Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Based on in vitro inhibition data, coadministration with sorafenib may increase the plasma concentrations of drugs that are substrates of the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) transporter. The proposed mechanism is decreased clearance in the intestine, liver, and/or kidney due to inhibition of P-glycoprotein-mediated drug efflux by sorafenib.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when sorafenib is used concurrently with drugs that are known P-gp substrates, particularly those with a narrow therapeutic range. Dosage adjustments as well as clinical and laboratory monitoring may be appropriate for some drugs whenever sorafenib is added to or withdrawn from therapy.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food may reduce the oral absorption and bioavailability of sorafenib. According to the product labeling, sorafenib bioavailability was reduced by 29% when administered with a high-fat meal compared to administration in the fasted state. When given with a moderate-fat meal, bioavailability was similar to that in the fasted state.

MANAGEMENT: To ensure maximal and consistent oral absorption, sorafenib should be taken at least one hour before or two hours after eating.

Administration of digoxin with a high-fiber meal has been shown to decrease its bioavailability by almost 20%. Fiber can sequester up to 45% of the drug when given orally. Patients should be advised to maintain a regular diet without significant fluctuation in fiber intake while digoxin is being titrated.

Grapefruit juice may modestly increase the plasma concentrations of digoxin. The mechanism is increased absorption of digoxin due to mild inhibition of intestinal P-glycoprotein by certain compounds present in grapefruits. In 12 healthy volunteers, administration of grapefruit juice with and 30 minutes before, as well as 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 hours after a single digoxin dose (0.5 mg) increased the mean area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of digoxin by just 9% compared to administration with water. Moreover, P-glycoprotein genetic polymorphism does not appear to influence the magnitude of the effects of grapefruit juice on digoxin. Thus, the interaction is unlikely to be of clinical significance.