Drug Interaction Report

Coadministration with remdesivir may increase the plasma concentrations of drugs metabolized via CYP450 3A4, but many sources indicate that clinically significant interactions are unlikely. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4 by remdesivir. Two drug interaction studies were conducted using the sensitive CYP450 3A4 substrate, midazolam. In the first study, healthy volunteers (n=19) received a single dose of remdesivir (200 mg) and a single dose of midazolam (2.5 mg), which resulted in midazolam's maximum concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) increasing by 29% and 20%, respectively. In the second study, healthy volunteers (n=14) received remdesivir (200 mg once, followed by 100 mg daily) for a total of 10 doses and a single dose of midazolam (2.5 mg) administered with the last dose of remdesivir. Midazolam's Cmax and AUC increased by 45% and 30%, respectively. Both studies indicated that remdesivir is a weak in vivo inhibitor of CYP450 3A4; however, some authorities consider these findings to be clinically insignificant.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food enhances the oral absorption and bioavailability of mefloquine. The proposed mechanism is increased drug solubility in the presence of food. In 20 healthy volunteers, administration of a single 750 mg oral dose of mefloquine 30 minutes following a high-fat meal increased the mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of mefloquine by 73% and 40%, respectively, compared to administration in the fasting state. The Cmax and AUC of the carboxylic acid metabolite were also increased by 35% and 33%, respectively, compared to fasting. In addition, the time to reach peak plasma concentration (Tmax) of mefloquine was significantly shorter after food intake (17 hours) than in the fasting state (36 hours). There was no difference in the elimination half-life of mefloquine and metabolite, or the Tmax for the metabolite.

MANAGEMENT: To ensure maximal oral absorption, mefloquine should be administered immediately after a meal with at least 8 ounces of water.