Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Coadministration with human growth hormone may decrease the plasma concentrations of drugs that are metabolized by CYP450 3A4. Data from an interaction study performed in growth hormone deficient adults suggest that growth hormone (somatropin) administration can increase the clearance of compounds known to be metabolized by cytochrome P450 isoenzymes, especially CYP450 3A4. The clinical significance is unknown.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when human growth hormone is used concurrently with drugs that are known CYP450 3A4 substrates, particularly those with a narrow therapeutic range. Dosage adjustments as well as clinical and laboratory monitoring may be appropriate for some drugs whenever human growth hormone is added to or withdrawn from therapy.

GENERALLY AVOID: Acute ethanol ingestion may potentiate the CNS effects of many benzodiazepines. Tolerance may develop with chronic ethanol use. The mechanism may be decreased clearance of the benzodiazepines because of CYP450 hepatic enzyme inhibition. Also, it has been suggested that the cognitive deficits induced by benzodiazepines may be increased in patients who chronically consume large amounts of alcohol.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol during benzodiazepine therapy.