Drug Interactions between Exforge HCT and mavacamten

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of mavacamten. 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. The interaction has not been studied with grapefruit juice, but has been reported for other CYP450 3A4 inhibitors. According to the prescribing information, mavacamten is primarily metabolized by CYP450 2C19 (74%) and to a lesser extent by CYP450 3A4 (18%) and 2C9 (8%). When mavacamten (25 mg) was coadministered with the moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor verapamil (sustained-release 240 mg) in intermediate and normal metabolizers of CYP450 2C19, mavacamten systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 15% and peak plasma concentration (Cmax) increased by 52%. Concomitant use of mavacamten with diltiazem, another moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, in CYP450 2C19 poor metabolizers is predicted to increase mavacamten AUC and Cmax by up to 55% and 42%, respectively. Concomitant use of mavacamten (15 mg) with the potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole (400 mg once daily) is predicted to increase mavacamten AUC and Cmax by up to 130% and 90%, respectively. Because mavacamten reduces systolic contraction and left ventricular ejection fraction, increased exposure may potentiate the risk of heart failure. 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.

Food does not affect the extent of absorption of mavacamten. No clinically significant difference in mavacamten exposure was observed following administration with a high-fat meal. However, the time to reach peak plasma concentration (Tmax) was increased by 4 hours.

MANAGEMENT: Mavacamten may be administered with or without food. Patients should avoid consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with mavacamten.

GENERALLY AVOID: Moderate-to-high dietary intake of potassium, especially salt substitutes, may increase the risk of hyperkalemia in some patients who are using angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). ARBs can promote hyperkalemia through inhibition of angiotensin II-induced aldosterone secretion. Patients with diabetes, heart failure, dehydration, or renal insufficiency have a greater risk of developing hyperkalemia.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should receive dietary counseling and be advised to not use potassium-containing salt substitutes or over-the-counter potassium supplements without consulting their physician. If salt substitutes are used concurrently, regular monitoring of serum potassium levels is recommended. Patients should also be advised to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of hyperkalemia such as weakness, irregular heartbeat, confusion, tingling of the extremities, or feelings of heaviness in the legs.

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: 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.

The consumption of grapefruit juice may slightly increase plasma concentrations of amlodipine. The mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. Data have been conflicting and the clinical significance is unknown. Monitoring for calcium channel blocker adverse effects (e.g., headache, hypotension, syncope, tachycardia, edema) is recommended.