Drug Interactions between rifampin and Zurzuvae

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 enhances the oral bioavailability of zuranolone. When administered with a low-fat meal (e.g., 400 to 500 calories, 25% fat), zuranolone peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 3.5- and 1.8-fold, respectively, compared to administration under fasted conditions. Zuranolone was administered with food in the premarketing study population. The efficacy of zuranolone when administered in the fasted state is unknown.

GENERALLY AVOID: Concomitant use of zuranolone with central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may potentiate adverse effects such as somnolence, confusion, dizziness, and gait disturbance.

MANAGEMENT: Zuranolone must be administered with fat-containing food (e.g., 400 to 1,000 calories, 25% to 50% fat) according to the manufacturer. Patients should also be advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol and to avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until at least 12 hours after administration of zuranolone.