Drug Interactions between panobinostat and Phenytoin Sodium, Extended Release

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Phenytoin bioavailability may decrease to subtherapeutic levels when the suspension is given concomitantly with enteral feedings. The mechanism may be related to phenytoin binding to substances in the enteral formula (e.g., calcium, protein) and/or binding to the tube lumen. Data have been conflicting and some studies have reported no changes in phenytoin levels, while others have reported significant reductions.

MONITOR: Acute consumption of alcohol may increase plasma phenytoin levels. Chronic consumption of alcohol may decrease plasma phenytoin levels. The mechanism of this interaction is related to induction of phenytoin metabolism by ethanol during chronic administration. Other hydantoin derivatives may be similarly affected by ethanol.

MANAGEMENT: Some experts have recommended interrupting the feeding for 2 hours before and after the phenytoin dose, giving the phenytoin suspension diluted in water, and flushing the tube with water after administration; however, this method may not entirely avoid the interaction and is not always clinically feasible. Patients should be closely monitored for clinical and laboratory evidence of altered phenytoin efficacy and levels upon initiation and discontinuation of enteral feedings. Dosage adjustments or intravenous administration may be required until therapeutic serum levels are obtained. In addition, patients receiving phenytoin therapy should be warned about the interaction between phenytoin and ethanol and they should be advised to notify their physician if they experience worsening of seizure control or symptoms of toxicity, including drowsiness, visual disturbances, change in mental status, nausea, or ataxia.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of panobinostat. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Increased exposure to panobinostat may increase the risk of adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, peripheral edema, cardiotoxicity, ECG abnormalities, electrolyte disturbances, bleeding complications, hepatotoxicity, and myelosuppression.

Food may delay the rate of absorption of panobinostat, but does not significantly affect the overall extent of absorption. When a single oral dose of panobinostat was administered to 36 patients with advanced cancer 30 minutes after a high-fat meal, panobinostat peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) were approximately 44% and 16% lower, respectively, compared to administration under fasting conditions. The median time to maximum concentration (Tmax) was prolonged by 2.5 hours.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should avoid consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with panobinostat. The manufacturer also recommends avoiding star fruit, Seville oranges, pomegranate, and pomegranate juice. Panobinostat may be administered with or without food.