Drug Interactions between galantamine and mavorixafor

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit products may significantly increase the plasma concentrations and effects of mavorixafor, which is primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme CYP450 3A4. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. A study examining mavorixafor in combination with the strong CYP450 3A4 and P-glycoprotein inhibitor, itraconazole, suggests an increase in mavorixafor's systemic exposure (AUC) of approximately 2-fold. Clinical data with grapefruit products are not available. Pharmacokinetic interactions involving grapefruit are subject to a high degree of interpatient variability and can also be affected by the product and amount consumed; therefore, the extent to which a given patient may be affected is difficult to predict. Additionally, since mavorixafor is associated with concentration-dependent prolongation of the QT interval, increased levels may potentiate the risk of ventricular arrhythmias such as torsade de pointes and sudden death.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food may significantly reduce the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) of mavorixafor. When a single-dose of mavorixafor (400 mg) was administered with a high-fat meal (1000 calories, 50% fat) to healthy subjects, the Cmax and AUC decreased by 66% and 55%, respectively. Similarly, when the same dose was given with a low-fat meal (500 calories, 25% fat) to healthy subjects, mavorixafor's Cmax and AUC decreased by 55% and 51%, respectively. Additionally, a single dose of mavorixafor (400 mg) administered with a low-fat meal to healthy subjects following an overnight fast resulted in a 14% higher Cmax and an 18% lower AUC than those obtained from subjects who fasted for an additional 4 hours after the dose.

MANAGEMENT: Mavorixafor should be taken on an empty stomach after an overnight fast, 30 minutes before food. Patients should be advised to avoid eating or drinking products containing grapefruit, as this could increase the risk of experiencing adverse effects from mavorixafor such as QT prolongation.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: The administration of galantamine with food and adequate fluid intake may reduce the impact of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and weight loss that are commonly associated with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs). According to product labeling, the administration of food with various galantamine formulations (e.g., liquid, immediate-release tablets, modified/extended-release capsules) has no significant effect on the systemic absorption (AUC) of galantamine. While the presence of food has been shown to delay the rate of absorption (Tmax) and reduce peak concentration (Cmax), these changes are unlikely to be clinically significant. For example, when galantamine modified release was given after food, Tmax increased by approximately 30 minutes. Similarly, in 24 healthy elderly subjects, the presence of food with galantamine immediate release tablets (12 mg twice a day) delayed the Tmax by 1.5 hours and decreased the Cmax by about 25% without affecting the AUC.

MONITOR: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of galantamine, which is partially metabolized by the CYP450 3A4 isoenzyme. 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 with both moderate and potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitors. When study subjects (n=16) received the potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole (200 mg twice daily for 4 days) with galantamine (4 mg twice daily for 8 days), the systemic exposure (AUC) of galantamine increased by 30%. However, when study subjects (n=16) received the moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor erythromycin (500 mg 4 times daily for 4 days) with galantamine (4 mg twice daily for 6 days), the AUC of galantamine only increased by 10%. In general, the effects of grapefruit products are concentration-, dose-, and preparation-dependent, and can vary widely among brands. Certain preparations of grapefruit (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. While the clinical significance of this interaction is unknown, increased exposure to galantamine may lead to AChEI related adverse effects such as vagotonic effects on the heart rate (e.g., bradycardia and heart block), neurologic side effects (e.g., seizure activity), respiratory distress, bladder outflow obstruction, dizziness or syncope, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.

MANAGEMENT: According to product labeling, galantamine should be administered with food and adequate fluid intake to reduce the impact of cholinergic-related gastrointestinal adverse effects (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and weight loss). Caution and closer monitoring for AChEI related adverse effects may advisable if galantamine is used in combination with grapefruit and/or grapefruit juice. Modified and/or extended-release formulations must also be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or divided.