Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Coadministration with inhibitors of CYP450 1A2 and/or 3A4 may increase the plasma concentrations of levobupivacaine, which is primarily metabolized by these isoenzymes. Although no clinical studies have been conducted, the possibility of prolonged and/or increased pharmacologic effects of levobupivacaine should be considered.

MANAGEMENT: Caution may be advisable if levobupivacaine is administered to patients receiving inhibitors of CYP450 1A2 (e.g., quinolones, deferasirox, mexiletine, propafenone, ticlopidine, zileuton) or CYP450 3A4 (e.g., azole antifungals, macrolide antibiotics, protease inhibitors, kinase inhibitors, aprepitant, conivaptan, cyclosporine, delavirdine, diltiazem, nefazodone, verapamil). Particular caution and dosage adjustment of levobupivacaine may be warranted during concomitant use of both a CYP450 1A2 inhibitor and a CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, or a drug that inhibits both isoenzymes (e.g., fluvoxamine). Patients should be monitored for early signs and symptoms of central nervous system toxicity such as dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, anxiety, restlessness, incoherent speech, tremors, twitching, numbness and tingling of the mouth and lips, metallic taste, tinnitus, and blurred vision, as well as more serious reactions including convulsions, hypotension, arrhythmias, and cardiorespiratory depression.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Administration of atazanavir with food enhances oral bioavailability and reduces pharmacokinetic variability. According to the manufacturer, administration with a light meal increased the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of a single 400 mg dose of atazanavir by 57% and 70%, respectively, relative to the fasting state. Administration with a high-fat meal resulted in a mean increase of 35% in atazanavir AUC and no change in Cmax compared to fasting. The coefficient of variation of AUC and Cmax decreased by approximately one-half when given with either a light or high-fat meal compared to the fasting state.

MANAGEMENT: To ensure maximal oral absorption, atazanavir should be administered with or immediately after a meal.