Drug Interaction Report

Coadministration with inhibitors of CYP450 3A4 may increase the plasma concentrations of modafinil (the racemate) and armodafinil (the R-enantiomer), which are both partially metabolized by the isoenzyme. Conversely, the plasma levels of some of these inhibitors may decrease, since many of them are also substrates of CYP450 3A4, and modafinil and armodafinil have been found to be modest inducers of CYP450 3A4. The clinical significance of this potential interaction is unknown. Clinical monitoring for altered effects of modafinil and armodafinil as well as the CYP450 3A4 inhibitor may be appropriate following addition or withdrawal of one or the other drug. Dose adjustments may be required if an interaction is suspected.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food increases the systemic exposure of givinostat. An open-label, randomized, crossover, single dose food effect study conducted in 12 healthy males used givinostat liquid filled capsules. Subjects received a single oral dose of givinostat (100 mg) in the fasting state or after a high-fat standard meal, with a washout period of at least 1 week in between. The high-fat standard meal resulted in an increase in systemic exposure (AUC) and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of about 40% and 23%, respectively, when compared to the fasted state. Additionally, the time to maximum concentration (Tmax) was delayed slightly from 2 to 3 hours.

MANAGEMENT: Givinostat should be administered with food to increase its absorption. In the case of the oral suspension, this can also help mask its bitter taste.

Administration with food may delay the absorption of modafinil (the racemate) and armodafinil (the R-enantiomer) without significantly affecting their overall bioavailability. According to the product labeling, modafinil's absorption may be delayed by approximately one hour if taken with food. Similarly, the time to reach peak plasma concentration (Tmax) of armodafinil may be delayed by approximately 2 to 4 hours in the fed state.