Drug Interaction Report

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with potent or moderate inducers of CYP450 3A4 may decrease the plasma concentrations of pimavanserin, which is primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme. In a drug interaction study designed to measure pre- and post-pimavanserin levels following rifampin administration (a potent CYP450 3A4 inducer), Cmax and AUC were decreased by 71% and 91%, respectively, compared to pre-rifampin plasma concentrations. A physiologically based pharmacokinetic simulation with a moderate CYP450 3A4 inducer (efavirenz) predicted Cmax and AUC of pimavanserin will be decreased by approximately 60% and 70%, respectively.

MANAGEMENT: Coadministration of potent or moderate CYP450 3A4 inducers with pimavanserin should be avoided.

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of carbamazepine. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

In a small, randomized, crossover study, the administration of carbamazepine with grapefruit juice (compared to water) increased plasma drug concentrations by approximately 40%. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving carbamazepine should be advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Given the drug's narrow therapeutic index, patients receiving carbamazepine therapy should preferably avoid the regular consumption of grapefruits and grapefruit juice to prevent any undue fluctuations in plasma drug levels. Patients should be advised to report signs of carbamazepine toxicity (nausea, visual disturbances, dizziness, or ataxia) to their physicians.