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Drug Interactions between Gengraf and Onmel

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Major

cycloSPORINE itraconazole

Applies to: Gengraf (cyclosporine) and Onmel (itraconazole)

ADJUST DOSE: Certain azole antifungal agents such as ketoconazole and itraconazole that are potent inhibitors of CYP450 3A4 may significantly increase the blood levels of cyclosporine, which is primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme. The risk of nephro- and neurotoxicity associated with cyclosporine may be increased. Five- to tenfold increases in cyclosporine levels have been reported during coadministration with ketoconazole.

MANAGEMENT: Cyclosporine dosage reductions are often necessary during coadministration with azole antifungal agents. Cyclosporine blood levels and renal function should be checked frequently and the dosage adjusted accordingly, particularly following initiation or discontinuation of antifungal therapy in patients who are stabilized on their cyclosporine regimen. A 60% to 80% reduction may be necessary during concomitant therapy with ketoconazole. Some authorities recommend reducing the dose of cyclosporine by 50% when coadministered with itraconazole at doses greater than 100 mg daily (AU). Patients should be advised to notify their doctor if they experience possible signs of cyclosporine toxicity such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, fatigue, headache, tremors, and convulsions.

References

  1. Yee GC, McGuire TR (1990) "Pharmacokinetic drug interactions with cyclosporin (Part I)." Clin Pharmacokinet, 19, p. 319-32
  2. Charles BG, Ravenscroft PJ, Rigby RJ (1989) "The ketoconazole-cyclosporin interaction in an elderly renal transplant patient." Aust N Z J Med, 19, p. 292-3
  3. Kiss D, Thiel G (1990) "Glucose-intolerance and prolonged renal-transplant insufficiency due to ketoconazole-cyclosporin A interaction." Clin Nephrol, 33, p. 207-8
  4. First MR, Schroeder TJ, Alexander JW, et al. (1991) "Cyclosporine dose reduction by ketoconazole administration in renal transplant recipients." Transplantation, 51, p. 365-70
  5. Kramer MR, Marshall SE, Denning DW, et al. (1990) "Cyclosporine and itraconazole interaction in heart and lung transplant recipients." Ann Intern Med, 113, p. 327-9
  6. Hwang WL, Gau JP, Young JH, Chia LG (1992) "Ketoconazole and high-dose methylprednisolone predisposing to cyclosporine-induced seizures: report of 3 cases." Acta Haematol, 88, p. 139-41
  7. Horton CM, Freeman CD, Nolan PE Jr, Copeland JG 3rd (1992) "Cyclosporine interactions with miconazole and other azole- antimycotics: a case report and review of the literature." J Heart Lung Transplant, 11, p. 1127-32
  8. Sorenson AL, Lovdahl M, Hewitt JM, et al. (1994) "Effects of ketoconazole on cyclosporine metabolism in renal allograft recipients." Transplant Proc, 26, p. 2822
  9. Keogh A, Spratt P, McCosker C, Macdonald, Mundy J, Kaan A (1995) "Ketoconazole to reduce the need for cyclosporine after cardiac transplantation." N Engl J Med, 333, p. 628-33
  10. Sobh M, Elagroudy A, Moustafa F, Harras F, Elbedewy M, Ghoneim M (1995) "Coadministration of ketoconazole to cyclosporin-treated kidney transplant recipients: a prospective randomized study." Am J Nephrol, 15, p. 493-9
  11. Gerntholtz T, Pascoe MD, Botha JF, Halkett J, Kahn D (2004) "The use of a cyclosporin-ketoconazole combination: making renal transplantation affordable in developing countries." Eur J Clin Pharmacol
  12. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  13. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
View all 13 references

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Drug and food interactions

Moderate

cycloSPORINE food

Applies to: Gengraf (cyclosporine)

GENERALLY AVOID: Administration with grapefruit juice (compared to water or orange juice) has been shown to increase blood concentrations of cyclosporine with a relatively high degree of interpatient variability. The mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits.

GENERALLY AVOID: Administration with red wine or purple grape juice may decrease blood concentrations of cyclosporine. In 12 healthy volunteers, 12 ounces total of a merlot consumed 15 minutes prior to and during cyclosporine administration (single 8 mg/kg dose of Sandimmune) decreased cyclosporine peak blood concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 38% and 30%, respectively, compared to water. The time to reach peak concentration (Tmax) doubled, and oral clearance increased 50%. Similarly, one study were 12 healthy patients were administered purple grape juice and a single dose of cyclosporine showed a 30% and a 36% decrease in cyclosporine systemic exposure (AUC) and peak blood concentration (Cmax), respectively. The exact mechanism of interaction is unknown but may involve decreased cyclosporine absorption.

MONITOR: Food has been found to have variable effects on the absorption of cyclosporine. There have been reports of impaired, unchanged, and enhanced absorption during administration with meals relative to the fasting state. The mechanisms are unclear. Some investigators found an association with the fat content of food. In one study, increased fat intake resulted in significantly increased cyclosporine bioavailability and clearance. However, the AUC and pharmacodynamics of cyclosporine were not significantly affected, thus clinical relevance of these findings may be minimal.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving cyclosporine therapy should be advised to either refrain from or avoid fluctuations in the consumption of grapefruits and grapefruit juice. Until more data are available, the consumption of red wine or purple grape juice should preferably be avoided or limited. All oral formulations of cyclosporine should be administered on a consistent schedule with regard to time of day and relation to meals so as to avoid large fluctuations in plasma drug levels.

References

  1. Honcharik N, Yatscoff RW, Jeffery JR, Rush DN (1991) "The effect of meal composition on cyclosporine absorption." Transplantation, 52, p. 1087-9
  2. Ducharme MP, Provenzano R, Dehoornesmith M, Edwards DJ (1993) "Trough concentrations of cyclosporine in blood following administration with grapefruit juice." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 36, p. 457-9
  3. Bailey DG, Arnold JMO, Spence JD (1994) "Grapefruit juice and drugs - how significant is the interaction." Clin Pharmacokinet, 26, p. 91-8
  4. Hollander AAMJ, Vanrooij J, Lentjes EGWM, Arbouw F, Vanbree JB, Schoemaker RC, Vanes LA, Vanderwoude FJ, Cohen AF (1995) "The effect of grapefruit juice on cyclosporine and prednisone metabolism in transplant patients." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 57, p. 318-24
  5. (1995) "Grapefruit juice interactions with drugs." Med Lett Drugs Ther, 37, p. 73-4
  6. Tan KKC, Trull AK, Uttridge JA, Metcalfe S, Heyes CS, Facey S, Evans DB (1995) "Effect of dietary fat on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cyclosporine in kidney transplant recipients." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 57, p. 425-33
  7. Yee GC, Stanley DL, Pessa LJ, et al. (1995) "Effect of grrapefruit juice on blood cyclosporin concentration." Lancet, 345, p. 955-6
  8. Ducharme MP, Warbasse LH, Edwards DJ (1995) "Disposition of intravenous and oral cyclosporine after administration with grapefruit juice." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 57, p. 485-91
  9. Ioannidesdemos LL, Christophidis N, Ryan P, Angelis P, Liolios L, Mclean AJ (1997) "Dosing implications of a clinical interaction between grapefruit juice and cyclosporine and metabolite concentrations in patients with autoimmune diseases." J Rheumatol, 24, p. 49-54
  10. Min DI, Ku YM, Perry PJ, Ukah FO, Ashton K, Martin MF, Hunsicker LG (1996) "Effect of grapefruit juice on cyclosporine pharmacokinetics in renal transplant patients." Transplantation, 62, p. 123-5
  11. Bailey DG, Dresser GR, Kreeft JH, Munoz C, Freeman DJ, Bend JR (2000) "Grapefruit-felodipine interaction: Effect of unprocessed fruit and probable active ingredients." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 68, p. 468-77
  12. Tsunoda SM, Harris RZ, Christians U, et al. (2001) "Red wine decreases cyclosporine bioavailability." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 70, p. 462-7
  13. Oliveira-Freitas VL, Dalla Costa T, Manfro RC, Cruz LB, Schwartsmann G (2010) "Influence of purple grape juice in cyclosporine availability." J Ren Nutr, 20, p. 309-13
View all 13 references

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Moderate

itraconazole food

Applies to: Onmel (itraconazole)

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food increases the absorption of itraconazole capsules but decreases the absorption of itraconazole oral solution. Cola beverages may increase the bioavailability of itraconazole capsules. Itraconazole capsules require an acidic gastric pH for adequate dissolution and subsequent absorption. Cola beverages help lower gastric pH and improve absorption.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may impair the absorption of itraconazole capsules, resulting in decreased antifungal effects. In a small, randomized, crossover study, the administration of itraconazole capsules with double-strength grapefruit juice (compared to water) was associated with significantly decreased (43%) plasma concentrations of itraconazole and its pharmacologically active hydroxy metabolite, as well as delayed times to reach peak concentrations of both. The exact mechanism of interaction is unknown but may involve reduced absorption of itraconazole secondary to enhanced activity of intestinal P-glycoprotein drug efflux pumps and delayed gastric emptying induced by certain compounds present in grapefruits. Another study reported no pharmacokinetic changes with single-strength grapefruit juice. Whether or not these observations apply to itraconazole oral solution is unknown.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends that the capsules be taken immediately after a full meal and the solution be taken on an empty stomach to ensure maximal absorption. Cola beverages may help increase the bioavailability of itraconazole capsules, particularly in patients with hypochlorhydria or those treated concomitantly with gastric acid suppressants. Until more information is available, it may be advisable to avoid the consumption of grapefruits and grapefruit juice during itraconazole therapy.

References

  1. Van Peer A, Woestenborghs R, Heykants J, et al. (1989) "The effects of food and dose on the oral systemic availability of itraconazole in healthy subjects." Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 36, p. 423-6
  2. Wishart JM (1987) "The influence of food on the pharmacokinetics of itraconazole in patients with superficial fungal infection." J Am Acad Dermatol, 17, p. 220-3
  3. (2002) "Product Information. Sporanox (itraconazole)." Janssen Pharmaceuticals
  4. Barone JA, Koh JG, Bierman RH, Colaizzi JL, Swanson KA, Gaffar MC, Moskovitz BL, Mechlinski W, Van de Velde V (1993) "Food interaction and steady-state pharmacokinetics of itraconazole capsules in healthy male volunteers." Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 37, p. 778-84
  5. Zimmermann T, Yeates RA, Albrecht M, Laufen H, Wildfeuer A (1994) "Influence of concomitant food intake on the gastrointestinal absorption of fluconazole and itraconazole in japanese subjects." Int J Clin Pharmacol Res, 14, p. 87-93
  6. (2022) "Product Information. Sporanox (itraconazole)." Janssen Pharmaceuticals
  7. Kawakami M, Suzuki K, Ishizuka T, Hidaka T, Matsuki Y, Nakamura H (1998) "Effect of grapefruit juice on pharmacokinetics of itraconazole in healthy subjects." Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther, 36, p. 306-8
  8. Barone JA, Moskotitz BL, Guarnieri J, Hassell AE, Colaizzi JL, Bierman RH, Jessen L (1998) "Food interaction and steady-state pharmacokinetics of itraconazole oral solution in healthy volunteers." Pharmacotherapy, 18, p. 295-301
  9. Penzak SR, Gubbins PO, Gurley BJ, Wang PL, Saccente M (1999) "Grapefruit juice decreases the systemic availability of itraconazole capsules in healthy volunteers." Ther Drug Monit, 21, p. 304-9
  10. Katz HI (1999) "Drug interactions of the newer oral antifungal agents." Br J Dermatol, 141, p. 26-32
View all 10 references

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.

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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

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