Drug Interaction Report

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with potent inducers of CYP450 3A4 may significantly decrease the plasma concentrations of tolvaptan, which is primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme. When tolvaptan was administered with the potent CYP450 3A4 inducer rifampin, tolvaptan peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) decreased by approximately 85%. The therapeutic efficacy of tolvaptan may be reduced.

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of tolvaptan with potent CYP450 3A4 inducers should generally be avoided. If coadministration is necessary, a dosage increase of tolvaptan may be required. Patient response should be closely monitored and the dosage adjusted accordingly.

GENERALLY AVOID: Concurrent acute use of barbiturates and ethanol may result in additive CNS effects, including impaired coordination, sedation, and death. Tolerance of these agents may occur with chronic use. The mechanism is related to inhibition of microsomal enzymes acutely and induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes chronically.

MANAGEMENT: The combination of ethanol and barbiturates should be avoided.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may significantly increase the plasma concentrations of tolvaptan. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. According to the product labeling, administration of tolvaptan with grapefruit juice resulted in a 1.8-fold increase in tolvaptan systemic exposure. The clinical significance is unknown, although increased pharmacologic effects may be expected. Too rapid correction of hyponatremia increases the risk of osmotic demyelination syndrome, which is associated with dysarthria, mutism, dysphagia, lethargy, affective changes, spastic quadriparesis, seizures, coma, and death.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated with tolvaptan should avoid consumption of grapefruits and grapefruit juice.