Drug Interaction Report

Coadministration with inhibitors of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) may increase the plasma concentrations of fidaxomicin and its main metabolite, OP-1118, both of which are substrates of the intestinal efflux transporter. When fidaxomicin 200 mg was administered in combination with cyclosporine 200 mg in 14 study subjects, fidaxomicin peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) increased by an average of 4.2- and 1.9-fold, respectively, compared to when administered alone. The Cmax and AUC of OP-1118 was increased by 9.5- and 4.1-fold, respectively, with cyclosporine. Theoretically, concentrations of fidaxomicin and OP-1118 may also be decreased at the site of action (i.e., gastrointestinal tract) due to P-gp inhibition. However, concomitant use of a P-gp inhibitor had no attributable effect on safety or efficacy of fidaxomicin in controlled clinical trials. No dosage adjustment is recommended when fidaxomicin is coadministered with P-gp inhibitors.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of propafenone. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Inhibition of hepatic CYP450 3A4 may also contribute. In over 90% of patients, propafenone is rapidly and extensively converted to 2 active metabolites: 5-hydroxypropafenone via CYP450 2D6 and N-depropylpropafenone (norpropafenone) via CYP450 3A4 and 1A2. In less than 10% of patients (approximately 6% of Caucasians in the U.S. population), however, metabolism of propafenone is slower because the 5-hydroxy metabolite is not formed, or minimally formed, due to a genetic deficiency in CYP450 2D6. In these poor metabolizers of CYP450 2D6, clearance of propafenone via the CYP450 3A4 and 1A2 metabolic pathways becomes more important, and inhibition of these pathways may substantially increase systemic exposure to propafenone. Likewise, patients taking concomitant inhibitors of CYP450 2D6 and 3A4 may experience similar pharmacokinetic effects. In general, the effect of grapefruit juice is concentration-, dose- and preparation-dependent, and can vary widely among brands. Certain preparations of grapefruit juice (e.g., high dose, double strength) have sometimes demonstrated potent inhibition of CYP450 3A4, while other preparations (e.g., low dose, single strength) have typically demonstrated moderate inhibition. Increased systemic exposure to propafenone may result in proarrhythmic events and exaggerated beta-adrenergic blocking activity.

MANAGEMENT: It may be advisable for patients to avoid the consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, or supplements that contain grapefruit during treatment with propafenone.