Drug Interactions between levomethadyl acetate and lopinavir / ritonavir

GENERALLY AVOID: The concurrent use of levomethadyl acetate and alcohol may result in additive CNS and respiratory depression, hypotension, sedation, or coma. Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of orally administered drugs which are substrates of the CYP450 3A4 isoenzyme, such as levomethadyl acetate. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. The extent and clinical significance are unknown. Moreover, pharmacokinetic alterations associated with interactions involving grapefruit juice are often subject to a high degree of interpatient variability.

MANAGEMENT: Patients who are known to abuse alcohol should be warned of the risk of potentially fatal overdose if these substances are taken concurrently. Patients who regularly consume grapefruits and grapefruit juice should be monitored for adverse effects and altered plasma concentrations of levomethadyl acetate. A 12-lead ECG should be performed before initiating therapy, 12 to 14 days after initiating therapy, and periodically thereafter. Patients should be advised to immediately seek medical attention if they experience palpitations, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or seizures. Grapefruits and grapefruit juice should be avoided if an interaction is suspected. Orange juice is not expected to interact.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Administration with food may modestly affect the bioavailability of ritonavir from the various available formulations. When the oral solution was given under nonfasting conditions, peak ritonavir concentrations decreased 23% and the extent of absorption decreased 7% relative to fasting conditions. Dilution of the oral solution (within one hour of dosing) with 240 mL of chocolate milk or a nutritional supplement (Advera or Ensure) did not significantly affect the extent and rate of ritonavir absorption. When a single 100 mg dose of the tablet was administered with a high-fat meal (907 kcal; 52% fat, 15% protein, 33% carbohydrates), approximately 20% decreases in mean peak concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) were observed relative to administration after fasting. Similar decreases in Cmax and AUC were reported when the tablet was administered with a moderate-fat meal. In contrast, the extent of absorption of ritonavir from the soft gelatin capsule formulation was 13% higher when administered with a meal (615 KCal; 14.5% fat, 9% protein, and 76% carbohydrate) relative to fasting.

MANAGEMENT: Ritonavir should be taken with meals to enhance gastrointestinal tolerability.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food significantly increases the bioavailability of lopinavir from the oral solution formulation of lopinavir-ritonavir. Relative to fasting, administration of lopinavir-ritonavir oral solution with a moderate-fat meal (500 to 682 Kcal; 23% to 25% calories from fat) increased lopinavir peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 54% and 80%, respectively, whereas administration with a high-fat meal (872 Kcal; 56% from fat) increased lopinavir Cmax and AUC by 56% and 130%, respectively. No clinically significant changes in Cmax and AUC were observed following administration of lopinavir-ritonavir tablets under fed conditions versus fasted conditions. Relative to fasting, administration of a single 400 mg-100 mg dose (two 200 mg-50 mg tablets) with a moderate-fat meal (558 Kcal; 24.1% calories from fat) increased lopinavir Cmax and AUC by 17.6% and 26.9%, respectively, while administration with a high-fat meal (998 Kcal; 51.3% from fat) increased lopinavir AUC by 18.9% but not Cmax. Relative to fasting, ritonavir Cmax and AUC also increased by 4.9% and 14.9%, respectively, with the moderate-fat meal and 10.3% and 23.9%, respectively, with the high-fat meal.

MANAGEMENT: Lopinavir-ritonavir oral solution should be taken with meals to enhance bioavailability and minimize pharmacokinetic variability. Lopinavir-ritonavir tablets may be taken without regard to meals.