Drug Interactions between rilpivirine and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with grapefruit or grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of rilpivirine. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall induced by certain compounds present in grapefruit. In 15 study subjects given rilpivirine (150 mg once daily) with the potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole (400 mg once daily), mean rilpivirine peak plasma concentration (Cmax), systemic exposure (AUC) and trough plasma concentration (Cmin) were increased by 30%, 49% and 76%, respectively. In 16 study subjects given a single 500 mg dose of a less potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor chlorzoxazone two hours after rilpivirine (150 mg once daily), mean rilpivirine Cmax, AUC, and Cmin were increased by 17%, 25%, and 18%, respectively. Because grapefruit juice inhibits primarily intestinal rather than hepatic CYP450 3A4, the magnitude of interaction is greatest for those drugs that undergo significant presystemic metabolism by CYP450 3A4 (i.e., drugs with low oral bioavailability). 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. Pharmacokinetic interactions involving grapefruit juice are also subject to a high degree of interpatient variability, thus the extent to which a given patient may be affected is difficult to predict.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: The administration of rilpivirine in a fasting state may decrease its oral absorption. Under fasted conditions, the systemic exposure to rilpivirine was 40% lower compared to normal or high-fat caloric meals (533 to 928 Kcal). The systemic exposure was 50% lower when rilpivirine was taken with a protein-rich nutritional beverage.

MANAGEMENT: Coadministration of grapefruit or grapefruit juice with rilpivirine should preferably be avoided. For optimal absorption, it is recommended to take rilpivirine on a regular schedule with a meal.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Because sodium zirconium cyclosilicate can transiently increase gastric pH, it may affect the absorption of coadministered medications that exhibit pH-dependent solubility. Altered efficacy or safety of these medications may occur when they are administered too close to the dosing of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate. According to the product labeling, 39 drugs were tested to determine potential interactions with sodium zirconium cyclosilicate. Drugs that did not show an in vitro interaction with sodium zirconium cyclosilicate were allopurinol, apixaban, aspirin, captopril, cyclosporine, digoxin, ethyl estradiol, lisinopril, magnesium, metformin, phenytoin, prednisone, propranolol, quinapril, spironolactone, and ticagrelor. Of the 23 drugs that showed an in vitro interaction, nine were subsequently tested in healthy volunteers. Losartan, glipizide, and levothyroxine did not demonstrate an in vivo interaction with sodium zirconium cyclosilicate. However, an increase in systemic exposure was observed for weak acids such as furosemide and atorvastatin when coadministered with sodium zirconium cyclosilicate, while a decrease in systemic exposure was observed for weak bases such as dabigatran.

MANAGEMENT: In general, concomitant oral medications should be administered at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after sodium zirconium cyclosilicate. Separation of dosing times is not needed if it has been determined that the concomitant medication does not exhibit pH-dependent solubility.