Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Based on in vitro data, coadministration with inhibitors of CYP450 3A4 may increase the plasma concentrations of dutasteride, which is metabolized by the isoenzyme. No clinical drug interaction studies have been conducted. However, a population pharmacokinetic analysis found decreased clearance of dutasteride when it is coadministered with the moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitors, verapamil and diltiazem (37% and 44%, respectively). In contrast, no decrease in dutasteride clearance was seen during coadministration with amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker that is not a CYP450 3A4 inhibitor.

MANAGEMENT: The possibility of prolonged and/or increased pharmacologic effects of dutasteride should be considered during concomitant therapy with CYP450 3A4 inhibitors, particularly potent ones like itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, conivaptan, nefazodone, cobicistat, delavirdine, protease inhibitors, and ketolide and certain macrolide antibiotics.

GENERALLY AVOID: Taking stiripentol on an empty stomach may reduce its oral bioavailability. Stiripentol degrades rapidly when exposed to gastric acid in an empty stomach.

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate the depressant effects of stiripentol on the central nervous system. Concomitant use may result in increased sedation and dizziness as well as impairment of psychomotor skills.

GENERALLY AVOID: It is not known whether stiripentol may reduce theophylline and caffeine metabolism, as data on the potential for inhibition of CYP450 1A2 are limited. Consumption of foods and nutritional products such as cola drinks (which contain significant quantities of caffeine) and chocolate (which contains caffeine and trace amounts of theophylline) may be unsafe during treatment with stiripentol, particularly in children.

MANAGEMENT: Stiripentol should be taken during a meal for optimal absorption; however, it should not be taken with milk, dairy products (e.g., yogurt, soft cream cheese), fruit juice, or carbonated beverages. Patients should be advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol and to avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how the medication affects them. Food and beverages that may contain caffeine or theophylline such as colas, chocolate, coffee, tea, or energy drinks should also be avoided during treatment with stiripentol.