Drug Interactions between fesoterodine and Redux

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate the central nervous system and cardiovascular effects of centrally-acting appetite suppressants. In one study, concurrent administration of methamphetamine (30 mg intravenously) and ethanol (1 gm/kg orally over 30 minutes) increased heart rate by 24 beats/minute compared to methamphetamine alone. This increases cardiac work and myocardial oxygen consumption, which may lead to more adverse cardiovascular effects than either agent alone. Subjective effects of ethanol were diminished in the eight study subjects, but those of methamphetamine were not affected. The pharmacokinetics of methamphetamine were also unaffected except for a decrease in the apparent volume of distribution at steady state.

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of centrally-acting appetite suppressants and alcohol should be avoided if possible, especially in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. Patients should be counselled 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.

MONITOR: Coadministration with moderate inhibitors of CYP450 3A4 such as grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of fesoterodine's active metabolite, 5-hydroxymethyl tolterodine, which is partially metabolized by the isoenzyme. The possibility of prolonged and/or increased pharmacologic effects of fesoterodine should be considered. Because 5-hydroxymethyl tolterodine is also metabolized by CYP450 2D6, the clinical significance of the interaction may be greater in patients who are CYP450 2D6-deficient, or so-called poor metabolizers of CYP450 2D6 (approximately 7% of Caucasians and less than 2% of Asians and individuals of African descent) who may rely more on the 3A4 metabolic pathway for clearance of the drug.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if fesoterodine is administered with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they experience potential adverse effects of fesoterodine such as irregular heartbeat, blurry vision, difficulty urinating, dry mouth, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, gastrointestinal upset, or constipation.