Drug Interactions between pretomanid and zidovudine

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.

Food may have variable effects on the oral bioavailability of zidovudine. Fatty foods have been reported to decrease the rate and extent of zidovudine absorption following oral administration. In a study of 13 AIDS patients, mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of zidovudine were 2.8 and 1.4 times higher, respectively, in fasting patients than in those administered the medication with breakfast. In addition, variations in plasma zidovudine concentrations were increased when administered in the fed state. In another study of eight patients, the time to reach peak concentration (Tmax) was increased from 0.68 to 1.95 hours, and Cmax was reduced by 50% when zidovudine was administered with a liquid high-fat meal relative to fasting. Protein meals can also delay the absorption and reduce the Cmax of zidovudine, although the extent of absorption is not significantly affected. The clinical significance of these alterations, if any, is unknown. The product labeling states that zidovudine may be taken with or without food.