Drug Interaction Report

Since the aqueous solubility of axitinib is pH-dependent, with higher pH resulting in lower solubility, drugs that increase the pH of the upper gastrointestinal tract may reduce the oral bioavailability of axitinib. The interaction has been studied with rabeprazole. When given with rabeprazole (20 mg once daily for 5 days), axitinib peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) decreased by approximately 50% and 20%, respectively. These changes are not considered clinically significant. No dosage adjustment for axitinib is recommended during coadministration with proton pump inhibitors, H2-receptor antagonists, or antacids.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of axitinib. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated with axitinib should avoid consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and any supplement containing grapefruit extract. Axitinib may be administered with or without food.

H2 antagonists may reduce the clearance of nicotine. Cimetidine, 600 mg given twice a day for two days, reduced clearance of an intravenous nicotine dose by 30%. Ranitidine, 300 mg given twice a day for two days, reduced clearance by 10%. The clinical significance of this interaction is not known. Patients should be monitored for increased nicotine effects when using the patches or gum for smoking cessation and dosage adjustments should be made as appropriate.