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Drug Interactions between pimavanserin and Qualaquin

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

quiNINE pimavanserin

Applies to: Qualaquin (quinine) and pimavanserin

GENERALLY AVOID: Pimavanserin may cause dose-related prolongation of the QT interval. Theoretically, coadministration with other agents that can prolong the QT interval may result in additive effects and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes and sudden death. In a thorough QTc study conducted in 252 healthy subjects, the maximum mean change in QTc interval from baseline was 13.5 msec at twice the therapeutic dosage given to steady state. In 6-week premarketing placebo-controlled effectiveness studies, mean increases in QTc interval were approximately 5 to 8 msec in patients receiving the recommended pimavanserin dosage of 34 mg once daily. Sporadic QTcF values >=500 msec and change from baseline values >=60 msec were observed in subjects treated with pimavanserin, although the incidence was generally similar to that reported for placebo groups. There were no reports of torsade de pointes arrhythmia or differences from placebo in any other adverse reactions associated with delayed ventricular repolarization. In general, the risk of an individual agent or a combination of agents causing ventricular arrhythmia in association with QT prolongation is largely unpredictable but may be increased by certain underlying risk factors such as congenital long QT syndrome, cardiac disease, and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia). The extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drug(s).

MANAGEMENT: Coadministration of pimavanserin with other drugs that can prolong the QT interval should generally be avoided. Caution and clinical monitoring are recommended if concomitant use is required. Patients should have regular ECGs and be monitored for arrhythmias when QT interval is prolonged. Persistent QTc measurements exceeding 500 msec will require suspension of pimavanserin therapy and immediate action to correct any concomitant risk factors before resuming treatment. Patients should be advised to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitation, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, or syncope.

References

  1. "Product Information. Nuplazid (pimavanserin)." Accelis Pharma (2016):

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Drug and food interactions

Minor

quiNINE food

Applies to: Qualaquin (quinine)

Coadministration with grapefruit juice does not appear to affect the pharmacokinetics of quinine in a clinically relevant manner. Although grapefruit juice is an inhibitor of CYP450 3A4 and quinine is metabolized by this pathway to its major metabolite, 3-hydroxyquinine, a study of ten healthy volunteers found no significant differences in quinine peak plasma concentration (Cmax), time to reach Cmax (Tmax), terminal elimination half-life, systemic exposure (AUC), or apparent oral clearance (Cl/F) when a single 600 mg oral dose of quinine sulfate was administered in combination with 200 mL of orange juice (control), half-strength grapefruit juice, and full-strength grapefruit juice twice daily for 6 days each, separated by a 2-week washout period. Relative to the control period, the apparent renal clearance of quinine was markedly increased by 81% during treatment with half-strength grapefruit juice. However, since renal clearance accounts for approximately 6% of the total clearance of quinine, this change would likely have minimal clinical impact. The lack of a significant interaction is probably due to the fact that grapefruit juice primarily inhibits intestinal rather than hepatic CYP450 3A4, and quinine is not known to undergo significant presystemic metabolism as evidenced by its relatively high oral bioavailability (76% to 88%). Nevertheless, excessive consumption of grapefruit juice and tonic water (which contains quinine) was suspected as the cause of torsade de pointes arrhythmia in a patient with a history of asymptomatic long QT syndrome. Treatment with magnesium sulfate and metoprolol had no effect, but the arrhythmia resolved spontaneously 48 hours after discontinuation of the drinks. Based on current data, moderate grapefruit juice consumption is probably safe for the majority of patients taking quinine.

References

  1. Ho PC, Chalcroft SC, Coville PF, Wanwimolruk S "Grapefruit juice has no effect on quinine pharmacokinetics." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 55 (1999): 393-8
  2. Hermans K, Stockman D, Van den Branden F "Grapefruit and tonic: a deadly combination in a patient with the long QT syndrome." Am J Med 114 (2003): 511-2
  3. "Product Information. Qualaquin (quinine)." AR Scientific Inc (2006):
  4. Zhang H, Coville PF, Walker RJ, Miners JO, Birkett DJ, Wanwimolruk S "Evidence for involvement of human CYP3A in the 3-hydroxylation of quinine." Br J Clin Pharmacol 43 (1997): 245-52
  5. Mirghani RA, Yasar U, Zheng T, et al. "Enzyme kinetics for the formation of 3-hydroxyquinine and three new metabolites of quinine in vitro; 3-hydroxylation by CYP3A4 is indeed the major metabolic pathway." Drug Metab Dispos 30 (2002): 1368-71
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Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.


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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.