Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Based on in vitro inhibition data, coadministration with mibefradil may increase the plasma concentrations of drugs that are substrates of CYP450 2D6 and/or 3A4. The mechanism is decreased clearance due to inhibition of these isoenzymes by mibefradil.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when mibefradil is used concomitantly with drugs that undergo metabolism by CYP450 2D6 and/or 3A4, particularly those with a narrow therapeutic range. Dosage adjustments as well as clinical and laboratory monitoring may be appropriate for some drugs whenever mibefradil is added to or withdrawn from therapy.

GENERALLY AVOID: In a small, randomized, crossover study, the administration of quinidine with grapefruit juice (compared to water) to healthy volunteers significantly prolonged the time to reach peak plasma quinidine concentrations and decreased the plasma concentrations of its major metabolite, 3-hydroxyquinidine. These changes were associated pharmacodynamically with both a delay and a reduction in the maximal effect on QTc interval. The proposed mechanism is delay of gastric emptying as well as inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall induced by certain compounds present in grapefruits.

MANAGEMENT: Given the drug's narrow therapeutic index, patients receiving quinidine therapy should avoid the consumption of grapefruits and grapefruit juice to prevent any undue fluctuations in plasma drug levels.