Drug Interactions between famotidine / ibuprofen and voriconazole

MONITOR: Coadministration with voriconazole may increase the plasma concentrations of drugs that are substrates of CYP450 2C19, 2C9, and/or 3A4. The mechanism is decreased clearance due to inhibition of those isoenzymes by voriconazole. Increased plasma levels and/or pharmacologic effects of drugs such as cyclosporine, sirolimus, tacrolimus (3A4 substrates), and warfarin (2C9 substrate) have been reported during coadministration with voriconazole.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if voriconazole must be used concomitantly with medications that undergo metabolism by CYP450 2C19, 2C9 and/or 3A4, particularly those with a narrow therapeutic range. Dosage adjustments as well as clinical and laboratory monitoring may be appropriate for some drugs whenever voriconazole is added to or withdrawn from therapy. The manufacturer specifically recommends that a dosage reduction be considered for benzodiazepines, statins, long-acting opiates, and vinca alkaloids that are metabolized by the affected isoenzymes when used with voriconazole.

MONITOR: Famotidine may cause QTc prolongation. Theoretically, coadministration with other agents that can prolong the QT interval may result in additive effects and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes and sudden death. According to the manufacturer, prolongation of the QT interval has been reported very rarely in patients with impaired renal function whose dose/dosing interval of famotidine may not have been adjusted appropriately. In general, the risk of an individual agent or a combination of these agents causing ventricular arrhythmia in association with QT prolongation is largely unpredictable but may be increased by certain underlying risk factors such as congenital long QT syndrome, cardiac disease, and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia). In addition, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drug(s).

MANAGEMENT: Caution and clinical monitoring are recommended if famotidine is used in combination with other drugs that can prolong the QT interval. Patients should be advised to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitation, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, or syncope.

H2 antagonists may alter the pharmacokinetic disposition of some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), resulting in increased or decreased plasma concentrations. Data have been varied, even for the same NSAID. The mechanism may involve inhibition of metabolism, changes in gastric pH resulting in altered absorption, and/or reduced urinary elimination of the affected NSAIDs. Statistically significant changes have been small and of limited clinical significance when interactions have been observed.