Drug Interactions between levomethadyl acetate and tecovirimat

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: Food may increase the extent of tecovirimat absorption following oral administration. When the recommended oral dose of tecovirimat (600 mg every 12 hours) was administered with a meal (approximately 600 calories and 25 g of fat) in healthy adults weighing less than 120 kg, tecovirimat absorption increased by 39% relative to fasting.

MANAGEMENT: Oral tecovirimat should be taken within 30 minutes after a full meal containing moderate or high fat (approximately 600 calories and 25 g of fat) with 6 to 8 ounces of water.