Aptiom (eslicarbazepine acetate)

Dosage of eslicarbazepine acetate is expressed in terms of the acetate salt.

Eslicarbazepine acetate tablets are administered orally once daily without regard to food. The tablets may be swallowed whole or crushed.

If therapy is to be discontinued, eslicarbazepine acetate should be withdrawn gradually to minimize the potential for increased seizure frequency and status epilepticus in patients with seizure disorders. (See Discontinuance of Therapy under Warnings/Precautions: Other Warnings and Precautions, in Cautions.)

Patients currently receiving or beginning therapy with eslicarbazepine acetate and/or any other anticonvulsant for any indication should be closely monitored for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior (suicidality), and/or any unusual changes in mood or behavior. (See Suicidality Risk under Warnings/Precautions: Other Warnings and Precautions, in Cautions.)

Eslicarbazepine is a moderate inhibitor of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isoenzyme 2C19. In vivo studies suggest that eslicarbazepine can induce CYP3A4, leading to clinically relevant drug interactions with substrates of this isoenzyme. The drug does not appear to inhibit CYP isoenzymes 1A2, 2A6, 2B6, 2D6, 2E1, or 3A4, nor to induce CYP1A2 or phase II hepatic enzymes involved in glucuronidation or sulfation. A mild activation of uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1-mediated glucuronidation has been observed in vitro. Autoinduction of eslicarbazepine metabolism has not been observed.

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)

Strong Cyp3a4 & Ugt1a1 Inducers/Cabotegravir-Rilpivirine

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: Apalutamide, barbiturates, carbamazepine, dexamethasone, efavirenz, encorafenib, enzalutamide, eslicarbazepine, fosphenytoin, ivosidenib, lumacaftor, mitotane, natisedine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, ritonavir, or St. John's wort may induce the metabolism of cabotegravir-rilpivirine by CYP3A4 and uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucuronosyl transferase 1A1 (UGT1A1).(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent or recent use of apalutamide, barbiturates, carbamazepine, dexamethasone, efavirenz, encorafenib, enzalutamide, eslicarbazepine, fosphenytoin, ivosidenib, lumacaftor, mitotane, natisedine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, ritonavir, or St. John's wort may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of cabotegravir-rilpivirine, as well as the development of resistance.(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 cabotegravir-rilpivirine states that concurrent use of CYP3A4 inducers and/or UGT1A1 inducers is contraindicated.(1) It may take several weeks after the discontinuation of an enzyme inducer for enzyme activity to return to normal.(1)

DISCUSSION: In a study in 16 subjects, rifampin (600 mg daily) decreased the concentration maximum (Cmax), area-under-curve (AUC), and concentration minimum (Cmin) of rilpivirine (150 mg daily) by 69%, 80%, and 89%, respectively. There were no significant effects on the Cmax or AUC of rifampin or 25-desacetylrifampin.(1) In a study in 15 subjects, rifampin (600 mg daily) decreased the Cmax, AUC, and Cmin of cabotegravir by 6%, 59%, and 50%, respectively.(1) Strong CYP3A4 inducers linked include: apalutamide, barbiturates, carbamazepine, dexamethasone, encorafenib, enzalutamide, eslicarbazepine, fosphenytoin, ivosidenib, lumacaftor, mitotane, natisedine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, or St. John's wort.(1,2) UGT1A1 inducers linked include: carbamazepine, efavirenz, fosphenytoin, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, rifapentine, rifampin, and ritonavir.(1,2)

Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

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)

Eslicarbazepine/Selected Barbiturates

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Phenobarbital, and perhaps other barbiturates, induces multiple metabolic enzymes including CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A4, and glucuronidation (UGT) pathways. Eslicarbazepine is metabolized by one or more of these induced pathways.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Lower eslicarbazepine concentrations may lead to diminished efficacy of eslicarbazepine, e.g loss of seizure control.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Induction effects may be more likely with regular use of the inducer for longer than 1-2 weeks.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If a barbiturate is added to a patient stabilized on eslicarbazepine, the eslicarbazepine dose may need to be increased. Onset of induction is gradual and may not be maximal for days or weeks. If the barbiturate is discontinued in a patient stabilized on eslicarbazepine therapy, eslicarbazepine will increase over 1 to 4 weeks. Monitor serum levels and adjust dosages as needed.

DISCUSSION: In a study in healthy subjects, concurrent eslicarbazepine (1200 mg daily) and phenytoin resulted in a decrease in eslicarbazepine exposure by 31-33% and an increase in phenytoin exposure by 31-35%.(1)

Moderate Cyp3a4 Inducers/Doravirine

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Moderate CYP3A4 inducers are expected to increase the metabolism of doravirine.(1-3)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent or recent use of a moderate CYP3A4 inducer may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of doravirine.(1-3)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Induction effects may be more likely with regular use of the inducer for longer than 1-2 weeks.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Recommendations for concurrent use of moderate CYP3A4 inducers with doravirine vary depending on the reference. The manufacturer of the fixed dose combination of doravirine-islatravir states concurrent use with moderate CYP3A4 inducers is not recommended.(3) The DHHS HIV guidelines state when coadministering doravirine with bosentan, dexamethasone, and eslicarbazepine (moderate CYP3A4 inducers): consider an alternative antiretroviral or alternative drug to the moderate CYP3A4 inducer. It would be prudent to consider alternative drugs to other moderate CYP3A4 inducers. If co-administration is necessary monitor virologic response.(4) The University of Liverpool HIV Drug Interactions Database states concurrent use with moderate CYP3A4 inducers should be avoided. If concurrent use cannot be avoided, dose adjustment of doravirine to 100 mg twice daily is recommended and should be maintained for at least 2 weeks following cessation of the moderate CYP3A4 inducer. If a patient is on eslicarbazepine, doravirine should not be coadministered.(5) The manufacturer of single ingredient doravirine and the fixed dose combination of doravirine-lamivudine-tenofovir does not have a recommendation for concurrent use with moderate CYP3A4 inducers.(1,3)

DISCUSSION: Doravirine is metabolized by CYP3A4. Moderate CYP3A4 inducers are expected to reduce doravirine levels, which may lead to loss of response.(1) In a study in 12 subjects, rifabutin (300 mg daily), a moderate CYP3A4 inducer, decreased the area-under-curve (AUC) and 24 hour concentration (C24) of a single dose of doravirine (100 mg) by 50% and 68%, respectively.(1) Moderate CYP3A4 inducers linked to this monograph include: belzutifan, bosentan, cenobamate, dabrafenib, dexamethasone, dipyrone, elagolix, eslicarbazepine, fexinidazole, lesinurad, lorlatinib, mavacamten, mitapivat, modafinil, nafcillin, pacritinib, pexidartinib, repotrectinib, sotorasib, telotristat, thioridazine and tovorafenib.(3-4)

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 Anticonvulsants/Ulipristal

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Eslicarbazepine, mephenytoin, oxcarbazepine, rufinamide, and topiramate may induce the metabolism of ulipristal by CYP3A4.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use or use of eslicarbazepine, mephenytoin, oxcarbazepine, rufinamide, or topiramate within the previous 2-3 weeks may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of ulipristal.(1,2) In addition, topiramate has been associated with an increased risk of birth defects, including cleft palate.(3)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US and UK manufacturers of ulipristal states that concurrent use with CYP3A4 inducers such as eslicarbazepine, mephenytoin, oxcarbazepine, rufinamide, or topiramate is not recommended. Decreased effectiveness of ulipristal may occur even 2-3 weeks after discontinuation of these agents.(1,2)

DISCUSSION: CYP3A4 inducers may decrease levels and effectiveness of ulipristal. Enzyme induction may take 2-3 weeks to wear off. Plasma levels of ulipristal may be reduced even if the CYP3A4 inducer was discontinued in the previous 2-3 weeks.(1) Concurrent administration of ulipristal 30 mg and rifampin 600 mg, another CYP3A4 inducer, for 9 days decreased the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-the-curve (AUC) by 90% and 93%, respectively. The Cmax and AUC of monodemethyl-ulipristal decreased by 84% and 90%, respectively.(2)

Selected Anticonvulsants; Barbiturates/Contraceptives

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Barbiturates, hydantoins, and primidone may increase the metabolism of the contraceptives via CYP3A4 induction.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: May observe reduced contraceptive effects such as breakthrough bleeding, spotting, or pregnancy. Effects may be seen several days after discontinuation of the anticonvulsant or barbiturate. In addition, topiramate has been associated with an increased risk of birth defects, including cleft palate.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Induction effects may be more likely with regular use of the inducer for longer than 1-2 weeks.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: To avoid pregnancy, additional or alternative means of non-hormonal contraception should be utilized. Depo medroxyprogesterone may be an alternative, since its effectiveness is not decreased by anticonvulsants. Patients receiving perampanel at doses of 12 mg/day should use alternative contraception methods, such as an intra-uterine device or condom. Patients receiving topiramate may observe decreased contraceptive efficacy and increased breakthrough bleeding, especially at doses greater than 200 mg per day. Patients taking topiramate and estrogen containing or progestin-only contraceptives should be asked to report any change in their bleeding patterns.(20) Patients taking the combination of phentermine/topiramate for weight loss should be counseled that break-through bleeding may occur but is not expected to increase the risk of pregnancy. Instruct patients to report changes in bleeding patterns to their physician and to continue to take their hormonal contraceptive. Patients should not rely on hormonal contraceptives (other than implants or IUD) alone, but may use them in combination with a barrier contraceptive. It is necessary to use effective contraception with phentermine/topiramate, because the topiramate content of the product can cause birth defects. 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.

DISCUSSION: Decreased effectiveness of oral contraceptives, characterized by breakthrough bleeding and amenorrhea have been documented. Through August, 2010, Australia's Therapeutic Goods Association had received 32 reports of contraceptive failure leading to pregnancy as a result of a suspected interaction between etonogestrel implants and carbamazepine. In a randomized, open-label study in healthy women, concurrent topiramate (50 mg daily to 200 mg daily) and Ortho Novum 1/35 (ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone) resulted in no changes in levels of ethinyl estradiol or norethindrone. However, in another study, concurrent topiramate at doses of 200 mg daily, 400 mg daily, and 800 mg daily with valproic acid decreased the area-under-curve (AUC) of ethinyl estradiol by 18%, 21%, and 30%, respectively. There were no changes in norethindrone levels. The US manufacturer of topiramate states that the possibility of decreased contraceptive effectiveness should be considered. At doses of 12 mg/day, perampanel decreased the maximum concentration (Cmax) and AUC of levonorgestrel by 40% each. The Cmax of ethinyl estradiol was decreased by 18%. There were no effects on ethinyl estradiol AUC. Doses of perampanel of 4 mg/day and 8 mg/day had no effect on contraceptive levels. The combination of phentermine/topiramate (15 mg/92 mg for 15 days) increased the Cmax and AUC of norethindrone by 22% and 16%, respectively. The Cmax and AUC of ethinyl estradiol decreased 8% and 16%, respectively. Because contraceptive efficacy is primarily determined by the progestin component, no effect on contraceptive efficacy is expected, although breakthrough bleeding may occur. The effectiveness of depo medroxyprogesterone is not decreased by anticonvulsants or barbiturates.

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.

Eslicarbazepine/Hydantoins; Anticonvulsant Barbiturates

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Phenobarbital induces multiple metabolic enzymes including CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A4, and glucuronidation (UGT) pathways. Phenytoin, and perhaps other hydantoins, induce multiple metabolic enzymes including CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A4 and UGT pathways. Eslicarbazepine is metabolized by one or more of these induced pathways.(1,2) Eslicarbazepine may inhibit the CYP2C19 mediated metabolism of phenytoin and barbiturates.(1,2) Primidone is metabolized to phenobarbital.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Lower eslicarbazepine concentrations may lead to diminished efficacy of eslicarbazepine, e.g loss of seizure control. Higher hydantoin and barbiturate concentrations may lead to increased sedation or further CNS depression.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: For patients stabilized on phenytoin, monitor for increased phenytoin levels approximately 4 to 7 days after initiation or after an increase in the eslicarbazepine dose. If phenytoin or a barbiturate is added to a patient stabilized on eslicarbazepine, the eslicarbazepine dose may need to be increased. Onset of induction is gradual and may not be maximal for days or weeks. If phenytoin or a barbiturate is discontinued in a patient stabilized on eslicarbazepine therapy, eslicarbazepine concentrations will increase over 1 to 4 weeks. Monitor serum levels and adjust dosages as needed.

DISCUSSION: In a study in healthy subjects, concurrent eslicarbazepine (1200 mg daily) and phenytoin resulted in a decrease in eslicarbazepine exposure by 31-33% and an increase in phenytoin exposure by 31-35%.(1)

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)

Oxcarbazep;Eslicarb/Selected Protease Inhibitors; Cobicistat

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Oxcarbazepine and eslicarbazepine may induce the metabolism of protease inhibitors and cobicistat via CYP3A4.(1-9) Oxcarbazepine and eslicarbazepine are weak CYP3A4 inducers.(7-9) Selected protease inhibitors that are CYP3A4 substrates include atazanavir, darunavir, and lopinavir.(1-6)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of selected protease inhibitors including atazanavir, darunavir, or lopinavir, or cobicistat with oxcarbazepine or eslicarbazepine may result decreased levels and/or suboptimal pharmacokinetics of protease inhibitors and cobicistat, resulting in the development of resistance.(1-8)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Induction effects may be more likely with regular use of the inducer for longer than 1-2 weeks.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Concurrent use of protease inhibitors including atazanavir, darunavir, or lopinavir, or cobicistat-containing HIV regimens with oxcarbazepine should be approached with caution.(1-8,10,11) The manufacturer of darunavir-cobicistat states consider an alternative anticonvulsant or antiretroviral therapy. If coadministration is necessary, monitor for lack or loss of virologic response.(12) The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents recommend the use of alternative anticonvulsants or antiretroviral therapy. If concurrent use is warranted, monitor patients closely for virologic response.(10)

DISCUSSION: Atazanavir, cobicistat, darunavir, and lopinavir are primarily metabolized by CYP3A4. Inducers of CYP3A4 are expected to reduce atazanavir, cobicistat, darunavir, and lopinavir levels, which may lead to loss of response.(1-6) Oxcarbazepine is a weak CYP3A4 inducer.(7-9) In a study in 27 subjects, the administration of atazanavir and efavirenz without ritonavir decreased the atazanavir area-under-curve (AUC), maximum concentration (Cmax), and minimum concentration (Cmin) by 74%, 59%, and 93% respectively.(1) In a study in 13 subjects, concurrent atazanavir/ritonavir (300/100 mg daily) with efavirenz (600 mg daily) increased atazanavir AUC, Cmax, and Cmin by 39%, 14%, and 48%, when compared to atazanavir 400 mg daily alone.(1) In a study in 14 subjects, concurrent atazanavir/ritonavir (400/100 mg daily) with efavirenz (600 mg daily) increased atazanavir Cmax by 17%. Atazanavir Cmin decreased by 42%.(1) In a study in 23 subjects, concurrent nevirapine (200 mg twice daily) with atazanavir/ritonavir (300/100 mg daily) decreased atazanavir Cmax, AUC, and Cmin by 28%, 42%, an 72%, respectively.(1,2) Nevirapine Cmax, AUC, and Cmin increased 17%, 25%, and 32%, respectively.(1) In a study in 23 subjects, concurrent nevirapine (200 mg twice daily) with atazanavir/ritonavir (400/100 mg daily) decreased atazanavir AUC and Cmin by 19% and 59%, respectively.(1,2) Nevirapine Cmax, AUC, and Cmin increased 21%, 26%, and 35%, respectively.(1) A study in 11 subjects examined the effects of concurrent administration of efavirenz (600 mg daily) with lopinavir/ritonavir (400/100 mg twice daily). When compared to 7 controls, concurrent administration resulted in decreases in the AUC and and Cmin lopinavir by 19% and 39%, respectively. Efavirenz AUC and Cmin decreased 16% and 16%, respectively.(6) In a study in 19 subjects, concurrent efavirenz (600 mg daily) with lopinavir/ritonavir (500/125 mg twice daily) increased lopinavir Cmax) and AUC by 12% and 6%, respectively, and decreased lopinavir Cmin by 10% when compared to lopinavir/ritonavir 400/100 mg twice daily alone.(6) In a study in 23 subjects, concurrent efavirenz (600 mg daily) with lopinavir/ritonavir (600/150 mg twice daily) increased lopinavir Cmax, AUC, and Cmin by 36%, 36%, and 32%, respectively, when compared to lopinavir/ritonavir (400/100 mg twice daily) without concurrent efavirenz.(6) Another study compared 5 subjects taking concurrent nevirapine (200 mg daily for 14 days, twice daily for 6 days) with 6 subjects taking lopinavir/ritonavir alone. Concurrent therapy increased nevirapine Cmax, AUC, and Cmin by 5%, 8%, and 15% respectively.(6)

Select Moderate Cyp3a4 Inducer/Emtricitabine-Rilpivirine-Taf

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Moderate CYP3A4 inducers may induce the metabolism of rilpivirine.(1-2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent or recent use of moderate CYP3A4 inducers may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of rilpivirine, as well as the development of resistance.(1-2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Induction effects may be more likely with regular use of the inducer for longer than 1-2 weeks.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US DHHS HIV guidelines state that concurrent use of bosentan or mavacamten (moderate CYP3A4 inducers) with oral rilpivirine should be monitored closely. Consider alternative therapies that do not affect CYP3A4 or alternative antiretroviral agents. If concurrent use is necessary, virologic response should be monitored.(3) The US manufacturer of oral rilpivirine states that concurrent use of rifabutin (moderate CYP3A4 inducer) warrants dose adjustment. When administering moderate CYP3A4 inducers with oral rilpivirine, increase the dose of rilpivirine to 50 mg once daily. When rifabutin co-administration is stopped, the rilpivirine dose should be decreased to 25 mg once daily. It may take several weeks after the discontinuation of an enzyme inducer for enzyme activity to return to normal.(2)

DISCUSSION: In a study in 18 subjects, rifabutin (300 mg daily) decreased the maximum concentration (Cmax), area-under-curve (AUC), and minimum concentration (Cmin) of rilpivirine (25 mg orally daily) by 31%, 42%, and 48%, respectively.(1) A study in 18 subjects compared rilpivirine administered alone (25 mg orally daily) to coadministration with rifabutin (300 mg daily) and rilpivirine (50 mg orally daily). A significant difference was not found with the Cmax (1.43), AUC (1.16), or Cmin (0.93) of rilpivirine. (2) Selected moderate CYP3A4 inducers linked to this monograph include: belzutifan, bosentan, cenobamate, dabrafenib, dipyrone, elagolix, eslicarbazepine, fexinidazole, lesinurad, mavacamten, mitapivat, modafinil, nafcillin, pacritinib, pexidartinib, repotrectinib, sotorasib, telotristat, thioridazine and tovorafenib.(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 Cyp3a4 Inducers/Rilpivirine

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Moderate CYP3A4 inducers may induce the metabolism of rilpivirine.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent or recent use of moderate CYP3A4 inducers may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of rilpivirine, as well as the development of resistance.(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 DHHS HIV guidelines state that concurrent use of bosentan or mavacamten (moderate CYP3A4 inducers) with oral or intramuscular rilpivirine should be monitored closely. Consider alternative therapies that do not affect CYP3A4 or alternative antiretroviral agents. If concurrent use is necessary, virologic response should be monitored.(2) The US manufacturer of oral rilpivirine states that concurrent use of rifabutin (moderate CYP3A4 inducer) warrants dose adjustment. When administering moderate CYP3A4 inducers with oral rilpivirine, increase the dose of rilpivirine to 50 mg once daily. When rifabutin co-administration is stopped, the rilpivirine dose should be decreased to 25 mg once daily. It may take several weeks after the discontinuation of an enzyme inducer for enzyme activity to return to normal.(1)

DISCUSSION: In a study in 18 subjects, rifabutin (300 mg daily) decreased the maximum concentration (Cmax), area-under-curve (AUC), and minimum concentration (Cmin) of rilpivirine (25 mg orally daily) by 31%, 42%, and 48%, respectively.(1) A study in 18 subjects compared rilpivirine administered alone (25 mg orally daily) to coadministration with rifabutin (300 mg daily) and rilpivirine (50 mg orally daily). A significant difference was not found with the Cmax (1.43), AUC (1.16), or Cmin (0.93) of rilpivirine. (1) Selected moderate CYP3A4 inducers linked to this monograph include: belzutifan, bosentan, cenobamate, dabrafenib, dipyrone, elagolix, eslicarbazepine, fexinidazole, lesinurad, lorlatinib, mavacamten, mitapivat, modafinil, nafcillin, pacritinib, pexidartinib, repotrectinib, sotorasib, telotristat, thioridazine and tovorafenib.(3)

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)

Sodium Channel Blocker; Potassium Channel Blocker/Lacosamide

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Lacosamide may enhance the slow inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels and may cause dose-dependent bradycardia, prolongation of the PR interval, atrioventricular (AV) block, or ventricular tachyarrhythmia.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of lacosamide and agents that affect cardiac conduction (sodium channel blockers and potassium channel blockers) may increase the risk of bradycardia, prolongation of the PR interval, atrioventricular (AV) block, or ventricular tachyarrhythmia.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Lacosamide should be used with caution in patients on concomitant medications that affect cardiac conduction, including sodium channel blockers and potassium channel blockers.(1) If concurrent use is needed, obtain an ECG before lacosamide therapy and after lacosamide dose is titrated to steady-state.(1) Patients should be monitored closely when lacosamide is given intravenously.(1)

DISCUSSION: In a clinical trial in patients with partial-onset seizures, asymptomatic first-degree atrioventricular (AV) block occurred in 4/944 (0.4%) of patient who received lacosamide compared to 0/364 (0%) with placebo.(1) In a clinical trial in patients with diabetic neuropathy, asymptomatic first-degree AV block occurred in 5/1023 (0.5%) of patients who received lacosamide compared to 0/291 (0%) with placebo.(1) Second-degree and complete AV block have been reported in patients with seizures.(1) One case of profound bradycardia was observed in a patient during a 15-minute infusion of 150 mg of lacosamide.(1) A case report of a 49 year old male with refractory complex partial and generalized seizures described the development of ventricular tachycardia four months after addition of lacosamide 400 mg/day to the existing regimen of carbamazepine, lamotrigine, clonazepam, and valproate. The patient's ECG showed first-degree AV block, posterior left fascicular block, and severe widening of the QRS complex, all of which resolved upon discontinuation of lacosamide.(2)

Strong And Moderate Cyp3a4 Inducers/Perampanel

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Strong and moderate CYP3A4 inducers may induce the metabolism of perampanel by CYP3A4.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of strong and moderate CYP3A4 inducers and perampanel may result in decreased levels and clinical effectiveness of perampanel.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Induction effects may be more likely with regular use of the inducer for longer than 1-2 weeks.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving concurrent therapy with strong and moderate CYP3A4 inducers and perampanel should be observed for decreased anticonvulsant levels and clinical effectiveness. The manufacturer of perampanel recommends a starting dose of 4 mg once daily at bedtime in patients receiving concurrent therapy with CYP3A4 inducers. Dose increases are recommended by 2 mg increments once daily based on clinical response and tolerability, no more frequently than at weekly intervals. The highest studied dose with concurrent enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs was 12 mg once daily.(1) The dose of the anticonvulsant may need to be adjusted if a strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducer is added to or removed from therapy.(1)

DISCUSSION: In a study in healthy subjects, carbamazepine 300 mg BID decreased the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) of a single 2 mg tablet dose of perampanel by 26% and 67%, respectively. The half-life (t1/2) of perampanel was shortened from 56.8 hours to 25 hours. In clinical studies examining partial-onset and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, a population pharmacokinetic analysis showed that perampanel AUC was reduced by 64% in patients on carbamazepine compared to the AUC in patients not on enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs.(1) In a study in partial-onset and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, a population pharmacokinetic analysis showed that perampanel AUC was reduced by 48% in patients on oxcarbazepine compared to patients not on enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs.(1) In a study in partial-onset and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, a population pharmacokinetic analysis showed that perampanel AUC was reduced by 43% in patients on phenytoin compared to patients not on enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs.(1) In a study in partial-onset and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in clinical trials (40 patients co-administered phenobarbital and 9 patients co-administered primidone), no significant effect on perampanel AUC was found. A modest effect of phenobarbital and primidone on perampanel concentrations cannot be excluded.(1) In a study in 76 patients, concentration-to-dose (CD) ratio of perampanel was assessed with and without concurrent antiepileptic agents. In patients only on perampanel the mean CD ratio was 3963 ng/mL/mg/kg (range: 1793-13,299) compared to the mean CD ratio in patients using enzyme-inducing AEDs [1760 (range: 892-3090), 2256 (range: 700-4703), and 1120 (range: 473-1853) ng/mL/mg/kg in patients taking phenytoin, phenobarbital, and carbamazepine, respectively], and carbamazepine had a significantly greater reduction in the CD ratio compared with phenytoin or phenobarbital (P < 0.001).(3) Strong and moderate CYP3A4 inducers linked to this monograph include: apalutamide, barbiturates, bosentan, carbamazepine, cenobamate, dabrafenib, efavirenz, elagolix, encorafenib, enzalutamide, eslicarbazepine, etravirine, fexinidazole, fosphenytoin, ivosidenib, lorlatinib, lumacaftor, mavacamten, mitapivat, mitotane, modafinil, nafcillin, oxcarbazepine, pacritinib, pexidartinib, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, repotrectinib, rifabutin, sotorasib, telotristat, thioridazine, and tovorafenib.(1,2)

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)

Known hypersensitivity to eslicarbazepine acetate or oxcarbazepine. (See Sensitivity Reactions under Cautions: Warnings/Precautions.)

There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.

• Disease of liver
• Suicidal ideation
• Unsteady gait

• Acute cognitive impairment
• Hyponatremia
• Hypothyroidism
• Memory impairment

Adverse effects reported in at least 4% of patients with partial-onset seizures receiving eslicarbazepine acetate in controlled clinical trials and at least 2% more frequently than placebo include dizziness, somnolence, nausea, vomiting, headache, diplopia, fatigue, vertigo, ataxia, blurred vision, and tremor.

Rare or Very Rare

• Abnormal hepatic function tests
• Accidental fall
• Agranulocytosis
• Anaphylaxis
• Anemia
• Angioedema
• Atrial fibrillation
• Atrial flutter
• Atrioventricular block
• DRESS syndrome
• Eosinophilia
• Hyperbilirubinemia
• Hyponatremia
• Hypothyroidism
• Jaundice
• Leukopenia
• Lymphadenopathy
• Megaloblastic anemia
• Pancytopenia
• Prolonged PR interval
• SIADH syndrome
• Stevens-johnson syndrome
• Suicidal
• Suicidal ideation
• Thrombocytopenic disorder
• Toxic epidermal necrolysis
• Urticaria

More Frequent

• Ataxia
• Blurred vision
• Diplopia
• Dizziness
• Drowsy
• Fatigue
• Headache disorder
• Nausea
• Tremor
• Vertigo
• Vomiting

Less Frequent

• Acute cognitive impairment
• Agitation
• Anorexia
• Cough
• Depression
• Dysarthria
• Hypertension
• Insomnia
• Memory impairment
• Nystagmus
• Peripheral edema
• Skin rash

Rare or Very Rare

• Aphasia
• Bradykinesia
• Disturbance of attention
• Gait abnormality
• Hypercholesterolemia
• Hypertriglyceridemia
• Visual changes

No enhanced messaging available.

The manufacturer states that the safety and efficacy of eslicarbazepine acetate have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 18 years of age; the drug is not FDA-labeled for use in pediatric patients. However, the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and tolerability of eslicarbazepine acetate have been evaluated in 29 pediatric patients (2-17 years of age) with refractory partial-onset seizures in an open study. The patients were divided into the following age groups: 2-6 years of age, 7-11 years of age, and 12-17 years of age. Peak plasma concentrations of eslicarbazepine were dose-dependent, were similar between age groups following identical dosage based on weight, and occurred within 0.5-3 hours in these pediatric patients. Area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) was age-dependent due to faster plasma clearance of eslicarbazepine in the younger children compared with the older children. A dose-dependent decrease in relative seizure frequency was observed in the younger children (2-6 years of age) and adolescent (12-17 years of age) treatment groups, but not in the older children (7-11 years of age). Eslicarbazepine therapy was generally well tolerated in the pediatric patients in this study.

Category C. (See Users Guide.)

The North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry may be contacted at 888-233-2334 (for patients); NAAED registry information also is available on the website http://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org.

Eslicarbazepine acetate produced developmental toxicity, including teratogenicity, embryolethality, and fetal growth retardation, when administered orally to pregnant animals in clinically relevant dosages.

Eslicarbazepine is distributed into human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions to eslicarbazepine in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the woman.

Experience with eslicarbazepine acetate in patients 65 years of age and older is insufficient to establish efficacy in this population.

Patients 60 years of age and older appear to be at increased risk of adverse neurologic effects associated with eslicarbazepine acetate therapy (including dizziness, disturbances in gait or coordination, and visual changes) compared with younger adults. (See Neurologic Effects under Warnings/Precautions: Other Warnings and Precautions, in Cautions.)

In a study comparing single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetics of eslicarbazepine acetate in geriatric individuals with a creatinine clearance greater than 60 mL/minute and younger healthy adults (18-40 years of age), the pharmacokinetic profile of the drug was similar between the 2 age groups. Although the pharmacokinetics of eslicarbazepine do not appear to be affected by age, the manufacturer states that dosage selection in geriatric patients should take into consideration the greater frequency of renal impairment and other concomitant medical conditions and medications in this population. Dosage adjustment is necessary in geriatric patients with a creatinine clearance of less than 50 mL/minute.