Drug Interaction Report

Coadministration with remdesivir may increase the plasma concentrations of drugs metabolized via CYP450 3A4, but many sources indicate that clinically significant interactions are unlikely. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4 by remdesivir. Two drug interaction studies were conducted using the sensitive CYP450 3A4 substrate, midazolam. In the first study, healthy volunteers (n=19) received a single dose of remdesivir (200 mg) and a single dose of midazolam (2.5 mg), which resulted in midazolam's maximum concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) increasing by 29% and 20%, respectively. In the second study, healthy volunteers (n=14) received remdesivir (200 mg once, followed by 100 mg daily) for a total of 10 doses and a single dose of midazolam (2.5 mg) administered with the last dose of remdesivir. Midazolam's Cmax and AUC increased by 45% and 30%, respectively. Both studies indicated that remdesivir is a weak in vivo inhibitor of CYP450 3A4; however, some authorities consider these findings to be clinically insignificant.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of naldemedine. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. In pharmacokinetic studies, naldemedine systemic exposure (AUC) was increased approximately 90% by the moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor fluconazole and nearly 200% by the potent inhibitor itraconazole. The interaction has not been studied with grapefruit juice. 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 exposure to naldemedine may precipitate opioid withdrawal symptoms such as hyperhidrosis, lacrimation, rhinorrhea, chills, diarrhea, abdominal pain, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, restlessness, and yawning.

Food does not significantly affect the overall bioavailability of naldemedine. When administered with a high-fat meal, the rate of naldemedine absorption was decreased, but not the extent. Specifically, naldemedine peak plasma concentration (Cmax) was decreased by approximately 35% and time to achieve Cmax was delayed from 0.75 hours in the fasted state to 2.5 hours in the fed state, while naldemedine AUC was not significantly changed.

MANAGEMENT: Naldemedine may be taken with or without food. Patients should avoid consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with naldemedine.