Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Coadministration with inducers of CYP450 3A4 may decrease the plasma concentrations of samidorphan. According to the prescribing information, samidorphan is primarily metabolized by CYP450 3A4, with minor contributions from CYP450 2C8, 2C19, and 3A5. When olanzapine-samidorphan was coadministered with rifampin, a potent CYP450 3A4 inducer, samidorphan peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) decreased by 44% and 73%, respectively. Olanzapine Cmax and AUC also decreased by 11% and 48%, respectively, most likely due to induction of CYP450 1A2 and/or uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A4 by rifampin. The interaction has not been studied with other, less potent inducers.

MANAGEMENT: The potential for diminished pharmacologic effects of samidorphan and possibly also olanzapine should be considered during coadministration with CYP450 3A4 inducers. Alternative treatments may be required if an interaction is suspected.

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of CNS-active agents. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving CNS-active agents should be warned of this interaction and advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food may enhance the oral bioavailability of bexarotene. In one clinical study, bexarotene peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) resulting from a 75 to 300 mg dose were 35% and 48% higher, respectively, when administered after a fat-containing meal relative to a glucose solution. In all clinical trials, patients were instructed to take bexarotene with or immediately following a meal.

Coadministration with inhibitors of CYP450 3A4 such as grapefruit juice may theoretically increase the plasma concentrations of bexarotene. In vitro studies suggest that bexarotene is metabolized by CYP450 3A4. However, concomitant administration with multiple doses of ketoconazole, a potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, did not alter bexarotene plasma concentrations, which would imply that bexarotene elimination is not substantially dependent on CYP450 3A4 metabolism in vivo.

MANAGEMENT: Because safety and efficacy data are based upon administration with food, bexarotene should be administered once daily with a meal. Patients may want to avoid consuming large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice.