Drug Interactions between midostaurin and rufinamide

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may significantly increase the plasma concentrations of midostaurin. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. 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. Ketoconazole, a potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, has been shown to increase midostaurin systemic exposure (AUC) by greater than 10-fold in healthy volunteers. Increased exposure to midostaurin may increase the risk of adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, edema, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, QT prolongation, neutropenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food enhances the oral bioavailability of midostaurin. Relative to fasting conditions, midostaurin systemic exposure (AUC) increased by approximately 1.2-fold when administered with a standard meal (457 calories; 50 g fat, 21 g proteins, 18 g carbohydrates) and 1.6-fold when administered with a high-fat meal (1007 calories; 66 g fat, 32 g proteins, 64 g carbohydrates), while midostaurin peak plasma concentration (Cmax ) decreased by 20% and 27%, respectively.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends taking midostaurin with food. Midostaurin was administered with food in clinical trials. Patients should avoid consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with midostaurin.

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of rufinamide. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food enhances the oral absorption and bioavailability of rufinamide. In healthy volunteers, administration of a single 400 mg dose of rufinamide with food resulted in an approximately 56% increase in mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and a 34% increase in systemic exposure (AUC) compared to administration during a fasting state.

MANAGEMENT: To ensure maximal oral absorption, it is preferable to administer rufinamide with food. Patients receiving rufinamide should be advised to avoid consumption of alcohol. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how rufinamide affects them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.