Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Coadministration with isavuconazonium sulfate (prodrug of isavuconazole) may increase the plasma concentrations of drugs that are substrates of CYP450 3A4 and/or P-glycoprotein (P-gp). The mechanism is decreased clearance due to inhibition of CYP450 3A4 activity and/or P-gp-mediated efflux of these drugs by isavuconazole. In pharmacokinetic studies, isavuconazole increased the systemic exposure (AUC) of sensitive CYP450 3A4 substrates midazolam, sirolimus, and tacrolimus by approximately 2-fold, thus it can be considered a moderate inhibitor of the isoenzyme.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when isavuconazonium sulfate is used concomitantly with drugs that are substrates of the CYP450 3A4 isoenzyme or the P-gp transport protein, particularly those with a narrow therapeutic range. Dosage adjustments as well as clinical and laboratory monitoring may be appropriate for some drugs whenever isavuconazonium sulfate is added to or withdrawn from therapy.

GENERALLY AVOID: Acute ethanol ingestion may potentiate the CNS effects of many benzodiazepines. Tolerance may develop with chronic ethanol use. The mechanism may be decreased clearance of the benzodiazepines because of CYP450 hepatic enzyme inhibition. Also, it has been suggested that the cognitive deficits induced by benzodiazepines may be increased in patients who chronically consume large amounts of alcohol.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol during benzodiazepine therapy.