Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR CLOSELY: Coadministration with inducers of CYP450 3A4 may decrease the plasma concentrations of opioids that are primarily metabolised by the isoenzyme such as butorphanol, fentanyl, hydrocodone, and oxycodone. Reduced efficacy or withdrawal symptoms may occur in patients maintained on their narcotic pain regimen following the addition of a CYP450 3A4 inducer. Conversely, discontinuation of the inducer may increase opioid plasma concentrations and potentiate the risk of overdose and fatal respiratory depression. In addition, when two or more medications with similar adverse effect profiles are given concurrently, the likelihood of experiencing these adverse reactions may be increased. For example, coadministration with other agents that can prolong the QT interval (e.g., apalutamide, encorafenib, enzalutamide) may result in additive effects and an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias like torsade de pointes.

MANAGEMENT: Pharmacologic response to the opioid should be monitored more closely whenever a CYP450 3A4 inducer is added to or withdrawn from therapy, and the opioid dosage adjusted as necessary. If the CYP450 3A4 inducer also carries a risk of prolonging the QT interval, then obtaining more frequent electrocardiograms (ECGs) to monitor the QT interval may be advisable. Patients should be counseled to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, palpitations, irregular heartbeat, and/or shortness of breath.

GENERALLY AVOID: Ethanol may potentiate the central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects of opioid analgesics. Concomitant use may result in additive CNS depression and impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills. In more severe cases, hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, or even death may occur.

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of opioid analgesics with ethanol should be avoided.