Drug Interaction Report

Limited data suggest that chemotherapy with antineoplastic agents may reduce the plasma concentrations of oral quinolone antibiotics. The proposed mechanism is decreased quinolone absorption secondary to alteration of intestinal mucosa by cancer chemotherapy. In six patients with newly diagnosed hematologic malignancy, treatment with various antineoplastic agents (cyclophosphamide, cytarabine, daunorubicin, doxorubicin, mitoxantrone, prednisolone, vincristine) decreased the mean peak serum concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC 0 to 4 hours) of ciprofloxacin by approximately 46% each. Data are not available for other quinolone antibiotics.

Concurrent ingestion of calcium-fortified foods (i.e., cereal, orange juice) may alter the bioavailability of gatifloxacin. The mechanism is chelation of calcium and the quinolone, resulting in decreased bioavailability. In the case of orange juice, inhibition of intestinal transport mechanisms (P-glycoprotein or organic anion-transporting polypeptides) by flavones may also be involved. Data have been conflicting: One study has reported no effect with milk coadministration. Another study reported a modest decrease in gatifloxacin bioavailability (13.5% decrease in Cmax,12% decrease in AUC, 15% increase in total clearance) when taken with 12 ounces of calcium-fortified orange juice instead of water, which could be clinically significant if the infecting organisms have borderline susceptibilities. The manufacturer states that gatifloxacin may be taken without regard to food, milk, or calcium. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of an interaction if subtherapeutic effects are observed.