Drug Interactions between pimozide and Sustiva
This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:
- pimozide
- Sustiva (efavirenz)
Interactions between your drugs
pimozide efavirenz
Applies to: pimozide and Sustiva (efavirenz)
CONTRAINDICATED: Coadministration with efavirenz may increase the plasma concentrations of pimozide. The proposed mechanism is competitive inhibition of pimozide metabolism via CYP450 3A4. Elevated plasma levels of pimozide have been associated with prolongation of the QT interval on the ECG; ventricular arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and torsade de pointes; cardiac arrest; and sudden death.
MANAGEMENT: Given the potential for serious and life-threatening adverse cardiac events associated with increased plasma levels of pimozide, the concomitant use of efavirenz is considered contraindicated.
References
- (2001) "Product Information. Sustiva (efavirenz)." DuPont Pharmaceuticals
- "Product Information. Orap (pimozide)." Gate Pharmaceuticals
Drug and food interactions
pimozide food
Applies to: pimozide
GENERALLY AVOID: Theoretically, the coadministration with grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of pimozide. The mechanism is decreased clearance of pimozide due to inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. The use of pimozide alone has been associated with dose-dependent prolongation of the QT interval. Although clinical data are lacking, this interaction may result in potentiation of the proarrhythmic effect of pimozide and consequently an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia and torsade de pointes. In addition, alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of pimozide. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.
MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends avoiding grapefruit juice (and probably grapefruits) during therapy with pimozide. Patients should also be advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol.
References
- "Product Information. Orap (pimozide)." Gate Pharmaceuticals
- Dresser GK, Spence JD, Bailey DG (2000) "Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic consequences and clinical relevance of cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibition." Clin Pharmacokinet, 38, p. 41-57
efavirenz food
Applies to: Sustiva (efavirenz)
ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Administration with food increases the plasma concentrations of efavirenz and may increase the frequency of adverse reactions. According to the product labeling, administration of efavirenz capsules (600 mg single dose) with a high-fat/high-caloric meal (894 kcal, 54 g fat, 54% calories from fat) or a reduced-fat/normal-caloric meal (440 kcal, 2 g fat, 4% calories from fat) was associated with mean increases of 39% and 51% in efavirenz peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and 22% and 17% in systemic exposure (AUC), respectively, compared to administration under fasted conditions. For efavirenz tablets, administration of a single 600 mg dose with a high-fat/high-caloric meal (approximately 1000 kcal, 500-600 kcal from fat) resulted in a 79% increase in mean Cmax and a 28% increase in mean AUC of efavirenz relative to administration under fasted conditions.
MANAGEMENT: Efavirenz should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime. Dosing at bedtime may improve the tolerability of nervous system symptoms such as dizziness, insomnia, impaired concentration, somnolence, abnormal dreams and hallucinations, although they often resolve on their own after the first 2 to 4 weeks of therapy . Patients should be advised of the potential for additive central nervous system effects when efavirenz is used concomitantly with alcohol or psychoactive drugs, and to avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how the medication affects them.
References
- (2001) "Product Information. Sustiva (efavirenz)." DuPont Pharmaceuticals
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.
See also
Drug Interaction Classification
Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
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. | |
No interaction information available. |
Further information
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