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Drug Interactions between halofantrine and Mifeprex

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

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Interactions between your drugs

Major

miFEPRIStone halofantrine

Applies to: Mifeprex (mifepristone) and halofantrine

GENERALLY AVOID: Mifepristone may prolong the QTc interval in a dose-related manner. 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. Mifepristone and its metabolites have been found to inhibit the hERG-encoded cardiac potassium channels responsible for the rapid delayed rectifier K+ (IKr) repolarizing current. However, there is little or no experience with high exposure, concomitant dosing with other QT-prolonging drugs, or potassium channel variants resulting in a long QT interval. In general, the risk of an individual agent or a combination of 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). Since mifepristone can commonly cause hypokalemia during prolonged use, this should also be considered during coadministration with other QT-prolonging drugs. In a study of patients with Cushing's syndrome, hypokalemia was observed in 44% of subjects treated with mifepristone. The hypokalemia responded to treatment with potassium supplementation and/or mineralocorticoid antagonist therapy (e.g., spironolactone or eplerenone).

MANAGEMENT: When mifepristone is used daily to control hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism in patients with endogenous Cushing's syndrome, coadministration with other drugs that can prolong the QT interval should generally be avoided. Caution is recommended if no alternatives exist and concomitant use is required. Serum potassium should be assessed prior to starting mifepristone and 1 to 2 weeks following initiation of therapy or an increase in dosage, and periodically as needed. Hypokalemia must be corrected prior to initiation of mifepristone. Patients should be advised to seek medical attention if they experience potential signs and symptoms of hypokalemia such as fatigue, weakness, myalgia, muscle cramps, numbness, tingling, abdominal pain, constipation, palpitation, and irregular heart rhythm. Because mifepristone is eliminated slowly from the body, drug interactions may be observed for a prolonged period following discontinuation (approximately 2 to 3 weeks if mifepristone had been administered chronically to steady state).

References

  1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  2. Canadian Pharmacists Association (2006) e-CPS. http://www.pharmacists.ca/function/Subscriptions/ecps.cfm?link=eCPS_quikLink
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
  4. (2012) "Product Information. Korlym (mifepristone)." Corcept Therapeutics Incorporated
View all 4 references

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Drug and food interactions

Major

halofantrine food

Applies to: halofantrine

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentration of halofantrine. The mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. After administration of 500 mg with 250 mL regular-strength grapefruit juice daily for 3 days, average halofantrine AUC increased 2.8-fold and peak plasma concentrations increased 3.2-fold, compared to water, in healthy subjects (n=12). QT interval prolongation increased from an average of 17 ms with water to 31 ms with grapefruit juice. Halofantrine, even at recommended doses, can cause dose-related prolongation of the QT interval, resulting in an elevated risk of potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia and torsade de pointes.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: The presence of food may increase the absorption and toxicity of halofantrine. Peak plasma concentrations increased seven-fold and AUC increased three-fold in healthy subjects when halofantrine was administered with high-fat food.

MANAGEMENT: The authors of the study recommend that grapefruit juice be avoided during halofantrine therapy. The manufacturer recommends performing an ECG before initiating halofantrine therapy and cardiac monitoring during and for 8 to 12 hours after completion of therapy. Halofantrine should be taken on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food.

References

  1. Giao PT, de Vries PJ (2001) "Pharmacokinetic interactions of antimalarial agents." Clin Pharmacokinet, 40, p. 343-73
  2. (2003) "Product Information. Halfan (halofantrine)." GlaxoSmithKline
  3. Charbit B, Becquemont L, Lepere B, Peytavin G, Funck-Bretano C (2002) "Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interaction between grapefruit juice and halofantrine." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 72, p. 514-23
  4. Abernethy DR, Wesche DL, Barbey JT, et al. (2001) "Stereoselective halofantrine disposition and effect: concentration-related QTc prolongation." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 51, p. 231-7
View all 4 references

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Moderate

miFEPRIStone food

Applies to: Mifeprex (mifepristone)

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food may significantly increase the plasma concentrations of mifepristone.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of mifepristone. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Because pharmacokinetic interactions involving grapefruit juice are often subject to a high degree of interpatient variability, the extent to which a given patient may be affected is difficult to predict.

MANAGEMENT: When mifepristone is used daily to control hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism in patients with endogenous Cushing's syndrome, it should be taken with food to achieve consistent plasma drug levels. Patients should be advised to avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with mifepristone, as it may cause increased adverse effects such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, cramping, diarrhea, hypokalemia, adrenal insufficiency, vaginal bleeding, arthralgia, peripheral edema, and hypertension. Because mifepristone is eliminated slowly from the body, the interaction with grapefruit juice may be observed for a prolonged period.

References

  1. (2001) "Product Information. Mifeprex (mifepristone)." Danco Laboratories
  2. (2012) "Product Information. Korlym (mifepristone)." Corcept Therapeutics Incorporated

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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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