Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Theoretically, coadministration with CYP450 3A4 inhibitors may increase the plasma concentrations of topical tacrolimus. The proposed mechanism involves inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated metabolism of tacrolimus, which is primary metabolized by this isoenzyme. However, systemic exposure from topical tacrolimus is reported to be minimal (less than 1 ng/mL) and so clinically significant drug interactions are not expected. Nevertheless, the possibility of an interaction cannot be ruled out.

MANAGEMENT: According to the manufacturer, caution is advised if topical tacrolimus is prescribed with CYP450 3A4 inhibitors. Patients should be monitored for systemic tacrolimus adverse effects including immunosuppression, infection, hyperkalemia, malignancy, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and hypertension.

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration of imatinib with strong CYP450 3A4 inhibitors such as grapefruit juice, may significantly increase the plasma concentrations of imatinib, a known substrate of CYP450 3A4. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated metabolism of imatinib by certain compounds present in grapefruits. Because grapefruit juice inhibits primarily intestinal rather than hepatic CYP450 3A4, the magnitude of interaction is greatest for those drugs that undergo significant presystemic metabolism by CYP450 3A4 (i.e., drugs with low oral bioavailability). 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. Pharmacokinetic interactions involving grapefruit juice are also subject to a high degree of interpatient variability, thus the extent to which a given patient may be affected is difficult to predict. In a single-dose study, coadministration of imatinib with ketoconazole (a strong CYP450 3A4 inhibitor) increased imatinib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 26% and 40%, respectively.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated with imatinib should preferably avoid the consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice. If coadministration is unavoidable, monitor for prolonged and/or increased pharmacologic effects of imatinib, including edema, hematologic toxicity and immunosuppression.