Drug Interactions between modafinil and nirmatrelvir / ritonavir

MONITOR: Coadministration with drugs that are inducers of CYP450 3A4 may decrease the plasma concentrations of nirmatrelvir which is primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme. According to the manufacturer, coadministration of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (300 mg-100 mg twice daily for 5 doses) with the potent CYP450 3A4 inducer carbamazepine (300 mg twice daily for 16 doses) (n=9) decreased the systemic exposure (AUC) and peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of nirmatrelvir by approximately 55% and 43%, respectively. Data are unavailable for other, less potent inducers. In addition, the plasma concentrations and pharmacologic effects of the concomitant inducer may be affected; however, clinical data are lacking.

MANAGEMENT: Given the risk of reduced viral susceptibility and resistance development associated with subtherapeutic antiviral drug levels, nirmatrelvir-ritonavir should be used cautiously with agents that induce CYP450 3A4. Antiviral response should be monitored more closely whenever a CYP450 3A4 inducer is added to or withdrawn from therapy.

Coadministration with inhibitors of CYP450 3A4 may increase the plasma concentrations of modafinil (the racemate) and armodafinil (the R-enantiomer), which are both partially metabolized by the isoenzyme. Conversely, the plasma levels of some of these inhibitors may decrease, since many of them are also substrates of CYP450 3A4, and modafinil and armodafinil have been found to be modest inducers of CYP450 3A4. The clinical significance of this potential interaction is unknown. Clinical monitoring for altered effects of modafinil and armodafinil as well as the CYP450 3A4 inhibitor may be appropriate following addition or withdrawal of one or the other drug. Dose adjustments may be required if an interaction is suspected.