Drug Interaction Report

CONTRAINDICATED: Coadministration with inhibitors of CYP450 3A4 may increase the plasma concentrations and duration of action of levomethadyl acetate, which is a substrate of the isoenzyme. High plasma levels of levomethadyl acetate may increase the risk of QT interval prolongation, which is thought to be associated with serious cardiac events such as ventricular arrhythmias (e.g., torsade de pointes, ventricular tachycardia), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Cases of QT prolongation and torsade de pointes have been reported with levomethadyl acetate alone during postmarketing use.

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of levomethadyl acetate with CYP450 3A4 inhibitors is considered contraindicated.

GENERALLY AVOID: The concurrent use of levomethadyl acetate and alcohol may result in additive CNS and respiratory depression, hypotension, sedation, or coma. Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of orally administered drugs which are substrates of the CYP450 3A4 isoenzyme, such as levomethadyl acetate. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. The extent and clinical significance are unknown. Moreover, pharmacokinetic alterations associated with interactions involving grapefruit juice are often subject to a high degree of interpatient variability.

MANAGEMENT: Patients who are known to abuse alcohol should be warned of the risk of potentially fatal overdose if these substances are taken concurrently. Patients who regularly consume grapefruits and grapefruit juice should be monitored for adverse effects and altered plasma concentrations of levomethadyl acetate. A 12-lead ECG should be performed before initiating therapy, 12 to 14 days after initiating therapy, and periodically thereafter. Patients should be advised to immediately seek medical attention if they experience palpitations, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or seizures. Grapefruits and grapefruit juice should be avoided if an interaction is suspected. Orange juice is not expected to interact.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food may reduce the systemic bioavailability of amprenavir from fosamprenavir oral suspension. The mechanism of interaction has not been described. According to the product labeling, administration of fosamprenavir oral suspension (1400 mg single dose) with a high-fat meal (967 kcal, 67 g fat, 33 g protein, 58 g carbohydrate) reduced amprenavir peak plasma concentration (Cmax) by 46% and systemic exposure (AUC) by 28% compared to administration in a fasted state. The time to reach peak plasma level (Tmax) was delayed by 0.72 hours. In contrast, the same high-fat meal did not affect the pharmacokinetics of amprenavir from fosamprenavir tablets.

MANAGEMENT: Fosamprenavir suspension should be administered on an empty stomach in adults, but with food in pediatric patients to aid palatability and compliance. If emesis occurs within 30 minutes after dosing the suspension, the dose should be repeated. Fosamprenavir tablets may be taken with or without food.