Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Coadministration with drugs that are inhibitors of CYP450 3A4 may increase the plasma concentrations of tolterodine, which is partially metabolized by the isoenzyme. Tolterodine is primarily metabolized by CYP450 2D6 in most patients (referred to as "extensive metabolizers" or "EMs") to an equipotent, active metabolite, 5-hydroxymethyl tolterodine (5-HMT). However, in patients who are CYP450 2D6-deficient, or so-called "poor metabolizers" or "PMs" of CYP450 2D6 (approximately 7% of Caucasians and less than 2% of Asians and individuals of African descent), tolterodine is primarily metabolized by CYP450 3A4 to N-dealkylated tolterodine. Coadministration of tolterodine with ketoconazole 200 mg daily, a potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, increased the tolterodine mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) by 2-fold and the mean systemic concentrations (AUC) by 2.5-fold in PMs. Data are not available for coadministration of tolterodine with CYP450 3A4 inhibitors in EMs or less potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitors. As tolterodine causes concentration-dependent QT interval prolongation, an increase in its AUC could increase the possibility of experiencing this adverse effect. Likewise, this risk may be further increased if the CYP450 3A4 inhibitor being used also carries a risk of QT prolongation (e.g., asciminib, bepridil, ciprofloxacin, clofazimine, crizotinib, erythromycin, fluconazole, lapatinib, pazopanib, rucaparib).

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when tolterodine is used with CYP450 3A4 inhibitors. Clinical and laboratory monitoring, including QTc interval and serum electrolytes, is advised. Patients should have regular ECGs and be monitored for arrhythmias when the QTc interval is prolonged. If the QTc interval becomes markedly prolonged or symptoms of arrhythmia occur, drug discontinuation should be considered. Patients should be advised to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitation, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, or syncope. Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they experience new or worsening side effects of tolterodine including severe blurry vision, difficulty urinating, dry mouth, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, or GI upset.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food may variably affect the bioavailability of different oral formulations and salt forms of erythromycin. The individual product package labeling should be consulted regarding the appropriate time of administration in relation to food ingestion. Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of orally administered erythromycin. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. In an open-label, crossover study consisting of six healthy subjects, the coadministration with double-strength grapefruit juice increased the mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of a single dose of erythromycin (400 mg) by 52% and 49%, respectively, compared to water. The half-life was not affected. The clinical significance of this potential interaction is unknown.

MANAGEMENT: In general, optimal serum levels are achieved when erythromycin is taken in the fasting state, one-half to two hours before meals. However, some erythromycin products may be taken without regard to meals.

Ethanol, when combined with erythromycin, may delay absorption and therefore the clinical effects of the antibiotic. The mechanism appears to be due to slowed gastric emptying by ethanol. Data is available only for erythromycin ethylsuccinate. Patients should be advised to avoid ethanol while taking erythromycin salts.