Drug Interactions between pretomanid and riociguat

ADJUST DOSE: Smoking may decrease the plasma concentrations of riociguat. The proposed mechanism is induction of the CYP450 1A1-mediated metabolism of riociguat by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons present in cigarette smoke. CYP450 1A1 is responsible for the formation of the major active metabolite, M1, which has just 1/3 to 1/10 the pharmacologic activity of riociguat. According to the product labeling, plasma concentrations of riociguat are reduced by 50% to 60% in smokers compared to nonsmokers.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be advised to stop smoking. Riociguat dosages higher than 2.5 mg three times a day may be considered in cigarette smokers, if tolerated, to match the exposure seen in nonsmoking patients. However, safety and effectiveness of higher dosages have not been established. A dosage reduction should be considered in patients who stop smoking during treatment with riociguat. The tablet form of riociguat can generally be taken with or without food. Some authorities recommend not to switch between fed and fasted riociguat intake because of increased peak plasma levels of riociguat in the fasting compared to the fed state.

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with alcohol may increase the risk of hepatotoxicity associated with the use of combination drug regimens that include pretomanid.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food enhances the oral bioavailability of pretomanid. The mechanism has not been reported. Compared with the fasted state, oral administration of pretomanid with a high-fat, high-calorie meal (approximately 150, 250, and 500 to 600 calories from protein, carbohydrate, and fat, respectively) increased mean systemic exposure (AUC) and peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of pretomanid by 88% and 76%, respectively.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should avoid alcohol use during treatment with pretomanid. In addition, to ensure maximal oral absorption, pretomanid should be administered with food. Tablets should be swallowed whole.