Drug Interactions between rifampin and telaprevir

GENERALLY AVOID: Concurrent use of rifampin in patients who ingest alcohol daily may result in an increased incidence of hepatotoxicity. The increase in hepatotoxicity may be due to an additive risk as both alcohol and rifampin are individually associated with this adverse reaction. However, the exact mechanism has not been established.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Administration with food may reduce oral rifampin absorption, increasing the risk of therapeutic failure or resistance. In a randomized, four-period crossover phase I study of 14 healthy male and female volunteers, the pharmacokinetics of single dose rifampin 600 mg were evaluated under fasting conditions and with a high-fat meal. Researchers observed that administration of rifampin with a high-fat meal reduced rifampin peak plasma concentration (Cmax) by 36%, nearly doubled the time to reach peak plasma concentration (Tmax) but reduced overall exposure (AUC) by only 6%.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of oral forms of rifampin recommends administration on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before or 2 hours after meals. Patients should be encouraged to avoid alcohol or strictly limit their intake. Patients who use alcohol and rifampin concurrently or have a history of alcohol use disorder may require additional monitoring of their liver function during treatment with rifampin.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food significantly enhances the oral bioavailability of telaprevir. When given with a meal containing 533 kcal and 21 g fat, telaprevir systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 237% compared to administration under fasting conditions. The type of meal also affects the exposure to telaprevir. Relative to fasting, telaprevir AUC increased by approximately 117% with a low-fat meal (249 kcal; 3.6 g fat) and 330% with a high-fat meal (928 kcal; 56 g fat). In Phase 3 clinical trials, telaprevir doses were administered within 30 minutes of completing a meal or snack containing approximately 20 grams of fat.

MANAGEMENT: Telaprevir should be administered with food containing approximately 20 grams of fat. Patients should be advised that the fat content of the meal or snack is critical to the absorption of telaprevir. Food taken with telaprevir should be ingested within 30 minutes prior to each dose. Examples of some foods that could be taken with telaprevir include: bagel with cream cheese; half cup of nuts; 3 tablespoons of peanut butter; 1 cup of ice cream; 2 ounces of American or cheddar cheese; 2 ounces of potato chips; or half cup of trail mix.