ERYTHROMYCIN (erythromycin base)

There are 25 contraindications. These drug combinations generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. A manufacturer label warning that indicates the contraindication warrants inclusion of a drug combination in this category, regardless of clinical evidence or lack of clinical evidence to support the contraindication.

Drug Interaction	Drug Names
Live Typhoid Vaccine/Antimicrobials SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: The antimicrobial may be active against the organism in the live-vaccine. Antimicrobial therapy may prevent the vaccine organism from replicating enough to trigger an immune response.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Vaccination may be ineffective. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Do not give oral typhoid vaccine until 72 hours after the last dose of antimicrobial. If possible, to optimize vaccine effectiveness, do not start antibacterial drugs for 72 hours after the last dose of oral typhoid vaccine. A longer interval should be considered for long-acting antimicrobials, such as azithromycin.(3) DISCUSSION: Because antimicrobial therapy may prevent sufficient vaccine-organism replication to generate an immune response, the manufacturer of live-attenuated typhoid vaccine and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) state that the vaccine should not be administered to patients receiving antimicrobial therapy.(1-3)	VIVOTIF
Ergot Alkaloids/Selected Macrolide Antibiotics SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: The macrolides may inhibit the hepatic metabolism of ergot alkaloids by inhibition of CYP3A4.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use may result in increased levels of ergot alkaloids, which may result in clinical signs of ergotism, including vasospasm, dysesthesia, renal ischemia, and peripheral ischemia. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of ergotamine(2) and dihydroergotamine (3) state that the concurrent use of these agents with clarithromycin, erythromycin, or troleandomycin is contraindicated. The US manufacturer of methylergonovine states that methylergonovine should not be administered with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors such as the macrolide antibiotics clarithromycin, erythromycin, and troleandomycin.(4) The US manufacturer of clarithromycin states that concurrent administration of ergotamine or dihydroergotamine is contraindicated.(5) It would be prudent to avoid the concurrent use of all ergot alkaloids and macrolide antibiotics that inhibit CYP3A4. Patients receiving concurrent therapy with macrolides and ergot alkaloids should be monitored for clinical signs of ergotism. One or both agents may need to be discontinued. Patients should be treated symptomatically for ergotism. DISCUSSION: Three case reports have documented clinical signs of ergotism following concomitant therapy with erythromycin and ergotamine. Symptoms included vasospasm, dysesthesia, renal ischemia, and peripheral ischemia. Symptoms occurred within one to seven days of concurrent therapy and with small doses of ergotamine.(6-8) Five case reports have documented peripheral vasospasm following the concurrent administration of ergotamine and troleandomycin. Ergotamine dosages ranged from single dose to long term therapy.(9-12) A similar interaction was reported for ergotamine and troleandomycin(13) and ergotamine and clarithromycin.(14) Other case reports document similar interactions between dihydroergotamine and erythromycin(15-19), troleandomycin(16-19), and ponsinomycin(20). One or more of the drug pairs linked to this monograph have been included in a list of interactions that should be considered "high-priority" for inclusion and should not be inactivated in EHR systems. This DDI subset was vetted by an expert panel commissioned by the U.S. Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health Information Technology.	DIHYDROERGOTAMINE MESYLATE, ERGOLOID MESYLATES, ERGOMAR, ERGOTAMINE TARTRATE, ERGOTAMINE-CAFFEINE, METHYLERGONOVINE MALEATE, METHYSERGIDE MALEATE, MIGERGOT, MIGRANAL, TRUDHESA
Selected Macrolides/Selected HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: The macrolides may inhibit the metabolism of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors by CYP3A4. CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent therapy may result in increased levels of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, which may produce rhabdomyolysis. Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis include muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, elevated creatine kinase levels, and reddish-brown, heme positive urine. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for myopathy or rhabdomyolysis may be greater in patients 65 years and older, inadequately treated hypothyroidism, renal impairment, carnitine deficiency, malignant hyperthermia, or in patients with a history of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. Patients with a SLCO1B1 polymorphism that leads to decreased function of the hepatic uptake transporter OATP1B1 may have increased statin concentrations and be predisposed to myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The concurrent administration of lovastatin(1) or simvastatin(2,3) with clarithromycin or erythromycin is contraindicated. If treatment with clarithromycin or erythromycin is required, suspend lovastatin or simvastatin therapy during antibiotic use. DISCUSSION: Concurrent administration of cerivastatin and erythromycin to patients with hypercholesterolemia resulted in increases in cerivastatin steady state AUC and Cmax by 50% and 24%, respectively.(4) In a study in 12 healthy subjects, pretreatment with seven days of erythromycin resulted in increases in the AUC and Cmax of a single dose of cerivastatin (300 mcg) by 21% and 13%, respectively.(5) An in-vitro study in human liver microsomes showed that the metabolism of cerivastatin was inhibited by troleandomycin.(6) In a study in 12 healthy subjects, pretreatment with erythromycin increased the Cmax and AUC of a single dose of simvastatin by 3.4-fold and 6.2-fold, respectively. Pretreatment with erythromycin also increased the Cmax and AUC of simvastatin acid by 5.0-fold and 3.9-fold, respectively.(7) In a study in healthy subjects, clarithromycin increased the AUC of simvastatin, atorvastatin, and pravastatin by 10-fold, greater than 4-fold, and almost 2-fold, respectively.(8) There are several case reports of patients developing rhabdomyolysis (characterized by myalgia, weakness, elevated creatine kinase levels, and heme positive urine) following the addition of erythromycin to lovastatin therapy.(9-13) Another article reported two cases of rhabdomyolysis, one following the addition of clarithromycin to lovastatin therapy and the other following the addition of azithromycin to lovastatin therapy.(14) One patient developed rhabdomyolysis and severe myopathy after treatment with roxithromycin and combination simvastatin and gemfibrozil.(15) One or more of the drug pairs linked to this monograph have been included in a list of interactions that should be considered "high-priority" for inclusion and should not be inactivated in EHR systems. This DDI subset was vetted by an expert panel commissioned by the U.S. Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health Information Technology.	ALTOPREV, EZETIMIBE-SIMVASTATIN, FLOLIPID, LOVASTATIN, SIMVASTATIN, VYTORIN, ZOCOR
Eletriptan/Selected Macrolide; Ketolide Antibiotics SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Macrolide or ketolide antibiotics which are moderately-strong to strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of eletriptan.(1-3) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use may result in elevated levels of and adverse effects from eletriptan.(1,2) Antibiotic agents linked to this monograph are clarithromycin, erythromycin, josamycin, telithromycin and troleandomycin. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of eletriptan states that eletriptan should not be used within at least 72 hours of treatment with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as clarithromycin or troleandomycin.(2) The UK manufacturer of eletriptan states that eletriptan should not be used together with clarithromycin, erythromycin, or josamycin.(1) If migraine treatment is needed during macrolide or ketolide antibiotic therapy use triptans not metabolized by CYP3A4 such as frovatriptan, sumatriptan, or zolmitriptan.(4-7) DISCUSSION: In a clinical study with a moderate to strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, erythromycin 1000 mg increased the eletriptan maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) by 2-fold and 3.6-fold, respectively. The half-life of eletriptan increased from 4.6 hours to 7.1 hours.(1) In a clinical study with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, ketoconazole (400 mg) increased the eletriptan maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) by 2.7-fold and 5.9-fold, respectively. The half-life of eletriptan increased from 4.8 hours to 8.3 hours.(1) The time to Cmax (Tmax) increased from 2.8 hours to 5.4 hours.(2)	ELETRIPTAN HBR, RELPAX
Droperidol/QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Droperidol has been shown to prolong the QTc interval. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of droperidol with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Congestive heart failure, bradycardia, use of a diuretic, cardiac hypertrophy, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, age over 65 years, alcohol abuse, and the use of agents such as benzodiazepines, volatile anesthetics, and intravenous opiate may predispose patients to the development of prolonged QT syndrome.(1) Risk may also be increased in patients with other cardiovascular diseases (e.g. myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypocalcemia, or female gender.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of droperidol states under precautions drug interactions that drugs known to have the potential to prolong the QT interval should not be used together with droperidol.(1) DISCUSSION: Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(2) One or more of the drug pairs linked to this monograph have been included in a list of interactions that should be considered "high-priority" for inclusion and should not be inactivated in EHR systems. This DDI subset was vetted by an expert panel commissioned by the U.S. Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health Information Technology.	DROPERIDOL
Vardenafil (Greater Than 5 mg)/Selected CYP3A4 Inhibitors SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: CYP3A4 inhibitors may inhibit the metabolism of vardenafil by CYP3A4.(1-4) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of CYP3A4 inhibitors may result in increased levels of and adverse effects from vardenafil, including hypotension, visual changes, and sustained erections.(1-4) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The interaction may be more severe in men older than 75 years.(4) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of vardenafil states that a maximum dose of 2.5 mg of vardenafil every 24 hours should not be exceeded in patients taking 400 mg of itraconazole or ketoconazole and that a maximum dose of 5 mg of vardenafil every 24 hours should not be exceeded in patients taking 200 mg of itraconazole or ketoconazole.(1) For moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, do not exceed a maximum dose of 5 mg of vardenafil every 24 hours.(1) Note that other countries have stricter warnings. The Australian manufacturer of vardenafil states that vardenafil must not be taken with dosages of itraconazole or ketoconazole greater than 200 mg. A maximum dose of 5 mg of vardenafil should not be exceeded if used with lower dosages of itraconazole and ketoconazole.(2) The Canadian manufacturer of vardenafil states that the concurrent use of vardenafil with itraconazole or ketoconazole is contraindicated and that the dosage should not exceed 5 mg in patients taking erythromycin.(3) The UK manufacturer of vardenafil states that the concurrent use of vardenafil with either oral itraconazole or oral ketoconazole is contraindicated in men older than 75 years and should be avoided in all patients. The dosage of vardenafil should not exceed 5 mg in patients taking erythromycin.(4) DISCUSSION: Concurrent use of ketoconazole (200 mg) with vardenafil (5 mg) increased the vardenafil area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) by 10-fold and 4-fold, respectively.(1-4) Concurrent administration of erythromycin (500 mg three times daily) with vardenafil (5 mg) increased the AUC and Cmax of vardenafil by 4-fold and 3-fold, respectively.(1-4)	VARDENAFIL HCL
Disopyramide/QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of disopyramide and agents known to prolong the QT interval may result in additive or synergistic effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent administration may result in prolongation of the QTc interval and life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The Australian manufacturer of disopyramide states that concurrent use with agents liable to produce torsades de pointes, including tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressants, erythromycin, vincamine, and sultopride, is contraindicated.(1) If alternatives are not available and concurrent therapy is deemed medically necessary, obtain serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitor ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(2) One or more of the drug pairs linked to this monograph have been included in a list of interactions that should be considered "high-priority" for inclusion and should not be inactivated in EHR systems. This DDI subset was vetted by an expert panel commissioned by the U.S. Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health Information Technology.	DISOPYRAMIDE PHOSPHATE, NORPACE, NORPACE CR
Dronedarone/QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of dronedarone and agents known to prolong the QT interval may result in additive or synergistic effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent administration may result in prolongation of the QTc interval and life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of dronedarone states that the use of drugs or herbal products that are known to prolong the QTc interval is contraindicated. These agents include phenothiazine anti-psychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, certain oral macrolide antibiotics, and Class IA and III antiarrhythmics.(1) If concurrent therapy is deemed medically necessary, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(2) One or more of the drug pairs linked to this monograph have been included in a list of interactions that should be considered "high-priority" for inclusion and should not be inactivated in EHR systems. This DDI subset was vetted by an expert panel commissioned by the U.S. Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health Information Technology.	MULTAQ
Lurasidone (Greater Than 80 mg)/Erythromycin SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors such as erythromycin may inhibit the metabolism of lurasidone.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concomitant use of lurasidone with inhibitors of CYP3A4 may lead to orthostatic hypotension, akathisia, acute dystonia, Parkinsonism or other lurasidone toxicities.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Elderly patients, particularly those with a history of falls or swallowing disorders, and patients with Parkinson Disease, Lewy Body Disease, or other dementias are more sensitive to antipsychotics and have a greater risk for adverse effects.(1) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of lurasidone states that the dose of lurasidone should not exceed 80 mg daily if coadministered with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as erythromycin.(1) If a patient is currently on lurasidone and a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, such as erythromycin, is added to therapy, the dose of lurasidone should be decreased by 50% of the original dose.(1) If a patient is currently on a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, such as erythromycin, and lurasidone is added to therapy, the recommended starting dose of lurasidone is 20 mg per day.(1) DISCUSSION: Pretreatment with diltiazem (240 mg daily for 5 days), another moderate inhibitor of CYP P-450-3A4, increased the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) of a single dose of lurasidone (20 mg) by 2.1-fold, and 2.2-fold, respectively.(1)	LATUDA, LURASIDONE HCL
Pitavastatin (Greater Than 1 mg)/Erythromycin SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Erythromycin may inhibit the metabolism of pitavastatin by organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP). When used concomitantly, erythromycin inhibits hepatic uptake of pitavastatin in a concentration dependent manner.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent erythromycin may result in increased levels of pitavastatin, which may produce rhabdomyolysis. Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis include muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, elevated creatine kinase levels, and reddish-brown, heme positive urine. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for myopathy or rhabdomyolysis may be greater in patients 65 years and older, inadequately treated hypothyroidism, renal impairment, carnitine deficiency, malignant hyperthermia, or in patients with a history of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. Patients with a SLCO1B1 polymorphism that leads to decreased function of the hepatic uptake transporter OATP1B1 may have increased statin concentrations and be predisposed to myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Do not exceed a dosage of 1 mg daily of pitavastatin when used with erythromycin.(1) If possible, consider suspending statin therapy during macrolide therapy. Monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of rhabdomyolysis. DISCUSSION: In a study, pretreatment with erythromycin (500 mg 4 times daily for 6 days) increased the area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) of a single dose of pitavastatin (4 mg on Day 4) by 2.8-fold and 3.6-fold, respectively.(1)	LIVALO, PITAVASTATIN CALCIUM, ZYPITAMAG
Flibanserin/Strong or Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Flibanserin is primarily metabolized by CYP3A4, though CYP2C19 also plays a role in metabolism.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a strong or moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4 may result in high to very high levels of and toxicity from flibanserin, including severe hypotension or syncope.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients with any degree of hepatic impairment, who are poor CYP2C19 metabolizers, or who also receive concomitant therapy with strong CYP2C19 inhibitors are expected to have increased systemic concentrations of flibanserin, adding to the risk for hypotension or syncopal episodes.(1) Hypotensive or syncopal episodes are more common when flibanserin is taken during waking hours.(1) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The concomitant use of flibanserin with moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors significantly increases flibanserin concentrations which may lead to hypotension and syncope. The manufacturer of flibanserin states moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors are contraindicated.(1) If the benefit of initiating a CYP3A4 inhibitor within 2 days of stopping flibanserin clearly outweighs the risk flibanserin-associated hypotension or syncope, monitor and counsel the patient regarding symptoms of hypotension or syncope. Discontinue moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors for 2 weeks before initiating or restarting flibanserin therapy.(1) DISCUSSION: In a drug interaction study with 15 healthy subjects, the combination of flibanserin (100 mg on day 6) and fluconazole (a moderate CYP3A4 and strong CYP2C19 inhibitor, 400 mg once then 200 mg daily for 5 days) resulted in an increased flibanserin exposure of 7-fold. Hypotension or syncope requiring supine placement with leg elevation occurred in 3 subjects (20%). One patient became unresponsive with a blood pressure of 64/41 mm Hg and required emergency room treatment where she required intravenous saline.(1) Though the combination has not been studied, a similar result is plausible with voriconazole, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and moderate CYP2C19 inhibitor.(1) In a drug interaction study with flibanserin 50 mg (one-half of the recommended dose) and ketoconazole 400 mg, flibanserin exposure increased 4.5-fold. One of 24 patients(4%) developed syncope.(1) A study of 12 healthy men and women on itraconazole (400 mg once then 200 mg daily for 4 days) with flibanserin 50 mg given 2 hours after itraconazole found that flibanserin exposure was increased 2.6-fold.(1) Strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 include: adagrasib, boceprevir, ceritinib, clarithromycin, cobicistat, idelalisib, indinavir, itraconazole, josamycin, ketoconazole, lonafarnib, lopinavir/ritonavir, mibefradil, mifepristone, nefazodone, nelfinavir, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, paritaprevir, posaconazole, ribociclib, saquinavir, telaprevir, telithromycin, tipranavir, troleandomycin, tucatinib, and voriconazole.(1-3) Moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 include: amprenavir, aprepitant, atazanavir, avacopan, berotralstat, clofazimine, conivaptan, crizotinib, darunavir/ritonavir, diltiazem, dronedarone, duvelisib, erythromycin, fedratinib, fluconazole (also a CYP2C19 inhibitor), fluvoxamine, fosamprenavir, fosnetupitant, imatinib, isavuconazonium, lenacapavir, letermovir, ledipasvir, netupitant, nilotinib, schisandra, stiripentol, treosulfan, and verapamil.(1-3)	ADDYI, FLIBANSERIN
Avanafil (Greater Than 50 mg)/Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of avanafil.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor may result in elevated levels of avanafil, which may result in increased adverse effects such as hypotension, visual changes, and priapism. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of avanafil states that in patients receiving moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4, the dose of avanafil should be limited to 50 mg in 24 hours.(1) DISCUSSION: Ketoconazole (400 mg daily), a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4, increased the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) of a single dose of avanafil (50 mg) by 3-fold and 13-fold, respectively. The half-life of avanafil increased from 5 hours to 9 hours.(1) Ritonavir (600 mg BID), a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4 and an inhibitor of 2C19, increased the Cmax and AUC of a single dose of avanafil (50 mg) by 2-fold and 13-fold, respectively. The half-life of avanafil increased from 5 hours to 9 hours.(1) Erythromycin (500 mg BID), a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4, increased the Cmax and AUC of a single dose of avanafil (200 mg) by 2-fold and 3-fold, respectively. The half-life of avanafil increased from 5 hours to 8 hours.(1) Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors include: amprenavir, aprepitant, avacopan, berotralstat, clofazimine, conivaptan, crizotinib, diltiazem, dronedarone, duvelisib, erythromycin, fedratinib, fluconazole, fluvoxamine, fosamprenavir, fosnetupitant, grapefruit juice, imatinib, isavuconazonium, lefamulin, lenacapavir, letermovir, netupitant, nilotinib, nirogacestat, schisandra, stiripentol, tofisopam, treosulfan, and verapamil.(1-3)	AVANAFIL, STENDRA
Ranolazine (Greater Than 500 mg BID)/Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of ranolazine. Verapamil may also increase the absorption of ranolazine by inhibiting P-glycoprotein.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 may result in elevated levels of and clinical effects from ranolazine. Elevated ranolazine levels may result in QTc prolongation, which may result in life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of ranolazine states that the dosage of ranolazine should be limited to 500 mg twice daily in patients receiving moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4.(1) If concurrent therapy is deemed medically necessary, obtain serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitor ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Concurrent use of diltiazem, a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4, at daily doses of 180 mg to 360 mg increased plasma levels of ranolazine (1000 mg twice daily) by 50% and 130%, respectively.(1,4) In healthy subjects, concurrent ranolazine (1000 mg twice daily) had no effects on the pharmacokinetics of diltiazem (60 mg three times daily).(1) Concurrent use of verapamil (120 mg three times daily) increased plasma levels of ranolazine (750 mg twice daily) by 100%.(1) In a study in 12 healthy males, ranolazine immediate release (IR, 240 mg three times daily) had no effect on diltiazem (60 mg three times daily) pharmacokinetics. However, at ranolazine IR steady state, diltiazem increased ranolazine IR area under the curve (AUC) by 85%, on average, and increased maximum concentration (Cmax) by 1.9-fold and minimum concentration (Cmin) by 2.1-fold.(4) In a study in 12 subjects, ranolazine sustained release (SR, 500 mg twice daily) had no effect on diltiazem (60 mg three times daily) pharmacokinetics. However, at ranolazine steady state, diltiazem increased ranolazine SR Cmax, concentration minimum (Cmin), AUC by 80%, 216%, and 90%, on average, respectively.(4) In a study in 8 healthy males, diltiazem modified release (MR, 180 mg, or 240 mg, or 360 mg, once daily) increased ranolazine sustained release (SR, 1000 mg twice daily) AUC by 52%, 93%, and 139%, respectively. Ranolazine half-lives did not show any consistent trend of changes with increasing doses of diltiazem.(4) In a study of patients with severe chronic angina, the addition of ranolazine 750 mg twice daily or 1,000 mg twice daily along with their standard dose of diltiazem (180 mg once daily) provided additional antianginal relief, without evident adverse, long-term survival consequences over 1 to 2 years of therapy.(5) Ranolazine-induced QTc prolongation is dose and concentration-related.(1) Moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 include: amprenavir, aprepitant, avacopan, berotralstat, clofazimine, conivaptan, crizotinib, diltiazem, dronedarone, duvelisib, erythromycin, fedratinib, fluconazole, fluvoxamine, fosamprenavir, fosnetupitant, imatinib, isavuconazonium, ledipasvir, lenacapavir, letermovir, netupitant, nilotinib, schisandra, stiripentol, treosulfan and verapamil.(1,3,6,7)	ASPRUZYO SPRINKLE, RANOLAZINE ER
Anagrelide/QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of anagrelide with agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1-4) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of anagrelide with agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1-4) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(5) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(5) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of anagrelide states that anagrelide should not be used in patients taking medications known to prolong the QT interval.(1) The Australian, Canadian, and UK manufacturers of anagrelide state use of anagrelide should be approached with caution in patients taking medications that can prolong the QTc interval.(2-4) If concurrent therapy is deemed medically necessary, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: In a thorough QT study, dose-related QT changes were observed with anagrelide. The maximum mean change in QTcI (95% CI) in comparison to placebo was 7.0 (9.8) ms and 13.0 (15.7) msec following doses of 0.5 mg and 2.5mg, respectively.(1) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or torsades de pointes in clinical trials and/or postmarketing reports.(6) One or more of the drug pairs linked to this monograph have been included in a list of interactions that should be considered "high-priority" for inclusion and should not be inactivated in EHR systems. This DDI subset was vetted by an expert panel commissioned by the U.S. Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health Information Technology.	AGRYLIN, ANAGRELIDE HCL
Erythromycin/Fluconazole SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Fluconazole may inhibit the metabolism of erythromycin by CYP3A4.(1,2) Both erythromycin and fluconazole have been shown to prolong the QTc interval and result in torsades de pointes.(1,2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of erythromycin with potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 such as fluconazole may result in elevated levels of erythromycin, QT prolongation, and risk of sudden death from cardiac causes.(1,2) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The concurrent use of fluconazole and erythromycin is contraindicated.(1) If concurrent therapy is deemed medically necessary, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: A retrospective review examined sudden cardiac death in Tennessee Medicaid patients. Erythromycin use increased the risk of sudden cardiac death by 1.79-fold. Concurrent use of erythromycin with a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4 (diltiazem, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, troleandomycin, or verapamil) increased the risk of sudden cardiac death by 5.35-fold when compared to patients receiving no antibiotic therapy. There was one death in 106 person-years among concurrent users of diltiazem and erythromycin. There were two deaths in 78 person-years among concurrent users of verapamil and erythromycin. There were no sudden cardiac deaths among concurrent users of erythromycin and other calcium channel blockers that do not inhibit CYP3A4.(2) One or more of the drug pairs linked to this monograph have been included in a list of interactions that should be considered "high-priority" for inclusion and should not be inactivated in EHR systems. This DDI subset was vetted by an expert panel commissioned by the U.S. Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health Information Technology.	DIFLUCAN, FLUCONAZOLE, FLUCONAZOLE-NACL
Naloxegol (Greater Than 12.5 mg)/Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of naloxegol.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4 without a dosage adjustment of naloxegol may result in increased levels of naloxegol, which may precipitate opioid withdrawal symptoms.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients taking methadone may be more likely to experience gastrointestinal side effects such as abdominal pain and diarrhea as a result of opioid withdrawal.(1) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The daily dose of naloxegol should be limited to 12.5 mg daily in patients taking moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4.(1) If concurrent use is deemed medically necessary, monitor patients for signs of opioid withdrawal such as sweating, chills, diarrhea, stomach pain, anxiety, irritability, yawning, restlessness, muscle/joint aches, increased lacrimation, running nose, and piloerection. Monitor patients taking methadone for abdominal pain and diarrhea as well.(1) DISCUSSION: Ketoconazole (400 mg daily for 5 days), a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4, increased the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) of a single dose of naloxegol by 9.58-fold and 12.85-fold, respectively.(2) Diltiazem (240 mg XR daily), a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4, increased the Cmax and AUC of a single dose of naloxegol by 2.85 and 3.41, respectively.(2) According to Physiologically-based-Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models, erythromycin, a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4, at a dose of 250 mg QID is expected to increase the Cmax and AUC of naloxegol by 2.77-fold and 3.47-fold, respectively.(2) According to PBPK models, erythromycin at a dose of 400 mg QID is expected to increase the Cmax and AUC of naloxegol by 3.42-fold and 4.63-fold, respectively.(2) According to PBPK models, fluconazole, a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4, at a dose of 200 mg daily is expected to increase the Cmax and AUC of naloxegol by 2.4-fold and 2.81-fold, respectively.(2) According to PBPK models, verapamil moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4, at a dose of 120 mg daily is expected to increase the Cmax and AUC of naloxegol by 1.97-fold and 2.21-fold, respectively.(2) Moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 include: amprenavir, aprepitant, atazanavir, avacopan, berotralstat, clofazimine, conivaptan, crizotinib, darunavir, diltiazem, dronedarone, duvelisib, erythromycin, fedratinib, fluconazole, fluvoxamine, fosamprenavir, fosnetupitant, imatinib, isavuconazonium, lefamulin, lenacapavir, letermovir, netupitant, nilotinib, nirogacestat, schisandra, stiripentol, tofisopam, treosulfan and verapamil.(1,3,4)	MOVANTIK
Lomitapide/Strong or Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Lomitapide is primarily metabolized via CYP3A4.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a strong or moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4 may result in high to very high levels of and toxicity from lomitapide.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The interaction may be more severe in patients with hepatic impairment or with end-stage renal disease.(1) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Given the magnitude of this interaction and the potential toxicity of lomitapide, moderate and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors are contraindicated.(1) When possible use an alternative to the CYP3A4 inhibitor. If a moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitor is required, discontinue lomitapide. Due to its long half-life, it will take 1 to 2 weeks for remaining lomitapide to be eliminated; thus lomitapide adverse effects could occur after discontinuation. The US manufacturer of itraconazole states that concurrent use with lomitapide is contraindicated during and two weeks after itraconazole treatment.(4) DISCUSSION: Concurrent administration with ketoconazole (a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4) increased lomitapide area-under-curve (AUC) by 27-fold.(1) Strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 include: adagrasib, boceprevir, ceritinib, clarithromycin, cobicistat, idelalisib, indinavir, itraconazole, josamycin, ketoconazole, lonafarnib, lopinavir/ritonavir, mibefradil, nefazodone, nelfinavir, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, paritaprevir, posaconazole, ribociclib, saquinavir, telaprevir, telithromycin, tipranavir, tucatinib, and voriconazole.(1-3,5) Moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 include: amprenavir, aprepitant, atazanavir, avacopan, berotralstat, clofazimine, conivaptan, crizotinib, darunavir/ritonavir, diltiazem, dronedarone, duvelisib, erythromycin, fedratinib, fluconazole (also a CYP2C19 inhibitor), fluvoxamine, fosamprenavir, fosnetupitant, imatinib, isavuconazonium, lenacapavir, lefamulin, letermovir, netupitant, nilotinib, nirogacestat, schisandra, stiripentol, treosulfan, and verapamil.(1-3)	JUXTAPID
Cilostazol (Greater Than 50 mg BID)/Strong & Moderate 3A4 Inhibitors that Prolong QT SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Strong and moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of cilostazol at CYP3A4.(1) Both agents have been shown to prolong the QT interval.(1,2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of cilostazol and strong and moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 may result in elevated levels of cilostazol, which may produce increased effects of cilostazol and adverse effects.(1) Concurrent use may also result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes (TdP).(2) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: In general, the risk of QT prolongation or torsade de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(1) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsade de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(1) This interaction may also be more severe in patients taking inhibitors of CYP2C19.(1) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The dose of cilostazol should be limited to 50 mg twice daily in patients receiving concurrent therapy with strong and moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: In a study in 16 healthy males, the administration of a single dose of cilostazol (10 mg) with erythromycin (500 mg every eight hours) increased the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) of cilostazol by 47% and 73%, respectively. The Cmax and AUC of 4'-trans-hydroxy-cilostazol were increased by 29% and 141%, respectively.(3) Analysis of population pharmacokinetics indicated that the concurrent administration of diltiazem with cilostazol increased cilostazol concentrations by 53%.(1) Concurrent administration of diltiazem and cilostazol decreased cilostazol clearance by 30%, increased the Cmax by 30%, and increased AUC by 40%. In a study, the administration of a single dose of cilostazol (10 mg) with erythromycin (500 mg every eight hours) increased the Cmax and AUC of cilostazol by 47% and 73%, respectively. The AUC of 4'-trans-hydroxy-cilostazol was increased by 141%.(1) In an vitro study in human liver microsomes, ketoconazole inhibited the metabolism of cilostazol.(4) One or more of the drug pairs linked to this monograph have been included in a list of interactions that should be considered "high-priority" for inclusion and should not be inactivated in EHR systems. This DDI subset was vetted by an expert panel commissioned by the U.S. Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health Information Technology.	CILOSTAZOL
CYP3A4 Substrates that Prolong QT/Posaconazole SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Posaconazole is a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4 and may inhibit the metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates. Use of posaconazole with agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in an additive effect on the QTc interval.(1,2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent administration may result in elevated levels of the CYP3A4 substrate and/or prolongation of the QTc interval, which may result in life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1,2) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(3) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of posaconazole states that the concurrent use of agents that prolong the QTc interval that are metabolized by CYP3A4 is contraindicated.(1) The UK manufacturer of posaconazole states that CYP3A4 substrates that are known to prolong the QTc interval must not be coadministered.(2) If concurrent therapy is deemed medically necessary, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Posaconazole has been shown to inhibit CYP3A4. Elevated levels of CYP3A4 substrates that are known to prolong the QTc interval may have an additive effect on the QTc interval.(1,2) CYP3A4 substrates that prolong the QTc interval and that are linked to this monograph include: aclarubicin, adagrasib, amiodarone, artemether-lumefantrine, bepridil, clarithromycin, dofetilide, erythromycin, fexinidazole, levomethadyl, lonafarnib, mobocertinib, quizartinib, revumenib, savolitinib, taletrectinib, and telithromycin.	NOXAFIL, POSACONAZOLE
Levoketoconazole/QT Prolonging Agents SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Levoketoconazole has been observed to prolong the QTc interval in a dose-dependent manner. Concurrent use with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in additive effects on the QTc interval.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of levoketoconazole with other agents that prolong the QTc interval may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of levoketoconazole states that levoketoconazole is contraindicated with other agents that prolong the QT interval.(1) Levoketoconazole is also contraindicated in patients with a prolonged QTcF interval of greater than 470 msec at baseline, history of torsades de pointes, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, or long QT syndrome (including first-degree family history). Use caution in patients with other risk factors for QT prolongation including congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, and uncorrected electrolyte abnormalities. Consider more frequent ECG monitoring. Prior to starting levoketoconazole, obtain a baseline ECG and correct hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia. If a patient develops QT prolongation with a QTc interval greater than 500 msec, temporarily discontinue levoketoconazole. After resolution of prolonged QTc interval, levoketoconazole may be resumed at a lower dose. If QTc interval prolongation recurs, permanently discontinue levoketoconazole.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. Instruct patients to report any irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: During phase 1 and 2 studies, which excluded patients with baseline QTcF interval greater than 470 msec, 4 (2.4%) patients experienced QTcF > 500 msec, and 23 (14.7%) patients experienced change-from-baseline QTcF > 60 msec.(1) Agents that are linked to this monograph may have varying degrees of potential to prolong the QTc interval but are generally accepted to have a risk of causing Torsades de Pointes. Agents linked to this monograph have been shown to prolong the QTc interval either through their mechanism of action, through studies on their effects on the QTc interval, or through reports of QTc prolongation and/or Torsades de Pointes in clinical trials and/or post-marketing reports.(3)	RECORLEV
Mitapivat (Greater Than 20 mg)/Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of mitapivat.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4 may result in increased levels of and effects from mitapivat including decreased estrone and estradiol levels in males, increased urate, back pain, and arthralgias.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The concurrent use of moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors with mitapivat should be monitored closely for increased risk of adverse reactions. Mitapivat dose should not exceed 20 mg twice daily with concurrent moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors.(1) DISCUSSION: Mitapivat is a CYP3A4 substrate. In a pharmacokinetic study with mitapivat 5, 20, or 50 mg twice daily dosing, fluconazole increased mitapivat area-under-curve (AUC) and concentration maximum (Cmax) by 2.6-fold and 1.6-fold, respectively.(1) Moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 include: amprenavir, aprepitant, atazanavir, berotralstat, clofazimine, conivaptan, darunavir, diltiazem, dronedarone, erythromycin, fluconazole, fluvoxamine, fosamprenavir, fosnetupitant, imatinib, isavuconazonium, letermovir, netupitant, nilotinib, schisandra, stiripentol, treosulfan and verapamil.(2)(2)	PYRUKYND
Lumateperone (Greater Than 21 mg)/Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of lumateperone.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of lumateperone with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors increases lumateperone exposure, which may increase the risk of adverse reactions.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of lumateperone recommends decreasing the dosage of lumateperone to 21 mg once daily in patients receiving moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors.(1) DISCUSSION: Coadministration of lumateperone with itraconazole, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, resulted in a 4-fold and 3.5-fold increase in area-under-curve (AUC) and concentration maximum (Cmax), respectively.(1) Coadministration of lumateperone with diltiazem, a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, resulted in a 2.5-fold and 2-fold increase AUC and Cmax, respectively.(1) Moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 include: aprepitant, avacopan, berotralstat, clofazimine, conivaptan, crizotinib, diltiazem, dronedarone, duvelisib, erythromycin, fedratinib, fluconazole, fluvoxamine, fosnetupitant, imatinib, isavuconazonium, oral lefamulin, lenacapavir, letermovir, netupitant, nilotinib, schisandra, stiripentol, tofisopam, verapamil, treosulfan, and voxelotor.(2,3)	CAPLYTA
Daridorexant (Greater Than 25 mg)/Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of daridorexant.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4 may result in increased levels of and effects from daridorexant including somnolence, fatigue, CNS depressant effects, daytime impairment, or headache.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The dose of daridorexant should be limited to 25 mg daily when used with a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor.(1) DISCUSSION: Daridorexant is a CYP3A4 substrate. In a PKPB model, concurrent use of daridorexant with diltiazem, a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, increased daridorexant area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) by 2.4-fold and 1.4-fold, respectively.(1) Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors include: amprenavir, aprepitant, atazanavir, avacopan, berotralstat, clofazimine, conivaptan, crizotinib, darunavir, diltiazem, dronedarone, duvelisib, erythromycin, fedratinib, fluconazole, fluvoxamine, fosamprenavir, fosnetupitant, imatinib, isavuconazonium, lenacapavir, letermovir, netupitant, nilotinib, nirogacestat, schisandra, stiripentol, treosulfan and verapamil.(2)	QUVIVIQ
Colchicine (for Cardioprotection)/P-glycoprotein (P-gp) Inhibitors SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitors may affect the transport of colchicine, a P-gp substrate.(1,2) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a P-gp inhibitor may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from colchicine. Symptoms of colchicine toxicity include abdominal pain; nausea or vomiting; severe diarrhea; muscle weakness or pain; numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes; myelosuppression; feeling weak or tired; increased infections; and pale or gray color of the lips, tongue, or palms of hands.(1,2) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: This interaction is expected to be more severe in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.(1,2) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of colchicine used for cardiovascular risk reduction states that concurrent use of colchicine with P-gp inhibitors is contraindicated.(1) DISCUSSION: There are several reports of colchicine toxicity(3-5) and death(6,7) following the addition of clarithromycin to therapy. In a retrospective review of 116 patients who received clarithromycin and colchicine during the same hospitalization, 10.2% (9/88) of patients who received simultaneous therapy died, compared to 3.6% (1/28) of patients who received sequential therapy.(8) An FDA review of 117 colchicine-related deaths that were not attributable to overdose found that 60 deaths (51%) involved concurrent use of clarithromycin.(2) There is one case report of colchicine toxicity with concurrent erythromycin.(9) In a study in 20 subjects, pretreatment with diltiazem (240 mg daily for 7 days) increased the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) of a single dose of colchicine (0.6 mg) by 44.2% (range -46.6% to 318.3%) and by 93.4% (range -30.2% to 338.6%), respectively.(1) In a study in 24 subjects, pretreatment with verapamil (240 mg twice daily for 7 days) increased the Cmax and AUC of a single dose of colchicine (0.6 mg) by 40.1% (range -47.1% to 149.5%) and by 103.3% (range -9.8% to 217.2%), respectively.(1) Colchicine toxicity has been reported with concurrent use of CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitors such as clarithromycin, cyclosporine, diltiazem, erythromycin, and verapamil.(1,2) P-gp inhibitors include abrocitinib, amiodarone, asciminib, asunaprevir, azithromycin, belumosudil, capmatinib, carvedilol, cimetidine, cyclosporine, danicopan, daridorexant, diltiazem, diosmin, dronedarone, erythromycin, flibanserin, fluvoxamine, fostamatinib, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, lapatinib, ledipasvir, mavorixafor, neratinib, osimertinib, pirtobrutinib, propafenone, quinidine, ranolazine, schisandra, selpercatinib, sotorasib, tepotinib, tezacaftor, valbenazine, velpatasvir, vemurafenib, venetoclax, verapamil, vimseltinib, and voclosporin.(1,10,11)	LODOCO
Pimozide/Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors that Prolong QT SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors that prolong the QTc interval may inhibit the metabolism of pimozide and cause an additive risk of QTc prolongation.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors that prolong QT may increase the levels and effects of pimozide including additive QTc prolongation and potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias like torsades de pointes. Concurrent use may also result in extrapyramidal symptoms such as akathisia, bradykinesia, cogwheel rigidity, dystonia, hypertonia, and oculogyric crisis.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female gender, or advanced age.(2) Concurrent use of more than one drug known to cause QT prolongation or higher systemic concentrations of either QT prolonging drug are additional risk factors for torsades de pointes. Factors which may increase systemic drug concentrations include rapid infusion of an intravenous dose or impaired metabolism or elimination of the drug (e.g. coadministration with an agent which inhibits its metabolism or elimination, genetic impairment in drug metabolism or elimination, and/or renal/hepatic dysfunction).(2) The risk of anticholinergic toxicities including cognitive decline, delirium, falls and fractures is increased in geriatric patients using more than one medicine with anticholinergic properties.(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The use of pimozide with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors that prolong QT is contraindicated, especially when other risk factors for QT prolongation are present. The manufacturer of pimozide states that concomitant treatment with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors is contraindicated and treatment with less potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 should also be avoided.(1) If concurrent use cannot be avoided, then correct or minimize QT prolonging risk factors, use the lowest effective dose of pimozide, and discontinue other concurrent QT prolonging agents or CYP3A4 inhibitors if possible. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider obtaining serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels and monitoring ECG at baseline and at regular intervals. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities.(1) Instruct patients to report an irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. DISCUSSION: Pimozide is metabolized at CYP3A. Elevated levels of pimozide may prolong the QTc interval resulting in life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.(1) Moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 that prolong QT include: dronedarone, erythromycin, and fluconazole.(4,5)	PIMOZIDE

Drug contraindication overview.

No enhanced Contraindications information available for this drug.

Adverse reaction overview.

No enhanced Common Adverse Effects information available for this drug.

No enhanced Pediatric Use information available for this drug.

Contraindicated

None

Severe Precaution

None

Management or Monitoring Precaution

None