Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Coadministration with human growth hormone may decrease the plasma concentrations of drugs that are metabolized by CYP450 3A4. Data from an interaction study performed in growth hormone deficient adults suggest that growth hormone (somatropin) administration can increase the clearance of compounds known to be metabolized by cytochrome P450 isoenzymes, especially CYP450 3A4. The clinical significance is unknown.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when human growth hormone is used concurrently with drugs that are known CYP450 3A4 substrates, particularly those with a narrow therapeutic range. Dosage adjustments as well as clinical and laboratory monitoring may be appropriate for some drugs whenever human growth hormone is added to or withdrawn from therapy.

GENERALLY AVOID: The concurrent use of ethanol and alpha-1 adrenergic blockers may cause increased hypotensive effects. Patients with aldehyde dehydrogenase deficiencies (primarily Asians) may be at a higher risk of this interaction. The mechanism has not been determined. Data exist for prazosin and other alpha adrenergic blockers are expected to interact also. In addition, any patients taking alpha adrenergic blockers may experience excessive orthostatic hypotension with ethanol ingestion, due to ethanol's unopposed vasodilatory effects in the presence of alpha adrenergic blockade.

MANAGEMENT: Patients who develop a flushing reaction after ethanol ingestion (indicates a possible aldehyde dehydrogenase deficiency) should be advised to avoid ethanol or limit their intake. All patients should be warned about the possibility of orthostatic hypotension with concurrent ethanol use.