Drug Interaction Report

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Deferiprone has the potential to bind polyvalent cations such as aluminum, iron and zinc, which may reduce its effectiveness. However, concurrent use with foods, mineral supplements, or antacids that contain polyvalent cations has not been studied.

MANAGEMENT: A minimum 4-hour interval is recommended between the administration of deferiprone and mineral supplements or oral medications that contain antacids (e.g., didanosine buffered tablets or pediatric oral solution) or other polyvalent cations.

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.

The effect of grapefruit juice on the pharmacologic activity of caffeine is controversial. One report suggests that grapefruit juice increases the effect of caffeine. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of cytochrome P-450 metabolism of caffeine. However, a well-conducted pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study did not demonstrate this effect. The clinical significance of this potential interaction is unknown.