| 1. Drugs affecting the metabolism of itraconazole: Itraconazole is mainly metabolised through the cytochrome CYP3A4. Interaction studies have been performed with rifampicin, rifabutin and phenytoin, which are potent enzyme inducers of CYP3A4. Since the bioavailability of itraconazole and hydroxy-itraconazole was decreased in these studies to such an extent that efficacy may be largely reduced, the combination of itraconazole with these potent enzyme inducers is not recommended. No formal study data are available for other enzyme inducers, such as carbamazepine, Hypericum perforatum (St John's Wort), phenobarbital and isoniazid but similar effects should be anticipated.Potent inhibitors of this enzyme such as ritonavir, indinavir, clarithromycin and erythromycin may increase the bioavailability of itraconazole.2. Effect of itraconazole on the metabolism of other drugs: Itraconazole can inhibit the metabolism of drugs metabolised by the cytochrome 3A family. This can result in an increase and/or a prolongation of their effects, including side effects. When using concomitant medication, the corresponding label should be consulted for information on the route of metabolism. After stopping treatment, itraconazole plasma concentrations decline gradually, depending on the dose and duration of treatment (see 5.2. Pharmacokinetic Properties). This should be taken into account when the inhibitory effect of itraconazole on co-medicated drugs is considered.Drugs which are contraindicated with itraconazole:• Terfenadine, astemizole, bepridil, mizolastine, levacetylmethadol (levomethadyl), cisapride, dofetilide, quinidine, sertindole or pimozide are contraindicated with Sporanox I.V. since coadministration may result in increased plasma levels of these substrates which can lead to QTc prolongation and rare occurrences of torsades de pointes (see section 4.3).• CYP3A4 metabolised HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors such as simvastatin, lovastatin, and atorvastatin.• Triazolam and oral midazolam.• Ergot alkaloids such as dihydroergotamine, ergometrine (ergonovine), ergotamine and methylergometrine (methylergonovine).• Eletriptan.• NisoldipineCaution should be exercised when co-administering itraconazole with calcium channel blockers due to an increased risk of congestive heart failure. In addition to possible pharmacokinetic interactions involving the drug metabolising enzyme CYP3A4, calcium channel blockers can have negative inotropic effects which may be additive to those of itraconazole.The following drugs should be used with caution and their plasma concentrations, effects or side effects should be monitored. Their dosage, if co-administered with itraconazole, should be reduced if necessary.− Oral anticoagulants;− HIV Protease Inhibitors such as ritonavir, indinavir, saquinavir;− Certain antineoplastic agents such as vinca alkaloids, busulfan, docetaxel and trimetrexate;− CYP3A4 metabolised calcium channel blockers such as dihydropyridines and verapamil;− Certain CYP3A4 metabolised HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors such as cerivastatin (see also drugs which are contraindicated with itraconazole);− Certain immunosuppressive agents: cyclosporine, tacrolimus, rapamycin (also known as sirolimus);− Certain glucocorticosteroids such as budesonide, dexamethasone, fluticasone and methylprednisolone;− Digoxin: (via inhibition of P-glycoprotein)− Others: carbamazepine, cilostazol, buspirone, alfentanil, alprazolam, brotizolam, midazolam I.V., rifabutin, disopyramide ebastine, fentanyl, halofantrine, repaglinide and reboxetine. The importance of the concentration increase and clinical relevance of these changes during co-administration with itraconazole remain to be established.No interaction of itraconazole with zidovudine (AZT) and fluvastatine has been observed.No inducing effects of itraconazole on the metabolism of ethinyloestradiol and norethisterone were observed.3. Effect on protein binding: In vitro studies have shown that there are no interactions on the plasma protein binding between itraconazole and imipramine, propranolol, diazepam, cimetidine, indometacin, tolbutamide and sulfamethazine.
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