Drug Interactions between mifepristone and propafenone

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of propafenone. 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. In over 90% of patients, propafenone is rapidly and extensively converted to 2 active metabolites: 5-hydroxypropafenone via CYP450 2D6 and N-depropylpropafenone (norpropafenone) via CYP450 3A4 and 1A2. In less than 10% of patients (approximately 6% of Caucasians in the U.S. population), however, metabolism of propafenone is slower because the 5-hydroxy metabolite is not formed, or minimally formed, due to a genetic deficiency in CYP450 2D6. In these poor metabolizers of CYP450 2D6, clearance of propafenone via the CYP450 3A4 and 1A2 metabolic pathways becomes more important, and inhibition of these pathways may substantially increase systemic exposure to propafenone. Likewise, patients taking concomitant inhibitors of CYP450 2D6 and 3A4 may experience similar pharmacokinetic effects. 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 systemic exposure to propafenone may result in proarrhythmic events and exaggerated beta-adrenergic blocking activity.

MANAGEMENT: It may be advisable for patients to avoid the consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, or supplements that contain grapefruit during treatment with propafenone.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food may significantly increase the plasma concentrations of mifepristone.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of mifepristone. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Because pharmacokinetic interactions involving grapefruit juice are often subject to a high degree of interpatient variability, the extent to which a given patient may be affected is difficult to predict.

MANAGEMENT: When mifepristone is used daily to control hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism in patients with endogenous Cushing's syndrome, it should be taken with food to achieve consistent plasma drug levels. Patients should be advised to avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with mifepristone, as it may cause increased adverse effects such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, cramping, diarrhea, hypokalemia, adrenal insufficiency, vaginal bleeding, arthralgia, peripheral edema, and hypertension. Because mifepristone is eliminated slowly from the body, the interaction with grapefruit juice may be observed for a prolonged period.