Drug Interactions between levomethadyl acetate and Zurzuvae

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 enhances the oral bioavailability of zuranolone. When administered with a low-fat meal (e.g., 400 to 500 calories, 25% fat), zuranolone peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 3.5- and 1.8-fold, respectively, compared to administration under fasted conditions. Zuranolone was administered with food in the premarketing study population. The efficacy of zuranolone when administered in the fasted state is unknown.

GENERALLY AVOID: Concomitant use of zuranolone with central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may potentiate adverse effects such as somnolence, confusion, dizziness, and gait disturbance.

MANAGEMENT: Zuranolone must be administered with fat-containing food (e.g., 400 to 1,000 calories, 25% to 50% fat) according to the manufacturer. Patients should also be advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol and to avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until at least 12 hours after administration of zuranolone.