Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Agents that cause urinary alkalinization can reduce serum salicylate concentrations in patients receiving anti-inflammatory dosages of aspirin or other salicylates. The mechanism involves reduction in salicylate renal tubular reabsorption due to increased urinary pH, resulting in increased renal salicylate clearance especially above urine pH of 7. This interaction is sometimes exploited in the treatment of salicylate toxicity.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated chronically with urinary alkalinizers and large doses of salicylates (i.e. 3 g/day or more) should be monitored for potentially diminished or inadequate analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, and the salicylate dosage adjusted if necessary.

MONITOR: Drugs that alter the pH of the upper gastrointestinal tract may affect the solubility of dabrafenib and reduce its bioavailability. The interaction has not been formally studied with H2-receptor antagonists or antacids; however, the solubility of dabrafenib is known to be pH-dependent. It has been reported to be very slightly soluble at pH 1 and practically insoluble above pH 4 in aqueous media.

MANAGEMENT: Until more information is available, caution is advised if dabrafenib is used in combination with H2-receptor antagonists or antacids. The potential for diminished therapeutic effects of dabrafenib should be considered, and pharmacologic response should be closely monitored.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food may reduce as well as delay the absorption of dabrafenib. In study subjects, administration of dabrafenib with a high-fat meal decreased peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 51% and 31%, respectively, and delayed median Tmax by approximately 3.6 hours compared to administration in the fasted state.

MANAGEMENT: Dabrafenib should be taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

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.