Drug Interaction Report

GENERALLY AVOID: Limited data suggest that pitolisant may produce mild to moderate QT interval prolongation (10 to 13 milliseconds) at doses 3 to 6 times the standard therapeutic dose. Theoretically, concurrent use of two or more drugs that can cause QT interval prolongation may result in additive effects and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes and sudden death. In general, the risk of an individual agent or a combination of these agents causing ventricular arrhythmia in association with QT prolongation is largely unpredictable but may be increased by certain underlying risk factors such as congenital long QT syndrome, cardiac disease, and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia). In addition, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drugs.

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of pitolisant with other agents associated with QT interval prolongation should generally be avoided. Patients should be advised to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitation, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, or syncope.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of cilostazol. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. The extent and clinical significance are unknown. Moreover, pharmacokinetic alterations associated with interactions involving grapefruit juice are often subject to a high degree of interpatient variability.

MANAGEMENT: Until more information is available, the manufacturer recommends avoiding consumption of grapefruit juice during cilostazol therapy. Orange juice is not expected to interact with cilostazol.