Drug Interaction Report

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Administration with food may increase the oral bioavailability of rifapentine and reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events. Administration with a high fat meal typically increases rifapentine's maximum concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by approximately 40% to 50% over that observed when rifapentine is administered under fasting conditions. Rifapentine is often prescribed in combination with isoniazid. When single doses of rifapentine (900 mg) and isoniazid (900 mg) were administered with a low fat, high carbohydrate breakfast, the Cmax and AUC of rifapentine increased by 47% and 51%, respectively. On the other hand, isoniazid's Cmax and AUC decreased by 46% and 23%, respectively.

MANAGEMENT: Products containing oral rifapentine as the sole ingredient recommend administration with a meal to increase bioavailability and reduce the occurrence of gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and/or vomiting. Consultation of product labeling for combination products and/or relevant guidelines may be helpful if rifapentine is combined with a medication that is typically taken on an empty stomach.

GENERALLY AVOID: The concurrent use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and ethanol may lead to gastrointestinal (GI) blood loss. The mechanism may be due to a combined local effect as well as inhibition of prostaglandins leading to decreased integrity of the GI lining.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be counseled on this potential interaction and advised to refrain from alcohol consumption while taking aspirin or NSAIDs.

One study has reported that coadministration of caffeine and aspirin lead to a 25% increase in the rate of appearance and 17% increase in maximum concentration of salicylate in the plasma. A significantly higher area under the plasma concentration time curve of salicylate was also reported when both drugs were administered together. The exact mechanism of this interaction has not been specified. Physicians and patients should be aware that coadministration of aspirin and caffeine may lead to higher salicylate levels faster.