Armodafinil (armodafinil)
Amphetamines/Anorexiants/Stimulants Oral Tablet
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Armodafinil, the R-enantiomer of racemic modafinil, is a wakefulness-promoting agent.
Armodafinil is a non-amphetamine wakefulness-promoting agent. The drug is theR-enantiomer of modafinil, which is a racemic compound containing equal amounts of the R- and S- isomers. Both armodafinil and modafinil are benzhydrylsulfinylacetamides.
Armodafinil is the longer-lasting R-isomer of modafinil, having a half-life approximately 3-4 times longer than that of S-modafinil. In vitro and animal studies have shown that armodafinil and modafinil have similar pharmacologic actions.
The exact mechanism by which armodafinil and modafinil promote wakefulness is not known, but may involve activation of certain arousal centers of the brain (e.g., hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex). Armodafinil and modafinil have wake-promoting effects similar to sympathomimetic agents (e.g., amphetamine, methylphenidate); however, their pharmacologic profile is not identical to such agents. Additionally, modafinil produces effects commonly described with other CNS stimulants in humans, including psychoactive and euphoric effects and alterations in mood, perception, thinking, and feelings.
Armodafinil is an indirect dopamine receptor agonist, and has been shown in in vitro studies to bind to the dopamine transporter and inhibit dopamine reuptake. Such inhibitory effects have been associated with increased extracellular dopamine concentrations in animal models. The stimulant effects of modafinil can be attenuated by the alpha1-adrenergic receptor antagonist prazosin, but modafinil is inactive in other assay systems known to be responsive to alpha1-adrenergic receptor agonists.
The active component of Nuvigil(R) is armodafinil, which is the longer-acting enantiomer (R-enantiomer) of modafinil. Armodafinil is readily absorbed following oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations occurring at approximately 2 hours in the fasted state. The effect of food on the overall bioavailability of armodafinil appears minimal, but time to achieve peak concentrations may be delayed by approximately 2-4 hours in the fed state.
Armodafinil exhibits linear pharmacokinetics following administration of single or multiple oral doses of the drug over the dosage range of 50-400 mg. Steady-state plasma concentrations of armodafinil are achieved within 7 days of daily administration, and the mean elimination half-life of the drug is approximately 15 hours. Peak plasma concentrations and total exposure of armodafinil at steady state are approximately 37% and 70% higher, respectively, following 200 mg of armodafinil compared to 200 mg of modafinil, which is due to the more rapid clearance of the S-enantiomer compared to the R-enantiomer.
Although the plasma protein binding of armodafinil is not known, modafinil is 60% bound to plasma proteins, predominantly albumin. Interactions with highly-protein bound drugs are expected to be minimal. Armodafinil undergoes hydrolytic deamidation, S-oxidation, and aromatic ring hydroxylation, with subsequent glucuronide conjugation of the hydroxylated products.
The 2 principal metabolites (R-modafinil acid and modafinil sulfone) of armodafinil or modafinil do not appear to contribute to the CNS-activating properties of the parent compounds. Although the metabolic fate of armodafinil has not been specifically studied, racemic modafinil is mainly eliminated via metabolism, predominantly in the liver, with 80% of the drug excreted in urine and 1% in feces, mainly as metabolites. Pharmacokinetic analyses indicate gender has no impact on armodafinil pharmacokinetics.
It is not known whether race/ethnicity affects the pharmacokinetics of armodafinil.
USES: Armodafinil reduces extreme sleepiness due to narcolepsy and other sleep disorders, such as periods of stopped breathing during sleep (obstructive sleep apnea). It is also used to help you stay awake during work hours if you have a work schedule that keeps you from having a normal sleep routine (shift work sleep disorder). This medication does not cure these sleep disorders and may not get rid of all your sleepiness.
Armodafinil does not take the place of getting enough sleep. It should not be used to treat tiredness or hold off sleep in people who do not have a sleep disorder. It is not known how armodafinil works to keep you awake.
It is thought to work by affecting certain substances in the brain that control the sleep/wake cycle.
Generic name: armodafinil
Pronunciation: (AR-moe-DAF-i-nil)
Drug class: Amphetamines/Anorexiants/Stimulants
Therapeutic class: Central Nervous System Agents
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Armodafinil
Indications
The following indications are listed for Armodafinil:
- Narcolepsy Syndrome
- Sleepiness Due To Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Sleepiness Due To Shift Work Sleep Disorder
Also known as: Excessive Sleepiness Associated With Osahs, Friedmann's Disease, Gelineau's Syndrome, Hypnolepsy, Narcolepsy, Paroxysmal Sleep, Sleepiness Associated With Hypopnea Syndrome, Sleepiness Associated With Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Sleepiness Associated With Shifting Sleep-Work Schedule, Somnolence From Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Dosing
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Armodafinil is administered orally. In patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or narcolepsy, armodafinil usually is administered once daily in the morning. In patients with shift work disorder (SWD), armodafinil should be taken approximately 1 hour prior to the start of their work shift.
The manufacturer makes no specific recommendations regarding administration of armodafinil with regard to meals.
Store armodafinil tablets at 20-25degreesC.
| Drug label | Dosing type | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Armodafinil 200 Mg Tablet | Maintenance | Take 1 tablet (200 mg) by oral route once daily in the morning. |
| Armodafinil 150 Mg Tablet | Maintenance | Take 1 tablet (150 mg) by oral route once daily in the morning. |
| Armodafinil 250 Mg Tablet | Maintenance | Take 1 tablet (250 mg) by oral route once daily in the morning. |
| Drug label | Dosing type | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Armodafinil 150 Mg Tablet | Maintenance | Take 1 tablet (150 mg) by oral route once daily in the morning. |
| Armodafinil 250 Mg Tablet | Maintenance | Take 1 tablet (250 mg) by oral route once daily in the morning. |
| Armodafinil 200 Mg Tablet | Maintenance | Take 1 tablet (200 mg) by oral route once daily in the morning. |
Drug interactions
In vitro and in vivo data have shown that armodafinil is primarily metabolized via amide hydrolysis, and to a lesser extent by cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isoenzymes 3A4/5. In vitro studies indicate that armodafinil is a weak inducer of CYP1A2 and possibly CYP3A, and a reversible inhibitor of CYP2C19. Other CYP activities do not appear to be affected by armodafinil. In vitro studies have also shown that armodafinil is a substrate of the efflux transporter P-glycoprotein, although the impact of this inhibition is not known.
Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
Cyp3a4 Inducers/Lumateperone
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: Lumateperone is a substrate of CYP3A4. Inducers of CYP3A4 may induce the metabolism of lumateperone.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of a CYP3A4 inducer may decrease the exposure to lumateperone.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Induction effects may be more likely with regular use of the inducer for longer than 1-2 weeks.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of lumateperone states that concurrent use with CYP3A4 inducers should be avoided.(1)
DISCUSSION: Coadministration of lumateperone with rifampin, a strong CYP3A4 inducer, resulted in a 98% reduction in area-under-curve (AUC) and a 90% reduction in concentration maximum (Cmax).(1) Strong inducers of CYP3A4 include: apalutamide, barbiturates, carbamazepine, encorafenib, enzalutamide, fosphenytoin, ivosidenib, lumacaftor, mitotane, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, rifampin, rifapentine, and St. John's wort.(2,3) Moderate inducers of CYP3A4 include: belzutifan, bosentan, cenobamate, dabrafenib, efavirenz, elagolix, etravirine, fexinidazole, lesinurad, lorlatinib, mavacamten, mitapivat, modafinil, nafcillin, pacritinib, repotrectinib, rifabutin, telotristat, thioridazine, and tovorafenib.(2,3) Weak inducers of CYP3A4 include: amprenavir, armodafinil, aumolertinib, bexarotene, brivaracetam, clobazam, danshen, darolutamide, dexamethasone, dicloxacillin, echinacea, eslicarbazepine, garlic, genistein, gingko, ginseng, glycyrrhizin, nevirapine, omaveloxolone, oxcarbazepine, pioglitazone, quercetin, rufinamide, sotorasib, sulfinpyrazone, sunvozertinib, tecovirimat, terbinafine, ticlopidine, troglitazone, vemurafenib, and vinblastine.(2,3)
Cyp3a4 Inducers/Zuranolone
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: Inducers of CYP3A4 may induce the metabolism of zuranolone.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a CYP3A4 inducer may result in a loss of zuranolone efficacy.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Induction effects may be more likely with regular use of the inducer for longer than 1-2 weeks.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid the concurrent use of zuranolone with CYP3A4 inducers.(1)
DISCUSSION: Coadministration of zuranolone with rifampin decreased the maximum concentration (Cmax) by 0.31-fold and area-under-curve (AUC) by 0.15-fold.(1) Strong CYP3A4 inducers linked to this monograph include: apalutamide, barbiturates, carbamazepine, encorafenib, enzalutamide, fosphenytoin, ivosidenib, lumacaftor, mitotane, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, rifampin, rifapentine, and St. John's wort. Moderate CYP3A4 inducers linked to this monograph include: belzutifan, bosentan, cenobamate, dabrafenib, dipyrone, efavirenz, elagolix, etravirine, fexinidazole, lesinurad, lorlatinib, mavacamten, mitapivat, modafinil, nafcillin, pacritinib, pexidartinib, repotrectinib, rifabutin, sotorasib, telotristat ethyl, thioridazine, and tovorafenib. Weak CYP3A4 inducers linked to this monograph include: armodafinil, aumolertinib, bexarotene, brigatinib, brivaracetam, clobazam, danshen, darolutamide, dexamethasone, dicloxacillin, echinacea, eslicarbazepine, flucloxacillin, garlic, genistein, ginseng, glycyrrhizin, methylprednisolone, mobocertinib, nevirapine, omaveloxolone, oritavancin, oxcarbazepine, pioglitazone, pitolisant, quercetin, relugolix, rufinamide, sarilumab, sulfinpyrazone, sunvozertinib, tazemetostat, tecovirimat, terbinafine, ticlopidine, topiramate, troglitazone, vemurafenib, vinblastine, and zanubrutinib.(2,3)
Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
Armodafinil; Modafinil/Steroidal Contraceptives
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Modafinil may induce the CYP3A4 mediated metabolism of the steroidal contraceptive.(1-3) Armodafinil is the R-enantiomer of modafinil.(4)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Armodafinil(4) or modafinil(1-3) may result in decreased levels of steroidal contraceptives and possibly decreased effectiveness of the contraceptive agent during and one(1,4) to two(2-3) months following armodafinil or modafinil therapy.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The United Kingdom manufacturer of modafinil states that when oral contraceptives are used concurrently with modafinil, a product containing 50 mcg or more of ethinyl estradiol should be used. Adequate contraception requires continuation of the oral contraceptive two months after the discontinuation of modafinil.(2) The Australian manufacturer of modafinil states that alternative or concomitant methods of contraception are recommended for patients on modafinil until 2 months after discontinuation of modafinil.(3) The United States manufacturer of armodafinil(4) and modafinil(1) states that because the effectiveness of steroidal contraceptives may be decreased during concurrent therapy, alternative or concomitant methods of contraception are recommended during therapy and for one month following discontinuation of armodafinil or modafinil. For emergency contraception, the UK's Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recommends that women who have used a CYP3A4 inducer in the previous 4 weeks should consider a non-hormonal emergency contraceptive (ie a copper IUD). If a non-hormonal emergency contraceptive is not an option, double the usual dose of levonorgestrel from 1.5 to 3 mg. Advise the patient to have a pregnancy test to exclude pregnancy after use and to seek medical advice if they do become pregnant.(5)
DISCUSSION: Modafinil is contraindicated during pregnancy and may induce the metabolism of oral,(2) depot, and implantable(1) contraceptives, thus decreasing their effectiveness. A placebo-controlled, single-blind study in 41 females evaluated the effect of modafinil on the pharmacokinetics of ethinyl estradiol. The study subjects were controlled on long-term oral contraceptive treatment (0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol) and norgestimate (0.180-0.250 mg). Pharmacokinetic profiles were obtained for ethinyl estradiol on the day before initiation and on the last day of modafinil (200 mg for 7 days, then 400 mg for 21 days) or placebo (28 days). A small, but significant decrease in the ethinyl estradiol area-under-curve (AUC) by 18%, and maximum concentration (Cmax) by 11% were reported.(6)
Cyp3a4 Inducers/Erlotinib
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inducers of CYP3A4 may induce the metabolism of erlotinib.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent or recent use of a CYP3A4 inducer may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of erlotinib.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Induction effects may be more likely with regular use of the inducer for longer than 1-2 weeks.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid the concurrent use of CYP3A4 inducers in patients receiving therapy with erlotinib. Consider the use of alternative agents with less enzyme induction potential.(1) Consider increasing the dosage of erlotinib by 50 mg increments as tolerated at two week intervals (to a maximum of 450 mg) while closely monitoring the patient. The highest dosage studied with concurrent rifampin is 450 mg. If the dosage of erlotinib is increased, it will need to be decreased when the inducer is discontinued.(1)
DISCUSSION: Pretreatment and concurrent therapy with rifampin increased erlotinib clearance by 3-fold and decreased the erlotinib area-under-curve (AUC) by 66% to 80%. This is equivalent to a dose of about 30 mg to 50 mg in NSCLC.(1) In a study, pretreatment with rifampin for 11 days decreased the AUC of a single 450 mg dose of erlotinib to 57.6% of the AUC observed with a single 150 mg dose of erlotinib.(1) In a case report, coadministration of phenytoin (180mg daily) and erlotinib (150mg daily) increased the phenytoin concentration from 8.2mcg/ml to 24.2mcg/ml and decreased the erlotinib concentration 12-fold (from 1.77mcg/ml to 0.15mcg/ml) and increased the erlotinib clearance by 10-fold (from 3.53 L/h to 41.7 L/h).(2) In a study, concurrent use of sorafenib (400 mg twice daily) and erlotinib (150 mg daily) decreased the concentration minimum (Cmin), concentration maximum (Cmax), and AUC of erlotinib.(3) In an animal study, concurrent use of dexamethasone and erlotinib decreased the AUC of erlotinib by 0.6-fold.(4) Strong inducers of CYP3A4 include: barbiturates, encorafenib, enzalutamide, fosphenytoin, ivosidenib, mitotane, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, rifampin, and rifapentine.(5,6) Moderate inducers of CYP3A4 include: belzutifan, bosentan, cenobamate, dabrafenib, dipyrone, efavirenz, elagolix, etravirine, fexinidazole, lesinurad, lorlatinib, mavacamten, mitapivat, modafinil, nafcillin, pacritinib, pexidartinib, repotrectinib, sotorasib, telotristat, thioridazine, and tovorafenib.(5,6) Weak inducers of CYP3A4 include: amprenavir, armodafinil, aumolertinib, bexarotene, brigatinib, brivaracetam, clobazam, danshen, darolutamide, dicloxacillin, echinacea, eslicarbazepine, flucloxacillin, garlic, genistein, ginkgo, ginseng, glycyrrhizin, mobocertinib, nevirapine, omaveloxolone, oritavancin, oxcarbazepine, pioglitazone, pitolisant, quercetin, relugolix, rufinamide, sarilumab, sulfinpyrazone, sunvozertinib, tazemetostat, tecovirimat, terbinafine, ticlopidine, topiramate, troglitazone, vemurafenib, vinblastine, and zanubrutinib.(5,6)
Dopamine Transporter Binders/Ioflupane I 123
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Ioflupane binds to the dopamine transporter. Agents that also bind to this transporter may affect the results of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) brain imaging using ioflupane.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: SPECT imaging using ioflupane may not be accurate in patients taking other drugs that bind to the dopamine transporter binders.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: It is unknown if discontinuing other agents that bind to the dopamine transporter prior to a scan with ioflupane will decrease interference with the scan.(1) If use of these drugs can be safely suspended, consider discontinuing for at least 5 biological half-lives before administration of ioflupane.(1) Make sure the radiologist interpreting the scan knows the patient is taking another agent that binds to the dopamine transporter. Alternative diagnostic tools may need to be considered.
DISCUSSION: Ioflupane binds to the dopamine transporter. Agents that also bind to this transporter may affect the results of the scan. These agents include amoxapine, amphetamine, armodafinil, benztropine, bupropion, buspirone, citalopram, cocaine, dexmethylphenidate, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, mazindol, methamphetamine, methylphenidate, modafinil, norephedrine, paroxetine, phentermine, phenylpropanolamine, selegiline, and sertraline.(1) In patients taking venlafaxine or desvenlafaxine, there have been cases of altered ioflupane uptake that impacted image interpretation. The mechanism of interference of these drugs with ioflupane is not known.(1)
Select Cyp2c19 Inhibitors/Citalopram (>20 Mg)
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Citalopram is primarily metabolized by the CYP2C19 isoenzyme.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of an agent that inhibits CYP2C19 may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from citalopram, including including risks for serotonin syndrome or prolongation of the QTc interval.(1-5) Prolongation of the QT interval may result in life-threatening arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(2) Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include tremor, agitation, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, clonus, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity.(5)
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, advanced age, poor metabolizer status at CYP2C19, or higher blood concentrations of citalopram.(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) Predisposing factors for serotonin-related adverse effects include use in the elderly, in patients with hepatic impairment, and in patients receiving multiple agents which increase central serotonin levels.(1,5) 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.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The dose of citalopram should be limited to 20 mg in patients receiving concurrent therapy with an inhibitor of CYP2C19.(1,4) Evaluate the patient for other drugs, diseases and conditions which increase risk for QT prolongation and correct risk factors (e.g. correct hypokalemia, discontinue other QT prolonging drugs) when possible.(1,2) Weigh the specific benefits versus risks for each patient. The US manufacturer recommends ECG monitoring for citalopram patients with congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, taking concomitant QT prolonging medications or receiving concurrent therapy.(4) Citalopram should be discontinued in patients with persistent QTc measurements greater than 500 ms.(2) 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. If concurrent therapy is warranted, patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Instruct patients to report muscle twitching, tremors, shivering and stiffness, fever, heavy sweating, heart palpitations, restlessness, confusion, agitation, trouble with coordination, or severe diarrhea.
DISCUSSION: Concurrent use of citalopram (40 mg daily) and cimetidine (400 mg twice daily) for 8 days increased the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) of citalopram by 39% and 43%, respectively.(1) Inhibitors of CYP2C19 include: abrocitinib, allicin (garlic derivative), armodafinil, asciminib, berotralstat, cannabidiol (CBD), cenobamate, cimetidine strengths > or = 200 mg, elagolix, enasidenib, eslicarbazepine, esomeprazole, etravirine, fedratinib, felbamate, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, givosiran, isoniazid, moclobemide, modafinil, obeticholic acid, omeprazole, piperine, rolapitant, stiripentol, tecovirimat, treosulfan, and vonoprazan.(7,8)
Selected Cyp2c19 Inhibitors/Clopidogrel
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Clopidogrel is a prodrug and is converted to its active metabolite via a 2 step process. The first conversion step is mediated by CYP2C19, CYP1A2 and CYP2B6, while the second step is mediated by CYP3A4, CYP2B6 and CYP2C19.(1,2) CYP2C19 contributes to both steps and is thought to be the more important enzyme involved in formation of the pharmacologically active metabolite.(1) Inhibitors of CYP2C19 may decrease the conversion of clopidogrel to its active metabolite.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of CYP2C19 inhibitors may result in decreased clopidogrel effectiveness, resulting in increased risk of adverse cardiac events.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Evaluate medication list or interaction alerts to determine if patient is receiving additional drugs which may also inhibit clopidogrel active metabolite formation. The US manufacturer of clopidogrel states that alternatives to clopidogrel should be considered in patients who are poor metabolizers of CYP2C19.(1) It would be prudent to assume that patients taking strong inhibitors of CYP2C19 are poor metabolizers of this isoenzyme. Moderate or weak inhibitors of CYP2C19 may have less of an effect on this interaction. Consider alternatives to CYP2C19 inhibitors in patients stabilized on clopidogrel and alternatives to clopidogrel in patients stabilized on CYP2C19 inhibitors. If concurrent therapy is warranted, consider appropriate testing to assure adequate inhibition of platelet reactivity.
DISCUSSION: Clopidogrel is a prodrug and requires conversion to the active metabolite by CYP2C19. Clopidogrel is not a sensitive substrate for CYP2C19 as CYP3A4, CYP2B6 and CYP1A2 also participate in active metabolite formation. Studies have not evaluated this specific drug combination; the actual magnitude of this interaction is not known. Given the possible consequences of clopidogrel treatment failure, it would be prudent to avoid concomitant use of clopidogrel and CYP2C19 inhibitors when possible. Selected CYP2C19 inhibitors include: armodafinil, berotralstat, cenobamate, elagolix, enasidenib, eslicarbazepine, fedratinib, fexinidazole, givosiran, lonafarnib, moclobemide, modafinil, obeticholic acid, osilodrostat, piperine, pirtobrutinib, rolapitant, rucaparib, tecovirimat, treosulfan, and triclabendazole.(4,5)
Weak Cyp2c19 Inhibitors/Mavacamten
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Weak CYP2C19 inhibitors may inhibit the metabolism of mavacamten.(1-3)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of weak CYP2C19 inhibitors increases plasma exposure of mavacamten which may increase the incidence and severity of adverse reactions of mavacamten.(1-3)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: CYP2C19 rapid and ultrarapid metabolizers may experience an increased incidence or severity of adverse effects.(1-3)
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of mavacamten recommends to initiate mavacamten at the recommended starting dosage in patients who are on stable therapy with a weak CYP2C19 inhibitor. Reduce dose by one level (i.e., 15 to 10 mg, 10 to 5 mg, or 5 to 2.5 mg) in patients who are on mavacamten treatment and intend to initiate a weak CYP2C19 inhibitor. Schedule clinical and an echocardiographic assessment 4 weeks after inhibitor initiation, and do not up-titrate mavacamten until 12 weeks after inhibitor initiation.(1) Avoid initiation of concomitant weak CYP2C19 inhibitors in patients who are on stable treatment with the lowest recommended dose of mavacamten because a lower dose is not available.(1) For short-term use (e.g. 1 week), interrupt mavacamten therapy for the duration of the weak CYP2C19 inhibitor. After therapy with the weak CYP2C19 inhibitor is discontinued, mavacamten may be reinitiated at the previous dose immediately upon discontinuation.(1) The Canadian manufacturer of mavacamten recommends additional monitoring when concurrent use of weak CYP2C19 inhibitors is warranted. Adjust the dose of mavacamten based on clinical assessment.(2) The UK manufacturer of mavacamten states no dose adjustment is necessary with weak CYP2C19 inhibitors. Monitor left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in 4 weeks then resume usual monitoring schedule.(3)
DISCUSSION: Concomitant use of mavacamten (15 mg) with omeprazole (20 mg), a weak CYP2C19 inhibitor, once daily increased mavacamten area-under-curve (AUC) by 48% with no effect on maximum concentration (Cmax) in healthy CYP2C19 normal metabolizers and rapid metabolizers.(1) Weak CYP2C19 inhibitors include: armodafinil, cimetidine, enasidenib, eslicarbazepine, felbamate, givosiran, isoniazid, obeticholic acid, osilodrostat, piperine, rucaparib, tecovirimat.(4,5)
Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
Moderate And Weak Cyp3a4 Inducers/Tacrolimus
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Moderate or weak CYP3A4 inducers may accelerate the metabolism of tacrolimus.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a moderate or weak CYP3A4 inducer may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of tacrolimus.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Induction effects may be more likely with regular use of the inducer for longer than 1-2 weeks.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of tacrolimus recommends monitoring tacrolimus whole blood trough concentrations and adjusting tacrolimus dose if needed. Monitor clinical response closely.(1)
DISCUSSION: A 13-year-old cystic fibrosis patient with a history of liver transplant on stable doses of tacrolimus underwent 2 separate courses of nafcillin therapy (a moderate CYP3A4 inducer). During the 1st course of nafcillin, his tacrolimus levels started to fall 3 days after starting nafcillin, became undetectable at day 8, and recovered to therapeutic levels without a change in tacrolimus dose 5 days after discontinuation of nafcillin. During the 2nd course of nafcillin, tacrolimus level became undetectable 4 days after starting nafcillin and recovered 3 days after stopping nafcillin.(2) Moderate inducers of CYP3A4 would be expected to decrease the AUC of a sensitive 3A4 substrate by 50-80% and include: belzutifan, bosentan, cenobamate, dabrafenib, elagolix, etravirine, lesinurad, lorlatinib, mavacamten, modafinil, nafcillin, repotrectinib, telotristat, and tovorafenib.(3,4) Weak inducers of CYP3A4 would be expected to decrease the AUC of a sensitive 3A4 substrate by 20-50% and include: armodafinil, bexarotene, brigatinib, brivaracetam, clobazam, danshen, darolutamide, dexamethasone, dicloxacillin, echinacea, elafibranor, enasidenib, eslicarbazepine, floxacillin, garlic, genistein, ginseng, glycyrrhizin, meropenem-vaborbactam, nevirapine, oritavancin, omaveloxolone, oxcarbazepine, pioglitazone, relugolix, rufinamide, sulfinpyrazone, sunvozertinib, suzetrigine, tazemetostat, tecovirimat, terbinafine, ticlopidine, topiramate, troglitazone, vinblastine, and zanubrutinib.(3,4)
Moderate And Weak Cyp3a4 Inducers/Ubrogepant
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Moderate or weak CYP3A4 inducers may induce the metabolism of ubrogepant.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a moderate or weak CYP3A4 inducer may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of ubrogepant.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Induction effects may be more likely with regular use of the inducer for longer than 1-2 weeks.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends a dosage adjustment of ubrogepant when coadministered with moderate or weak CYP3A4 inducers. Initial dose of ubrogepant should be 100 mg. If a second dose is needed, the dose of ubrogepant should be 100 mg.(1)
DISCUSSION: Coadministration of ubrogepant with rifampin, a strong CYP3A4 inducer, resulted in an 80% reduction in ubrogepant exposure. No dedicated drug interaction studies were conducted to assess concomitant use with moderate or weak CYP3A4 inducers. Dose adjustment for concomitant use of ubrogepant with moderate or weak CYP3A4 inducers is recommended based on a conservative prediction of 50% reduction in exposure of ubrogepant.(1) Moderate inducers of CYP3A4 would be expected to decrease the AUC of a sensitive 3A4 substrate by 50-80% and include: belzutifan, bosentan, cenobamate, dabrafenib, dipyrone, efavirenz, elagolix, etravirine, fexinidazole, lesinurad, lorlatinib, mavacamten, mitapivat, modafinil, nafcillin, pexidartinib, rifabutin, telotristat, thioridazine, and tovorafenib.(2,3) Weak inducers of CYP3A4 would be expected to decrease the AUC of a sensitive 3A4 substrate by 20-50% and include: armodafinil, bexarotene, brigatinib, brivaracetam, clobazam, danshen, dexamethasone, dicloxacillin, echinacea, elafibranor, eslicarbazepine, floxacillin, garlic, genistein, ginseng, glycyrrhizin, meropenem-vaborbactam, methylprednisolone, nevirapine, omaveloxolone, oritavancin, oxcarbazepine, pioglitazone, pitolisant, relugolix, repotrectinib, rufinamide, sarilumab, sulfinpyrazone, sunvozertinib, suzetrigine, tazemetostat, tecovirimat, terbinafine, ticlopidine, topiramate, troglitazone, vemurafenib, vinblastine, and zanubrutinib.(2,3)
Selected Cyp2c19 Inhibitors/Citalopram (<= 20 Mg)
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Citalopram is primarily metabolized by the CYP2C19 isoenzyme.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of an agent that inhibits CYP2C19 may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from citalopram, including including risks for serotonin syndrome or prolongation of the QTc interval.(1-5) Prolongation of the QT interval may result in life-threatening arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(2) Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include tremor, agitation, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, clonus, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity.(5)
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, advanced age, poor metabolizer status at CYP2C19, or higher blood concentrations of citalopram.(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) Predisposing factors for serotonin-related adverse effects include use in the elderly, in patients with hepatic impairment, and in patients receiving multiple agents which increase central serotonin levels.(1,5) 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.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The dose of citalopram should be limited to 20 mg in patients receiving concurrent therapy with an inhibitor of CYP2C19.(1,4) Evaluate the patient for other drugs, diseases and conditions which increase risk for QT prolongation and correct risk factors (e.g. correct hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, discontinue other QT prolonging drugs) when possible.(1,2) Weigh the specific benefits versus risks for each patient. The US manufacturer recommends ECG monitoring for citalopram patients with congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, taking concomitant QT prolonging medications or receiving concurrent therapy.(4) Citalopram should be discontinued in patients with persistent QTc measurements greater than 500 ms.(2) 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. If concurrent therapy is warranted, patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Instruct patients to report muscle twitching, tremors, shivering and stiffness, fever, heavy sweating, heart palpitations, restlessness, confusion, agitation, trouble with coordination, or severe diarrhea.
DISCUSSION: Concurrent use of citalopram (40 mg daily) and cimetidine (400 mg twice daily) for 8 days increased the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) of citalopram by 39% and 43%, respectively.(1) Inhibitors of CYP2C19 include: abrocitinib, allicin (garlic derivative), armodafinil, asciminib, berotralstat, cannabidiol (CBD), cenobamate, cimetidine strengths > or = 200 mg, elagolix, enasidenib, eslicarbazepine, esomeprazole, etravirine, fedratinib, felbamate, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, givosiran, isoniazid, moclobemide, modafinil, obeticholic acid, omeprazole, piperine, rolapitant, stiripentol, tecovirimat, treosulfan, and vonoprazan.(7,8)
Selected Cyp2c19 Inhibitors/Escitalopram (<= 15 Mg)
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: At lower systemic concentrations, escitalopram is primarily metabolized by CYP2C19; at higher concentrations is also metabolized by CYP3A4.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of an agent which significantly inhibits CYP2C19, or which inhibits both CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 may result in elevated concentrations and toxicity from escitalopram, including risks for serotonin syndrome or prolongation of the QTc interval.(1,5) Prolongation of the QT interval may result in life-threatening arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(2) Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include tremor, agitation, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, clonus, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity.(3)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation may be increased in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female sex, advanced age, poor metabolizer status at CYP2C19, concurrent use of more than one agent known to cause QT prolongation, or with higher blood concentrations of escitalopram.(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) Predisposing factors for serotonin-related adverse effects include use in the elderly, in patients with hepatic impairment, and in patients receiving multiple agents which increase central serotonin levels.(1,3) 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.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Evaluate patient for other drugs, diseases and conditions which may further increase risk for QT prolongation and correct risk factors (e.g. correct hypokalemia, discontinue other QT prolonging drugs) when possible.(2,3) It would be prudent to limit the escitalopram dose to 10 mg daily in patients with QT prolonging risk factors who also receive concurrent therapy with selected CYP2C19 inhibitors.(5) Weigh the specific benefits versus risks for each patient. If concurrent therapy is warranted, patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Instruct patients to report muscle twitching, tremors, shivering and stiffness, fever, heavy sweating, heart palpitations, restlessness, confusion, agitation, trouble with coordination, or severe diarrhea.
DISCUSSION: A thorough QT study evaluating escitalopram 10 mg or 30 mg once daily was conducted; a change of 10 msec for upper bound of the 95% confidence level is the threshold for regulatory concern. In this study, changes to the upper bound of the 95% confidence interval were 6.4 msec and 12.6 msec for the 10 mg and supratherapeutic 30 mg dose respectively. The Cmax for 30 mg was 1.7-fold higher than the Cmax for the maximum recommended escitalopram dose of 20 mg. Systemic exposure at the 30 mg dose was similar to expected steady state concentrations in 2C19 poor metabolizers following a 20 mg escitalopram dose.(1) In an interaction study, 30 mg of omeprazole, an irreversible inhibitor of CYP2C19 was administered daily for 6 days. On day 5 a single dose of escitalopram 20 mg was also administered; the area-under-curve (AUC) of escitalopram was increased by 50%. Manufacturer prescribing information recommends a maximum citalopram dose of 20mg daily in patients receiving CYP2C19 inhibitors.(1) Inhibitors of CYP2C19 include: abrocitinib, allicin (garlic derivative), armodafinil, asciminib, berotralstat, cannabidiol (CBD), cenobamate, cimetidine strengths > or = 200 mg, elagolix, enasidenib, eslicarbazepine, esomeprazole, etravirine, fedratinib, felbamate, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, givosiran, isoniazid, moclobemide, modafinil, obeticholic acid, omeprazole, piperine, rolapitant, stiripentol, tecovirimat, treosulfan, and vonoprazan.(4)
Selected Cyp2c19 Inhibitors/Escitalopram (> 15 Mg)
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: At lower systemic concentrations, escitalopram is primarily metabolized by CYP2C19; at higher concentrations is also metabolized by CYP3A4.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of an agent which significantly inhibits CYP2C19, or which inhibits both CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 may result in elevated concentrations and toxicity from escitalopram, including risks for serotonin syndrome or prolongation of the QTc interval.(1,5) Prolongation of the QT interval may result in life-threatening arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.(2) Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include tremor, agitation, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, clonus, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity.(3)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of QT prolongation may be increased in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, female sex, advanced age, poor metabolizer status at CYP2C19, concurrent use of more than one agent known to cause QT prolongation, or with higher blood concentrations of escitalopram.(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) Predisposing factors for serotonin-related adverse effects include use in the elderly, in patients with hepatic impairment, and in patients receiving multiple agents which increase central serotonin levels.(1,3) 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.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Evaluate patient for other drugs, diseases and conditions which may further increase risk for QT prolongation and correct risk factors (e.g. correct hypokalemia, discontinue other QT prolonging drugs) when possible.(2,3) It would be prudent to limit the escitalopram dose to 10 mg daily in patients with QT prolonging risk factors who also receive concurrent therapy with selected CYP2C19 inhibitors.(5) Weigh the specific benefits versus risks for each patient. If concurrent therapy is warranted, patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Instruct patients to report muscle twitching, tremors, shivering and stiffness, fever, heavy sweating, heart palpitations, restlessness, confusion, agitation, trouble with coordination, or severe diarrhea.
DISCUSSION: A thorough QT study evaluating escitalopram 10 mg or 30 mg once daily was conducted; a change of 10 msec for upper bound of the 95% confidence level is the threshold for regulatory concern. In this study, changes to the upper bound of the 95% confidence interval were 6.4 msec and 12.6 msec for the 10 mg and supratherapeutic 30 mg dose respectively. The Cmax for 30 mg was 1.7-fold higher than the Cmax for the maximum recommended escitalopram dose of 20 mg. Systemic exposure at the 30 mg dose was similar to expected steady state concentrations in 2C19 poor metabolizers following a 20 mg escitalopram dose.(1) In an interaction study, 30 mg of omeprazole, an irreversible inhibitor of CYP2C19 was administered daily for 6 days. On day 5 a single dose of escitalopram 20 mg was also administered; the area-under-curve (AUC) of escitalopram was increased by 50%. Manufacturer prescribing information recommends a maximum citalopram dose of 20mg daily in patients receiving CYP2C19 inhibitors.(1) Inhibitors of CYP2C19 include: abrocitinib, allicin (garlic derivative), armodafinil, asciminib, berotralstat, cannabidiol (CBD), cenobamate, cimetidine strengths > or = 200 mg, elagolix, enasidenib, eslicarbazepine, esomeprazole, etravirine, fedratinib, felbamate, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, givosiran, isoniazid, moclobemide, modafinil, obeticholic acid, omeprazole, piperine, rolapitant, stiripentol, tecovirimat, treosulfan, and vonoprazan.(4)
Selected Moderate-Weak Cyp3a4 Inducers/Exemestane
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: CYP3A4 inducers may induce the metabolism of exemestane.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a CYP3A4 inducer may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of exemestane.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Induction effects may be more likely with regular use of the inducer for longer than 1-2 weeks.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of exemestane recommends that patients receiving concurrent therapy with a strong CYP3A4 inducer receive 50 mg of exemestane daily after a meal.(1) It may be prudent to consider a dosage increase for patients receiving weaker CYP3A4 inducers.
DISCUSSION: In a study in 10 healthy postmenopausal subjects, pretreatment with rifampin (a strong CYP3A4 inducer, 600 mg daily for 14 days) decreased the area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) of a single dose of exemestane (25 mg) by 54% and 41%, respectively.(1) Strong inducers of CYP3A4 would be expected to decrease the AUC of a sensitive 3A4 substrate by 80% or more and include: carbamazepine, enzalutamide, mitotane, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifabutin, rifampin, and St. John's wort.(1-3) Moderate inducers of CYP3A4 would be expected to decrease the AUC of a sensitive 3A4 substrate by 50-80% and include: belzutifan, bosentan, cenobamate, dabrafenib, dipyrone, efavirenz, elagolix, etravirine, fexinidazole, lesinurad, mavacamten, mitapivat, modafinil, nafcillin, pacritinib, pexidartinib, repotrectinib, rifabutin, sotorasib, telotristat ethyl, thioridazine, and tovorafenib.(2,3) Weak inducers of CYP3A4 would be expected to decrease the AUC of a sensitive 3A4 substrate by 20-50% and include: armodafinil, aumolertinib, bexarotene, brigatinib, brivaracetam, clobazam, danshen, darolutamide, dexamethasone, dicloxacillin, echinacea, elafibranor, enasidenib, eslicarbazepine, floxacillin, garlic, gingko, ginseng, glycyrrhizin, lorlatinib, meropenem-vaborbactam, methylprednisolone, nevirapine, omaveloxolone, oritavancin, oxcarbazepine, pioglitazone, pitolisant, quercetin, relugolix, rufinamide, sarilumab, sulfinpyrazone, sunvozertinib, suzetrigine, tazemetostat, tecovirimat, terbinafine, ticlopidine, topiramate, troglitazone, vemurafenib, vinblastine, and zanubrutinib.(2,3)
Weak Cyp3a4 Inducers/Atogepant
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Weak CYP3A4 inducers may increase the metabolism of atogepant by CYP3A4.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of weak CYP3A4 inducers with atogepant may result in decreased levels and clinical effectiveness of atogepant.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Induction effects may be more likely with regular use of the inducer for longer than 1-2 weeks.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of atogepant recommends that patients on concomitant weak CYP3A4 inducers receive atogepant 30 mg or 60 mg once daily for prevention of episodic migraines and receive atogepant 60 mg once daily for prevention of chronic migraines.(1) Patients receiving concurrent therapy with CYP3A4 inducers and atogepant should be observed for decreased clinical effectiveness.
DISCUSSION: In a study of healthy subjects, rifampin, a strong CYP3A4 inducer, decreased the area-under-curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) of atogepant by 60% and 30%, respectively. Topiramate, a weak CYP3A4 inducer, decreased atogepant AUC and Cmax by 25% and 24%, respectively.(1) Weak CYP3A4 inducers linked to this monograph include: armodafinil, aumolertinib, bexarotene, brigatinib, brivaracetam, clobazam, danshen, darolutamide, dexamethasone, dicloxacillin, echinacea, eslicarbazepine, floxacillin, garlic, genistein, ginseng, glycyrrhizin, methylprednisolone, mobocertinib, nevirapine, omaveloxolone, oritavancin, oxcarbazepine, pioglitazone, pitolisant, quercetin, relugolix, rufinamide, sarilumab, sulfinpyrazone, tazemetostat, tecovirimat, terbinafine, ticlopidine, topiramate, troglitazone, vemurafenib, vinblastine, and zanubrutinib.(1,2)
Contraindications
*Known hypersensitivity to armodafinil, modafinil, or any ingredient in the formulation.
- Pregnancy
- Depression
- Left ventricular hypertrophy
- Manic disorder
- Mitral valve prolapse
- Psychotic disorder
- Severe hepatic disease
- Suicidal ideation
- Hypertension
Adverse reactions
Adverse effects reported in >=5% of patients receiving armodafinil in clinical trials and more frequently than with placebo include headache, nausea, dizziness, and insomnia.
Less Frequent
- Depression
- Dyspnea
- Skin rash
Rare or Very Rare
- Abnormal hepatic function tests
- Anaphylaxis
- Angioedema
- Aphthous stomatitis
- Blistering skin
- Delusional disorder
- DRESS syndrome
- Drug-induced psychosis
- Eosinophilia
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Hepatitis
- Hypersensitivity drug reaction
- Hypertension
- Leukopenia
- Manic disorder
- Myocarditis
- Pruritus of skin
- Stevens-johnson syndrome
- Suicidal ideation
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis
More Frequent
- Dizziness
- Headache disorder
- Insomnia
- Nausea
Less Frequent
- Agitation
- Anorexia
- Constipation
- Contact dermatitis
- Diarrhea
- Dyspepsia
- Fatigue
- Flu-like symptoms
- Hyperhidrosis
- Irritability
- Migraine
- Nervousness
- Pain
- Palpitations
- Paresthesia
- Polydipsia
- Polyuria
- Symptoms of anxiety
- Vomiting
- Xerostomia
Rare or Very Rare
- Aggressive behavior
- Chest pain
- Disturbance of attention
- General weakness
- Stomatitis
- Tachycardia
- Tremor
- Upper abdominal pain
Precautions
No enhanced messaging available.
Safety and effectiveness of armodafinil have not been established in pediatric patients. Serious rash has occurred in pediatric patients taking modafinil.
A pregnancy registry is available that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to armodafinil during pregnancy. Clinicians are encouraged to register patients, or pregnant patients can register themselves, by calling 1-866-404-4106.
Limited data are available to assess the drug-associated risk of adverse developmental outcomes with armodafinil use during pregnancy; however, armodafinil and modafinil have been associated with intrauterine growth restriction and spontaneous abortion. Animal reproductive studies with armodafinil and modafinil in rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis showed evidence of developmental toxicity (increased embryofetal and offspring mortality, decreased fetal growth) at clinically relevant plasma concentrations.
It is not known whether armodafinil or its metabolites are distributed into human milk, although modafinil has been detected in the milk of lactating rats. The effects of armodafinil or its metabolites on milk production and on the breast-fed infant are not known. Consider the developmental and health benefits of breast-feeding along with the mother's clinical need for the drug and the potential for adverse effects on the breast-fed infant from armodafinil and from the underlying maternal condition.
Because elimination of armodafinil and its metabolites may be reduced with age in geriatric patients, consideration should be given to using dosages lower than the usual recommended dosages and closely monitoring in this age group.
Elimination of armodafinil and its metabolites may be reduced in geriatric patients. In a clinical study with armodafinil, systemic exposure was increased by 15% in geriatric patients >=65 years of age, corresponding to a 12% lower oral clearance, when compared to younger adults 18-45 years of age. Peak plasma concentrations and total exposure of the metabolite (armodafinil acid), was increased approximately 61% and 73%, respectively, compared to younger patients; however, exposure of the sulfone metabolite was approximately 20% lower. Systemic exposure of armodafinil was increased by approximately 10% and 27% in patients 65-74 years of age and >=75 years of age, respectively, compared to younger patients. The manufacturer states that this difference is not likely clinically significant, but since there is increased armodafinil exposure in some geriatric patients, the use of lower dosages and close monitoring should be considered.
ICD codes
| Code | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Narcolepsy syndrome | ||
| G47.4 | ICD10CM | Narcolepsy and cataplexy |
| G47.41 | ICD10CM | Narcolepsy |
| G47.411 | ICD10CM | Narcolepsy with cataplexy |
| G47.419 | ICD10CM | Narcolepsy without cataplexy |
| G47.42 | ICD10CM | Narcolepsy in conditions classified elsewhere |
| G47.421 | ICD10CM | Narcolepsy in conditions classified elsewhere with cataplexy |
| G47.429 | ICD10CM | Narcolepsy in conditions classified elsewhere without cataplexy |
| Sleepiness due to obstructive sleep apnea | ||
| R40.0 | ICD10CM | Somnolence |
| Sleepiness due to shift work sleep disorder | ||
| R40.0 | ICD10CM | Somnolence |
ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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