Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Coadministration with berotralstat may increase the plasma concentrations and effects of drugs that are substrates of CYP450 3A4 and/or 2D6. The mechanism is decreased clearance due to inhibition of CYP450 3A4 and 2D6 activity by berotralstat. Berotralstat is considered a moderate inhibitor of CYP450 3A4 and 2D6. In drug interaction studies, berotralstat reportedly increased the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) of the sensitive CYP450 3A4 substrate midazolam by approximately 1.5-fold and 2.25-fold, respectively, and the CYP450 3A4 substrate amlodipine by approximately 1.5-fold and 1.75-fold, respectively. It increased the Cmax and AUC of the sensitive CYP450 2D6 substrate dextromethorphan by approximately 2.9-fold and 2.7-fold, respectively, and the CYP450 2D6 substrate desipramine by 1.7-fold and 1.9-fold, respectively. Clinical data are not available.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when berotralstat is coadministered with drugs that are substrates of CYP450 3A4 and/or 2D6, particularly those with a narrow therapeutic index. Clinical and laboratory monitoring are recommended following the initiation of berotralstat, and the individual dosages of the concomitant agents adjusted as needed.

GENERALLY AVOID: Use of alcohol or products containing alcohol during nitroimidazole therapy may result in a disulfiram-like reaction in some patients. There have been a few case reports involving metronidazole, although data overall are not convincing. The presumed mechanism is inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) by metronidazole in a manner similar to disulfiram. Following ingestion of alcohol, inhibition of ALDH results in increased concentrations of acetaldehyde, the accumulation of which can produce an unpleasant physiologic response referred to as the 'disulfiram reaction'. Symptoms include flushing, throbbing in head and neck, throbbing headache, respiratory difficulty, nausea, vomiting, sweating, thirst, chest pain, palpitation, dyspnea, hyperventilation, tachycardia, hypotension, syncope, weakness, vertigo, blurred vision, and confusion. Severe reactions may result in respiratory depression, cardiovascular collapse, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, acute congestive heart failure, unconsciousness, convulsions, and death. However, some investigators have questioned the disulfiram-like properties of metronidazole. One study found neither elevations in blood acetaldehyde nor objective or subjective signs of a disulfiram-like reaction to ethanol in six subjects treated with metronidazole (200 mg three times a day for 5 days) compared to six subjects who received placebo.

MANAGEMENT: Because clear evidence is lacking concerning the safety of ethanol use during nitroimidazole therapy, patients should be apprised of the potential for interaction and instructed to avoid alcoholic beverages and products containing alcohol or propylene glycol while using oral, intravenous, or vaginal preparations of a nitroimidazole. Alcoholic beverages should not be consumed for up to 3 days after completion of systemic nitroimidazole therapy.