Drug Interactions between praziquantel and Retevmo

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of selpercatinib. 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. The interaction has not been studied with grapefruit juice, but has been reported for other CYP450 3A4 inhibitors. When a single dose of selpercatinib (160 mg) was coadministered with multiple doses of itraconazole (200 mg once daily), a potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, selpercatinib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 30% and 133%, respectively. Based on pharmacokinetic modeling, administration of multiple doses of selpercatinib (160 mg twice daily) with multiple doses of the moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitors diltiazem (60 mg three times daily), fluconazole (200 mg once daily), or verapamil (80 mg three times daily) is predicted to increase selpercatinib Cmax by 46% to 76% and AUC by 60% to 99%. 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 exposure to selpercatinib may increase the risk of serious adverse effects such as QT interval prolongation, liver transaminase and bilirubin elevations, hypertension, hemorrhage, edema, and hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., fever, rash, arthralgias/myalgias with concurrent decreased platelets or transaminitis).

MANAGEMENT: Until further information is available, it may be advisable for patients to limit or avoid consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with selpercatinib.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Administration with food increases the oral bioavailability of praziquantel. The mechanism has not been described. In nine healthy volunteers, administration of praziquantel (1800 mg single oral dose) following a high-fat meal increased the mean praziquantel peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) by 243% and 180%, respectively, compared to administration under fasting conditions. Administration with a high-carbohydrate meal increased these values by 515% and 271%, respectively, compared to fasting. Overall, the relative bioavailability was increased by a factor of 2.72 and 3.98 with the high-fat and high-carbohydrate meals, respectively. The time to reach peak concentration (Tmax) and elimination half-life (T1/2) were not significantly altered.

Coadministration with grapefruit juice may increase the oral bioavailability of praziquantel. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall induced by certain compounds present in grapefruit. In 18 healthy volunteers, administration of praziquantel (1800 mg single oral dose) with 250 mL of commercially squeezed grapefruit juice resulted in increases in the mean praziquantel Cmax and AUC of 63% and 90%, respectively, compared to administration with water. The Tmax and T1/2 were not significantly altered. The pharmacokinetics of praziquantel were subject to a high degree of interpatient variability with and without grapefruit juice.

MANAGEMENT: To ensure maximal oral absorption, praziquantel should be administered with meals. Administration with grapefruit juice may further increase pharmacologic effects of praziquantel, including adverse effects such dizziness, abdominal discomfort, and nausea.