Drug Interaction Report

GENERALLY AVOID: Macimorelin can cause prolongation of the QT interval. Theoretically, coadministration with other agents that can prolong the QT interval may result in additive effects and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes and sudden death. In a dedicated thorough QT study consisting of 60 healthy subjects, a mean baseline- and placebo-adjusted change in QTcF of 9.6 msec was observed 4 hours following administration of a supratherapeutic dose of macimorelin 2 mg/kg (4 times the recommended dose), which occurred after the mean maximum macimorelin plasma concentration (0.5 hour). A similar increase in the QTcF interval was also observed in a single-ascending dose study, which included three dose levels: 0.5 mg/kg; 1 mg/kg (2 times the recommended dose); and 2 mg/kg (4 times the recommended dose). All three doses levels produced a similar magnitude of QTcF prolongation as reported in the thorough QT study, suggesting an absence of dose-dependent changes. The mechanism for the observed QTcF prolongation is unknown. In general, the risk of an individual agent or a combination of agents causing ventricular arrhythmia in association with QT prolongation is largely unpredictable but may be increased by certain underlying risk factors such as congenital long QT syndrome, cardiac disease, and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia). In addition, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drug(s).

MANAGEMENT: Coadministration of macimorelin with other drugs that can prolong the QT interval should generally be avoided. A sufficient washout period following discontinuation of these drugs is recommended prior to macimorelin administration. Patients treated with any medication that can cause QT prolongation should be advised to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitation, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, or syncope.

MONITOR: Limited data suggest that the administration of clomipramine with grapefruit juice or cranberry juice may significantly increase plasma drug concentrations of clomipramine. Clomipramine is initially demethylated by CYP450 1A2, 3A3 and 3A4 before undergoing further metabolism to 8-hydroxyclomipramine. The increase in clomipramine bioavailability may stem from inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. The precise mechanism by which cranberry juice exerts its effects is unknown, but may involve inhibition of CYP450 isoenzymes. This interaction has occasionally been exploited in attempts to improve symptomatic control of obsessive compulsive disorder.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving clomipramine therapy who ingest cranberry juice, grapefruits, or grapefruit juice should be monitored for adverse effects and undue fluctuations in plasma drug levels.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food reduces the oral bioavailability of macimorelin. According to the product labeling, administration with a liquid meal decreased macimorelin peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 55% and 49%, respectively, compared to administration under fasting conditions (i.e., for at least 8 hours).

MANAGEMENT: Macimorelin should be administered after fasting for at least 8 hours.

GENERALLY AVOID: The combination of ethanol and a tricyclic antidepressant may result in additive impairment of motor skills, especially driving skills. Also, one study has suggested that clomipramine metabolism is significantly impaired for several weeks or more following discontinuation of chronic alcohol consumption.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be warned of this interaction and advised to limit their ethanol intake while taking tricyclic antidepressants. Monitoring for TCA toxicity (CNS depression, excessive anticholinergic effects, hypotension, arrhythmias) is recommended during alcohol withdrawal.