Drug Interactions between etrasimod and nimodipine

GENERALLY AVOID: The consumption of grapefruit juice may be associated with significantly increased plasma concentrations of some calcium channel blockers (CCBs) when they are administered orally. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. The interaction has been reported with the dihydropyridine CCBs (in roughly decreasing order of magnitude) felodipine, nisoldipine, nifedipine, and nimodipine, often with a high degree of interindividual variability. Grapefruit juice caused more than twofold increases in felodipine, nifedipine, and nisoldipine AUCs.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturers of nifedipine and nisoldipine recommend avoiding grapefruit juice. Patients treated orally with other calcium channel blockers should be advised to avoid consumption of large amounts of grapefruits and grapefruit juice to prevent any undue fluctuations in serum drug levels. Increased effects on blood pressure may persist for up to 4 days after the consumption of grapefruit juice. Monitoring for calcium channel blocker adverse effects (e.g., headache, hypotension, syncope, tachycardia, edema) is recommended.

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with moderate inhibitors of CYP450 3A4 such as grapefruit juice in patients who known or suspected to be poor CYP450 2C9 metabolizers may increase the exposure of etrasimod. Etrasimod is primarily metabolized by the isoenzymes CYP450 3A4, 2C8, and 2C9. Pharmacokinetic studies have reported that no single enzyme system appears to dominate the elimination pathway of etrasimod. Therefore, the involvement of multiple CYP450 isoforms reduces the likelihood of drug-drug interactions when only a single CYP450 isoform is strongly or moderately inhibited by a coadministered drug. In clinical drug interaction studies, when etrasimod was administered with the dual moderate CYP450 2C9 and 3A4 inhibitor fluconazole at steady-state levels, etrasimod systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 84%. However, concomitant use with the potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor itraconazole increased the AUC of etrasimod by 32%, which was not considered by the manufacturer to be clinically significant. The effect on etrasimod systemic exposure in CYP450 2C9 intermediate metabolizers treated with less potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitors is not known. Increased plasma concentrations of etrasimod may increase the risk of infection, bradyarrhythmia, AV conduction delays, elevated transaminase levels, and macular edema.

MANAGEMENT: Until further information is available, the consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice in combination with moderate to potent CYP450 2C8 inhibitors such as gemfibrozil should be avoided or limited during treatment with etrasimod in patients who are poor CYP450 2C9 metabolizers. Caution is recommended with grapefruit products consumption in patients who are intermediate CYP450 2C9 metabolizers. Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they experience potential adverse effects of etrasimod.

MONITOR: Many psychotherapeutic and CNS-active agents (e.g., anxiolytics, sedatives, hypnotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, opioids, alcohol, muscle relaxants) exhibit hypotensive effects, especially during initiation of therapy and dose escalation. Coadministration with antihypertensives and other hypotensive agents, in particular vasodilators and alpha-blockers, may result in additive effects on blood pressure and orthostasis.

MANAGEMENT: Caution and close monitoring for development of hypotension is advised during coadministration of these agents. Some authorities recommend avoiding alcohol in patients receiving vasodilating antihypertensive drugs. Patients should be advised to avoid rising abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position and to notify their physician if they experience dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, orthostasis, or tachycardia. Patients should also avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how the medications affect them.

MONITOR: Calcium-containing products may decrease the effectiveness of calcium channel blockers by saturating calcium channels with calcium. Calcium chloride has been used to manage acute severe verapamil toxicity.

MANAGEMENT: Management consists of monitoring the effectiveness of calcium channel blocker therapy during coadministration with calcium products.