Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Maraviroc may potentiate the hypotensive effect of some medications. In clinical trials, symptomatic postural hypotension was observed more often with maraviroc than with placebo when administered to healthy volunteers at higher than recommended dosages. However, when given at the recommended dosage to HIV subjects, postural hypotension occurred at a rate similar to placebo (approximately 0.5%).

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when maraviroc is prescribed to patients on concomitant medications known to lower blood pressure. Close monitoring for development of hypotension is recommended. Ambulatory patients should be advised to avoid rising abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position and to notify their doctor if they experience dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, orthostasis, or tachycardia.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of guanfacine. The risk of adverse reactions such as hypotension, bradycardia, and sedation may increase. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Ketoconazole, a potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, has been reported to increase guanfacine peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by approximately 2- and 3-fold, respectively. A computer simulation suggests that fluconazole, a moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, would increase guanfacine Cmax and AUC by about 1.5- and 2-fold, respectively. In general, the effect of grapefruit juice is concentration-, dose- and preparation-dependent, and can vary widely among brands. Certain preparations of grapefruit juice (e.g., high dose, double strength) have sometimes demonstrated potent inhibition of CYP450 3A4, while other preparations (e.g., low dose, single strength) have typically demonstrated moderate inhibition.

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may enhance the sedative and hypotensive effects of guanfacine.

GENERALLY AVOID: Administration of extended-release guanfacine with a high-fat meal may increase the bioavailability of guanfacine. When a single 4 mg dose of extended-release guanfacine was administered to adult volunteers with a high-fat breakfast, mean guanfacine peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) increased by approximately 75% and 40%, respectively, compared to dosing in a fasted state.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated with guanfacine should avoid consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice. In addition, it is preferable to avoid or limit the use of alcohol during treatment. Patients should be advised against driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how the medication affects them. The extended-release formulation of guanfacine should not be taken together with a high-fat meal.

Administration with food may reduce the bioavailability of maraviroc. According to the product labeling, coadministration of a 300 mg dose of maraviroc with a high-fat breakfast reduced maraviroc peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 33% in healthy volunteers. However, no food restrictions were used in the clinical studies that demonstrated the safety and efficacy of maraviroc. Therefore, maraviroc can be taken with or without food at the recommended dosage.