Xywav and Alcohol/Food Interactions

Consumer information for this interaction is not currently available.

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.

sodium oxybate - sensitivity to salt intake

Sodium oxybate has a high content of salt, and it should be used with caution in patients sensitive to salt intake such as patients with heart failure, hypertension, or renal impairment.

sodium oxybate - sleep apnea/respiratory depression

The use of sodium oxybate may impair the respiratory drive especially in patients with compromised respiratory function. Sodium oxybate should be used cautiously in patients with sleep apnea and sleep-related breathing disorders as there have been reports of increased central apneas and clinically relevant desaturation. Prescribers should be aware that sleep-related disorders tend to be more prevalent in obese patients, postmenopausal women not receiving hormone replacement therapy and also among patients with narcolepsy.