively, and decreased Cmax and AUC of norfenfluramine by 29% and 13%, respectively. Coadministration with repeated doses of cannabidiol (a weak CYP450 1A2 inhibitor with the potential to also inhibit CYP450 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, and 2C19 at clinically relevant concentrations) increased the Cmax and AUC of fenfluramine by 10% and 59%, respectively, and decreased Cmax and AUC of norfenfluramine by 33% and 22%, respectively. Elevated plasma levels of fenfluramine may increase the risk of serious adverse effects such as valvular heart disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension, blood pressure increases, and serotonin syndrome.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when fenfluramine is used with CYP450 1A2 or 2D6 inhibitors. Patients should be monitored for increased adverse effects, and the dosage of fenfluramine adjusted as necessary.