Drug Interaction Report

ADJUST DOSE: Coadministration with moderate inhibitors of CYP450 3A4 may increase the plasma concentrations of eplerenone, which is primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme. In pharmacokinetic studies, administration of a single 100 mg dose of eplerenone in combination with the potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole (200 mg twice a day) resulted in a 1.7-fold increase in eplerenone peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and a 5.4-fold increase in systemic exposure (AUC), while administration with moderate inhibitors (erythromycin 500 mg twice daily; verapamil 240 mg once daily; saquinavir 1200 mg three times daily; fluconazole 200 mg once daily) resulted in increases in eplerenone Cmax ranging from 1.4- to 1.6-fold and AUC from 2.0- to 2.9-fold.

MANAGEMENT: For the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) after an acute myocardial infarction, the dosage of eplerenone should not exceed 25 mg once daily when used with moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitors. For the treatment of hypertension in combination with moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitors, eplerenone should be started at 25 mg once daily. If the blood pressure response is inadequate, eplerenone may be increased to a maximum of 25 mg twice daily. Patients already on eplerenone who start treatment with a moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor should have serum potassium and creatinine checked in 3 to 7 days.

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of eplerenone. The primary mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. Inhibition of hepatic CYP450 3A4 may also contribute. In drug interaction studies, administration of a single 100 mg dose of eplerenone in combination with grapefruit juice resulted in a 25% increase in eplerenone systemic exposure (AUC). High blood levels of eplerenone can increase the risk of side effects including hyperkalemia. In general, the effect of grapefruit juice is concentration-, dose- and preparation-dependent, and can vary widely among brands. Certain preparations of grapefruit juice (e.g., high dose, double strength) have sometimes demonstrated potent inhibition of CYP450 3A4, while other preparations (e.g., low dose, single strength) have typically demonstrated moderate inhibition.

MANAGEMENT: It may be advisable for patients to avoid the consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, or supplements that contain grapefruit during treatment with eplerenone.