Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Coadministration of glycerol phenylbutyrate may lead to increased concentrations of CYP450 2D6 substrates. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 2D6 by phenylbutyrate, the active moiety of glycerol phenylbutyrate, which has been shown to be an in vitro inhibitor of this isoenzyme. In in vitro studies, administration of phenylbutyrate at a concentration of 800 mcg/mL caused greater than 60% reversible inhibition of CYP450 2D6, 2C9, and 3A4/5. The clinical significance of these results has not been established; however, the manufacturer states that a potential interaction with CYP450 2D6 substrates cannot be ruled out.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is recommended if glycerol phenylbutyrate is administered with medicines that are substrates of CYP450 2D6, such as codeine, dextromethorphan, and some beta blockers (including metoprolol, carvedilol, labetalol, propranolol, and nebivolol). Dosage adjustments as well as clinical and laboratory monitoring may be appropriate.

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

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving CNS-active agents should be warned of this interaction and advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.