Drug Interaction Report

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with strong CYP450 3A4 inhibitors may increase plasma concentrations of thiotepa, and decrease concentrations of its active metabolite triethylenephosphoramide (TEPA). Thiotepa is a prodrug that is primarily converted to TEPA by the isoenzyme. A pharmacokinetic study evaluating six breast cancer patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide 1,500 mg/m2/day, thiotepa 120 mg/m2/day, and carboplatin AUC 5 mg min/mL/day) with the moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor aprepitant (125 mg one day before chemotherapy, then 80 mg daily during and for three days after) showed a 15% increase in total thiotepa exposure, a 33% decrease in TEPA formation, and 20% reduction in TEPA exposure. Although clinical evidence is limited, strong CYP450 3A4 inhibitors may more significantly increase thiotepa exposure and reduce TEPA exposure, potentially resulting in more thiotepa-related adverse effects and reduced efficacy.

MANAGEMENT: The use of thiotepa in combination with strong CYP450 3A4 inhibitors should generally be avoided. If concomitant use of a strong CYP450 3A4 inhibitor is required, it is recommended that patients be carefully monitored for reduced efficacy and thiotepa-related toxicities such as myelosuppression, cutaneous toxicity, and neurotoxicity.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: According to the manufacturer, coadministration with a meal high in calories, fat, and protein reduces the absorption of indinavir. In ten patients given indinavir in this manner, the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of indinavir decreased by an average of 84% and 77%, respectively. In contrast, grapefruit juice may have only minor effects on the oral bioavailability of indinavir. The manufacturer's package labeling states that administration of a single 400 mg dose of indinavir with 8 oz. of grapefruit juice decreased indinavir AUC by an average of 26%. Likewise, a study consisting of 14 HIV-infected subjects found no uniform nor significant changes in steady-state indinavir AUC during administration with double-strength grapefruit juice compared to water. There was, however, a delay in absorption (Tmax) due to grapefruit juice that is unlikely to be of clinical significance.

MANAGEMENT: To ensure maximal oral absorption, indinavir should be administered without food but with water 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Alternatively, indinavir may be administered with other liquids such as skim milk, juice, coffee, or tea, or with a light meal (e.g., dry toast with jelly, juice, and coffee with skim milk and sugar; corn flakes, skim milk and sugar).