Drug Interaction Report

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

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Administration of zaleplon with a high-fat or heavy meal may delay the onset of hypnotic effects. In healthy adult subjects, administration of zaleplon with a high-fat meal resulted in a 2-hour delay in the time to reach peak plasma drug concentration (Tmax) and a 35% reduction in the peak plasma drug concentration (Cmax) compared to fasting. Zaleplon systemic exposure (AUC) and elimination half-life were not significantly affected.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving zaleplon should be advised to avoid the consumption of alcohol. For faster sleep onset, zaleplon should not be administered with or immediately after a high-fat or heavy meal.

Food may decrease the rate and extent of absorption of desmopressin following oral administration. In 16 healthy, nonsmoking volunteers, administration of a single 400 mcg oral dose of desmopressin concomitantly with a standardized meal (27% fat) resulted in a 52% decrease in the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of desmopressin and a 43% decrease in systemic exposure (AUC) compared to administration in the fasting state. The Cmax and AUC were still reduced by 46% and 41%, respectively, when desmopressin was administered 1.5 hours after eating. Both feeding regimens prolonged the time to reach peak plasma concentration (Tmax) from 1 hour to 1.5 hours. However, the pharmacodynamic effects of desmopressin were not affected as assessed by urine volume and osmolality for at least 4 hours postdose. The degree of antidiuresis was similar in the absence of food and when the drug was taken with or 1.5 hours after eating. These findings would suggest a fairly minor clinical impact of the interaction in most patients, especially since oral desmopressin is intended for administration at bedtime. Nevertheless, the possibility of food effects should be considered before increasing the dose whenever a diminution of effect is noted. A significant interaction is not expected to occur with the sublingual formulation, since absorption occurs primarily in the oral mucosa, pharynx, and esophagus.