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Drug Interactions between rufinamide and sodium oxybate

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Major

sodium oxybate rufinamide

Applies to: sodium oxybate and rufinamide

GENERALLY AVOID: The central nervous system and respiratory depressant effects of sodium oxybate, which is the sodium salt of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), may be potentiated by concomitant use of other agents with CNS depressant effects. An increased risk of serious adverse reactions such as respiratory depression, hypotension, profound sedation, syncope, coma, and even death should be considered.

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of sodium oxybate with other CNS depressants should be avoided whenever possible. Otherwise, close monitoring and/or dosage reductions should be considered. If short-term use of a CNS depressant is required (e.g., post- or perioperative opioid), a temporary interruption of sodium oxybate therapy may be appropriate. All patients treated with sodium oxybate should be advised not to drive, operate machinery, or engage in potentially hazardous activities requiring mental alertness and motor coordination for at least 6 hours after taking the second nightly dose of sodium oxybate and until they know how the medication affects them.

References (2)
  1. (2002) "Product Information. Xyrem (sodium oxybate)." Orphan Medical
  2. (2020) "Product Information. Xywav (calcium/magnesium/potass/sodium oxybates)." Jazz Pharmaceuticals

Drug and food interactions

Major

sodium oxybate food

Applies to: sodium oxybate

CONTRAINDICATED: Alcohol may potentiate the central nervous system and respiratory depressant effects of sodium oxybate, which is the sodium salt of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB). An increased risk of serious adverse reactions such as respiratory depression, hypotension, profound sedation, syncope, coma, and even death should be anticipated.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food may delay the absorption and significantly decrease the bioavailability of sodium oxybate. When sodium oxybate was administered immediately after a high-fat meal, the time to reach peak plasma concentration (Tmax) increased from 0.75 hour to 2 hours, the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) decreased by a mean of 59%, and the systemic exposure (AUC) decreased by a mean of 37%.

MANAGEMENT: The concomitant use of sodium oxybate with alcohol is considered contraindicated. The first dose of sodium oxybate should be taken at least 2 hours after a meal to ensure maximal absorption.

References (1)
  1. (2002) "Product Information. Xyrem (sodium oxybate)." Orphan Medical
Moderate

rufinamide food

Applies to: rufinamide

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of rufinamide. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food enhances the oral absorption and bioavailability of rufinamide. In healthy volunteers, administration of a single 400 mg dose of rufinamide with food resulted in an approximately 56% increase in mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and a 34% increase in systemic exposure (AUC) compared to administration during a fasting state.

MANAGEMENT: To ensure maximal oral absorption, it is preferable to administer rufinamide with food. Patients receiving rufinamide should be advised to avoid consumption of alcohol. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how rufinamide affects them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.

References (1)
  1. (2008) "Product Information. Banzel (rufinamide)." Eisai Inc

Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.

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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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