Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Coadministration with inducers of the CYP450 3A4 isoenzyme may decrease the plasma concentrations of irinotecan and its pharmacologically active metabolite, SN-38. Irinotecan is partially metabolized by CYP450 3A4, and induction of this process results in less of the drug available in the plasma for conversion to SN-38 via carboxylesterases. The interaction has been reported with St. John's wort and the enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin. An approximately 40% reduction in SN-38 systemic exposure (AUC) has been reported in the presence of St. John's wort and greater than 60% reductions have been reported in the presence of enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants. However, all of these agents are known to be potent inducers of CYP450 3A4 as well as other enzymatic pathways (e.g., UDP-glucuronosyl transferase, or UGT; carboxylesterases) and drug transporters (e.g., multispecific organic anion transporter, or MRP2; P-glycoprotein) that may be involved in the clearance of irinotecan and/or SN-38. The extent, if any, to which irinotecan may interact with less potent CYP450 3A4 inducers is unknown.

MANAGEMENT: The antitumour activity of irinotecan may be reduced in patients treated with CYP450 3A4 inducers. Pharmacologic response to irinotecan should be monitored more closely whenever a CYP450 3A4 inducer is added to or withdrawn from therapy, and the irinotecan dosage adjusted as necessary.

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

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving CNS-active agents should be warned of this interaction and advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.