Drug Interaction Report

ADJUST DOSE: Coadministration with potent inducers of CYP450 3A4 may significantly decrease the plasma concentrations of exemestane, which is primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme. In 10 healthy postmenopausal volunteers, administration of exemestane (25 mg single dose) following pretreatment with the potent inducer rifampin (600 mg daily for 14 days) resulted in a 41% decrease in exemestane peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and a 54% decrease in exemestane systemic exposure (AUC).

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends increasing the dosage of exemestane to 50 mg once daily when used with potent CYP450 3A4 inducers such as carbamazepine, enzalutamide, lumacaftor, mitotane, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone (partially metabolized to phenobarbital), rifamycins, and St. John's wort. However, it has also been suggested that suppression of estrogen levels is not affected by the interaction, thus dosage adjustment of exemestane is not required. The extent to which other, less potent CYP450 3A4 inducers may interact with exemestane is unknown. Caution is advised if they are used with exemestane.

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GENERALLY AVOID: Concurrent acute use of barbiturates and ethanol may result in additive CNS effects, including impaired coordination, sedation, and death. Tolerance of these agents may occur with chronic use. The mechanism is related to inhibition of microsomal enzymes acutely and induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes chronically.

MANAGEMENT: The combination of ethanol and barbiturates should be avoided.

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GENERALLY AVOID: Use of anticholinergic agents with alcohol may result in sufficient impairment of attention so as to render driving and operating machinery more hazardous. In addition, the potential for abuse may be increased with the combination. The mechanism of interaction is not established but may involve additive depressant effects on the central nervous system. No effect of oral propantheline or atropine on blood alcohol levels was observed in healthy volunteers when administered before ingestion of a standard ethanol load. However, one study found impairment of attention in subjects given atropine 0.5 mg or glycopyrrolate 1 mg in combination with alcohol.

MANAGEMENT: Alcohol should generally be avoided during therapy with anticholinergic agents. Patients should be counseled to avoid activities requiring mental alertness until they know how these agents affect them.

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