Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Coadministration with drugs that are inducers of CYP450 3A4 may decrease the plasma concentrations of protease inhibitors (PIs), which are primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme.

MANAGEMENT: Given the risk of reduced viral susceptibility and resistance development associated with subtherapeutic antiretroviral drug levels, protease inhibitors should be used cautiously with agents that induce CYP450 3A4, particularly if only one PI is used in the antiretroviral regimen. Coadministration of atazanavir without ritonavir and carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin is not recommended. Antiretroviral response should be monitored more closely whenever a CYP450 3A4 inducer is added to or withdrawn from therapy, and the antiretroviral regimen adjusted as necessary.

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.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food enhances the absorption and oral bioavailability of darunavir administered in combination with low-dose ritonavir. The mechanism is unknown. When administered with food, the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of darunavir were approximately 30% higher than when administered in the fasting state. Darunavir exposure was similar for the range of meals studied. The total caloric content of the various meals evaluated ranged from 240 Kcal (12 grams fat) to 928 Kcal (56 grams fat).

MANAGEMENT: To ensure maximal oral absorption, darunavir coadministered with ritonavir should be taken with food. The type of food is not important.