Drug Interactions between mefloquine and repotrectinib

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations and adverse effects of repotrectinib. According to prescribing information, repotrectinib is primarily metabolized by CYP450 3A4, and is also a substrate of P-gp in vitro. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Inhibition of hepatic CYP450 3A4 may also contribute. The interaction has not been studied with repotrectinib and grapefruit juice but has been reported for other CYP450 3A4 inhibitors. Drug interaction studies have shown that the administration of repotrectinib with itraconazole, a potent CYP450 3A4 and P-gp inhibitor, increased the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) of repotrectinib by 1.7-fold and 5.9-fold, respectively. In general, the effect of grapefruit juice is concentration-, dose- and preparation-dependent, and can vary widely among brands. Certain preparations of grapefruit juice (e.g., high dose, double strength) have sometimes demonstrated potent inhibition of CYP450 3A4, while other preparations (e.g., low dose, single strength) have typically demonstrated moderate inhibition. Increased exposure to repotrectinib may increase the risk of adverse reactions such as dizziness, fatigue, cognitive disorders, ataxia, dysgeusia, peripheral neuropathy, muscular weakness, and dyspnea as well as more serious adverse effects such as interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis, liver transaminase elevations, myalgia with creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) elevation, hyperuricemia, and skeletal fractures.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer advises that concomitant use of repotrectinib with grapefruit, grapefruit juice, or supplements that contain grapefruit should be avoided.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food enhances the oral absorption and bioavailability of mefloquine. The proposed mechanism is increased drug solubility in the presence of food. In 20 healthy volunteers, administration of a single 750 mg oral dose of mefloquine 30 minutes following a high-fat meal increased the mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of mefloquine by 73% and 40%, respectively, compared to administration in the fasting state. The Cmax and AUC of the carboxylic acid metabolite were also increased by 35% and 33%, respectively, compared to fasting. In addition, the time to reach peak plasma concentration (Tmax) of mefloquine was significantly shorter after food intake (17 hours) than in the fasting state (36 hours). There was no difference in the elimination half-life of mefloquine and metabolite, or the Tmax for the metabolite.

MANAGEMENT: To ensure maximal oral absorption, mefloquine should be administered immediately after a meal with at least 8 ounces of water.