Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Coadministration with potent inhibitors of CYP450 3A4 or moderate to potent inhibitors of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) or breast cancer resistant protein (BCRP) may increase the plasma concentrations of riociguat, which is partially metabolized by CYP450 3A and also a substrate of the P-gp and BCRP efflux transporters. Increased levels of riociguat may increase the risk for hypotension. When riociguat was administered with ketoconazole, a potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor that also inhibits P-gp and BCRP, riociguat peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) increased by approximately 1.5- and 2.5-fold, respectively. The Cmax and AUC of the active metabolite, M1, which has 1/10th to 1/3rd the pharmacologic activity of riociguat, were reduced by approximately 50% and 25%, respectively. Administration with the potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor clarithromycin increased the AUC of riociguat by about 30%. The Cmax and AUC of M1 were not significantly altered (i.e., <20% increase).

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when riociguat is prescribed with potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitors or moderate to potent P-gp or BCRP inhibitors. Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of hypotension, and the dosage of riociguat adjusted if necessary.

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).

ADJUST DOSE: Smoking may decrease the plasma concentrations of riociguat. The proposed mechanism is induction of the CYP450 1A1-mediated metabolism of riociguat by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons present in cigarette smoke. CYP450 1A1 is responsible for the formation of the major active metabolite, M1, which has just 1/3 to 1/10 the pharmacologic activity of riociguat. According to the product labeling, plasma concentrations of riociguat are reduced by 50% to 60% in smokers compared to nonsmokers.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be advised to stop smoking. Riociguat dosages higher than 2.5 mg three times a day may be considered in cigarette smokers, if tolerated, to match the exposure seen in nonsmoking patients. However, safety and effectiveness of higher dosages have not been established. A dosage reduction should be considered in patients who stop smoking during treatment with riociguat. The tablet form of riociguat can generally be taken with or without food. Some authorities recommend not to switch between fed and fasted riociguat intake because of increased peak plasma levels of riociguat in the fasting compared to the fed state.