Drug Interaction Report

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with potent or moderate inducers of CYP450 3A4 may decrease the plasma concentrations of pimavanserin, which is primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme. In a drug interaction study designed to measure pre- and post-pimavanserin levels following rifampin administration (a potent CYP450 3A4 inducer), Cmax and AUC were decreased by 71% and 91%, respectively, compared to pre-rifampin plasma concentrations. A physiologically based pharmacokinetic simulation with a moderate CYP450 3A4 inducer (efavirenz) predicted Cmax and AUC of pimavanserin will be decreased by approximately 60% and 70%, respectively.

MANAGEMENT: Coadministration of potent or moderate CYP450 3A4 inducers with pimavanserin should be avoided.

GENERALLY AVOID: Concurrent use of rifampin in patients who ingest alcohol daily may result in an increased incidence of hepatotoxicity. The increase in hepatotoxicity may be due to an additive risk as both alcohol and rifampin are individually associated with this adverse reaction. However, the exact mechanism has not been established.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Administration with food may reduce oral rifampin absorption, increasing the risk of therapeutic failure or resistance. In a randomized, four-period crossover phase I study of 14 healthy male and female volunteers, the pharmacokinetics of single dose rifampin 600 mg were evaluated under fasting conditions and with a high-fat meal. Researchers observed that administration of rifampin with a high-fat meal reduced rifampin peak plasma concentration (Cmax) by 36%, nearly doubled the time to reach peak plasma concentration (Tmax) but reduced overall exposure (AUC) by only 6%.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of oral forms of rifampin recommends administration on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before or 2 hours after meals. Patients should be encouraged to avoid alcohol or strictly limit their intake. Patients who use alcohol and rifampin concurrently or have a history of alcohol use disorder may require additional monitoring of their liver function during treatment with rifampin.