Darunavir and ritonavir are inhibitors of the isoenzyme CYP3A4. Simultaneous use of a combination of Darunavir / ritonavir and drugs that are metabolized predominantly by isoenzyme CYP3A4, may cause an increase in the concentrations of such drugs in the plasma, which in turn may be the cause of the enhancement or prolongation of the therapeutic effect, as well as the cause of side effects.
The combination of Darunavir / ritonavir should not be used concurrently with drugs whose clearance is largely determined by the isoenzyme CYP3A4 and elevated concentrations of which in the plasma can cause serious and / or life-threatening side effects (narrow therapeutic range). These drugs include astemizole, alfuzosin, sildenafil (used for the therapy of pulmonary arterial hypertension), terfenadine, midazolam (orally), rifampicin, triazolam, cisapride, pimozide, sertindole, preparations containing extract of St. John's wort perfumed, preparations containing ergot alkaloids (ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, ergometrine and methylergomethrin), a combination of lopinavir / ritonavir, amiodarone, beprideil, quinidine, lidocaine with systemic administration, simvastatin, lovastatin, quetiapine.
Rifampicin is a powerful inducer of enzymes CYP450. The combination of Darunavir / ritonavir should not be used concomitantly with rifampicin, since in such cases the concentration of darunavir in plasma can be significantly reduced.A consequence of this may be a loss of the therapeutic effect of the drug Darunavir.
The combination of Darunavir / ritonavir should not be used concomitantly with preparations containing St. John's wort extract of perforated (Hypericum perforatum), as this may be accompanied by a significant decrease in the concentration of darunavir in the plasma, as a result of which the therapeutic effect of the drug may disappear Darunavir.
Recommendations for concurrent use with other antiretroviral drugs
Nucleoside / nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors
Didanosine
The combination of Darunavir / ritonavir (600/100 mg 2 times a day) concomitantly with didanosine can be used without dose adjustment.
As didanosine it is recommended to use on an empty stomach, it can be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking the Darunavir / ritonavir combination, which is taken with meals.
Tenofovir
The results of the study of the interaction between tenofovir (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg / day) and the combination of darunavir / ritonavir (300 mg / 100 mg twice daily) showed that the concentration of tenofovir in plasma increased by 22%. This change is not clinically significant.With the simultaneous use of tenofovir and darunavir, the renal excretion of both drugs did not change. Tenofovir had no significant effect on the concentration of darunavir in plasma. If the combination is applied simultaneously Darunavir / ritonavir and tenofovir dosage adjustment is not required.
Other nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
Other nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (zidovudine, zalcitabine, emtricitabine, stavudine, lamivudine and abacavir) are eliminated mainly by the kidneys, and therefore the probability of their interaction with the darunavir / ritonavir combination is negligible.
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
Etravirine
When studying the interaction of a combination of Darunavir / ritonavir (600/100 mg twice daily) and etravirine, a decrease in the concentration of etravirin by 37% was found and no significant changes in the concentration of darunavir were observed. However, the combination of Darunavir / ritonavir can simultaneously be administered with 200 mg of etravirine 2 times a day without changing the dose.
Efavirenz
A study was made of the interaction between the darunavir / ritonavir combination (300 mg / 100 mg twice daily) andefavirenz (600 mg once daily). In the presence of efavirenz, the concentration of darunavir in plasma was decreased by 13%. On the other hand, plasma concentration of efavirenz increased by 21% when used concomitantly with the darunavir / ritonavir combination. This interaction is not clinically relevant, and therefore, Darunavir / ritonavir and efavirenz can be used simultaneously without correction of the doses of the drugs.
Nevirapine
The results of the study of the interaction between the darunavir / ritonavir combination (400 mg / 100 mg twice daily) and nevirapine (200 mg twice daily) showed that the plasma concentrations of darunavir did not depend on the presence of nevirapine. However, with simultaneous use with the darunavir / ritonavir combination, nevirapine plasma concentration increased by 27% (compared with the control). This interaction is considered clinically insignificant, and therefore the combination of darunavir / ritonavir and nevirapine can be used simultaneously without changing their doses.
Rilpivirine
The results of the study of the interaction between darunavir / ritonavir (800 mg / 100 mg once daily) and rilpivirin (150 mg once daily) did not show a clinically significant effect on the concentration of darunavir.The concentration of rilpivirin increased by 130% with the simultaneous use of the darunavir / ritonavir combination. This interaction is considered clinically insignificant, and therefore the combination of darunavir / ritonavir and rilpivirine can be used simultaneously without changing their doses.
Protease Inhibitors
Ritonavir
In general, the effect of improving the pharmacokinetics of darunavir ritonavir was manifested in the fact that the concentrations of darunavir in plasma increased approximately 14-fold after taking one dose of darunavir (600 mg) and 100 mg of ritonavir twice a day. Consequently, the drug Darunavir should be used in combination with a low dose of ritonavir as an enhancer of the pharmacokinetics of darunavir.
The combination of lopinavir / ritonavir
The results of the study of the interaction between the darunavir / ritonavir combination (1200 mg / 100 mg twice daily) or 1200 mg of darunavir without ritonavir and the combination of lopinavir / ritonavir (400 mg / 100 mg twice daily or 533 mg / 133.3 mg twice per day) showed that in the presence of lopinavir / ritonavir, the concentration of darunavir in plasma decreased by 40%. It is not recommended to use a combination of lopinavir / ritonavir simultaneously with the combination of Darunavir / ritonavir.
Saquinavir
The study of the interaction of darunavir (400 mg twice daily), saquinavir (1000 mg twice daily) and ritonavir (100 mg twice daily) showed that the concentration of darunavir in plasma increased by 26% in the presence of saquinavir and ritonavir; on the other hand, the combination of darunavir / ritonavir did not affect the concentration of saquinavir in plasma. It is not recommended to apply saquinavir concomitantly with the drug Darunavir regardless of the use of a small additional dose of ritonavir.
Atazanavir
The study of the interaction between the darunavir / ritonavir combination (400 mg / 100 mg twice daily) and atazanavir (300 mg once daily) showed no significant change in the concentrations of darunavir and atazanavir in plasma when administered concomitantly. Atazanavir can be used concomitantly with the darunavir / ritonavir combination.
Indinavir
In a study of the interaction between darunavir / ritonavir (400 mg / 100 mg twice daily) and indinavir (800 mg twice daily), the concentration of darunavir in plasma increased by 24% in the presence of indinavir and ritonavir; In the presence of the darunavir / ritonavir combination, plasma concentrations of indinavir increased by 23%.When used in conjunction with a combination of Darunavir / ritonavir, the dose of indinavir in patients who do not tolerate it can be reduced from 800 mg twice daily to 600 mg twice daily.
Raltegravir
At present, the effect of raltegravir on plasma concentrations of darunavir is not clinically significant. Darunavir together with a low dose of ritonavir and raltegravir can be used without dose adjustment.
Other protease inhibitors
To date, the interaction between the combination Darunavir / ritonavir and HIV protease inhibitors other than lopinavir, saquinavir, atazanavir and indinavir, and therefore, HIV protease inhibitors not listed here should not be used concomitantly with the darunavir / ritonavir combination.
Receptor antagonists CCR5
If a combination of Darunavir / ritonavir maraviroc should be administered at a dosage of 150 mg 2 times a day. In a study of the interaction between the darunavir / ritonavir combination (600 mg / 100 mg twice daily) and maraviroc (150 mg twice daily), the concentration of maraviroc increased to 305%. The effects of maraviroc on the concentration of darunavir / ritonavir were not noted.
Recommendations for simultaneous use with preparations of other classes
Antiarrhythmic drugs (beprideal, systemic lidocaine. quinidine, amiodarone. flecainide. propafenone)
The combination of Darunavir / ritonavir may increase serum concentrations of bepridil, lidocaine, quinidine, amiodarone, flecainide and propafenone. With the simultaneous use of this combination and listed antiarrhythmic agents, it is recommended that care be taken and, if possible, monitoring the concentrations of these agents in the plasma.
Digoxin
In all studies on the interaction of Darunavir / ritonavir (600/100 mg twice daily) and a single dose of digoxin (0.4 mg), an increase in the final concentration of digoxin in plasma was shown to be 77%. It is recommended that a minimum dose of digoxin be initially prescribed and its serum concentration measured to obtain the desired clinical effect when concomitantly administered with Darunavir / ritonavir.
Anticoagulants
The combination of Darunavir / ritonavir can affect the concentrations of warfarin in the plasma. With the simultaneous use of warfarin and this combination it is recommended to monitor the international normalized relationship.
Anticonvulsant drugs (phenobarbital, phenytoin and carbamazepine)
Phenobarbital and phenytoin are inducers of enzymes CYP450. The combination of Darunavir / ritonavir is not recommended in combination with these drugs, as this can cause a significant decrease in the concentration of darunavir in the plasma and, consequently, a decrease in its therapeutic effect. The study of the interaction between Darunavir / ritonavir (600/100 mg twice daily) and carbamazepine (200 mg twice daily) showed that the concentration of darunavir in this case does not change, while the concentration of ritonavir decreases by 49%. The concentration of carbamazepine is increased by 45%. Dosage adjustments for Darunavir / ritonavir are not required. If concomitant administration of Darunavir / ritonavir and carbamazepine is required, patients should be observed because of the potential for side effects of carbamazepine. Carbamazepine concentrations should be measured, and its doses should be adjusted in accordance with clinical manifestations. Thus, doses of carbamazepine can be reduced by 25% -50% when co-administered with Darunavir / ritonavir.
Antidepressants (trazodone, desipramine)
Joint use of Darunavir / ritonavir with trazodone and desipramine may lead to an increase in the concentration of trazodone and desipramine in plasma. This can cause side effects such as nausea, dizziness, hypotension, fainting. If necessary, the joint use of these drugs and Darunavir / ritonavir should be careful and consider the possibility of using smaller doses of trazodone and desipramine.
Quetiapine
The simultaneous use of darunavir / ritonavir and quetiapine is contraindicated, as the toxicity associated with quetiapine increases. An increase in the concentration of quetiapine may lead to coma.
Benzodiazepines (midazolam parenterally)
The combined use of Darunavir / ritonavir with parenterally administered midazolam may increase the concentration of midazolam in plasma. When combined, careful clinical monitoring should be carried out and urgent measures taken in the event of respiratory depression or prolonged sedation. Consider the possibility of reducing the dose of midazolam, especially in the case of prolonged therapy.The use of Darunavir / ritonavir with oral midazolam is contraindicated.
Neuroleptics (risperidone, thiorazadine)
When neuroleptics are combined with Darunavir / ritonavir, their concentrations in the plasma may increase, resulting in the simultaneous use of lower doses of antipsychotics.
Anti-malarial drugs
When investigating the interaction between the darunavir / ritonavir combination (600/100 mg twice daily) and the combination of artemether / lumefantrine (80/480 mg, 6 doses taken at 0, 8, 24, 36, 48 and 60 hours) exposure to lumefantrine 2.75 times, while the effects of darunavir did not change. The effect of artemether and its active metabolite, dihydroartemizine, decreased by 16% and 18%, respectively. Combination of the drug Darunavir and artemether / lumefantrine can be used without dose adjustment. However, due to the increased exposure of lumefantrine, this combination should be used with caution.
Colchicine
When colchicine is used together with Darunavir / ritonavir, colchicine concentration in plasma may increase. The following scheme for changing the dose of colchicine is recommended.For the treatment of exacerbations of gout for patients receiving a combination
Darunavir / ritonavir, the recommended dose of colchicine is 0.6 mg (1 tablet), followed by 0.3 mg (half a tablet) after 1 hour. The course of treatment should be repeated no earlier than 3 days later. To prevent exacerbations for patients receiving the darunavir / ritonavir combination, the recommended dose of colchicine is 0.3 mg every other day or every other day. For the treatment of familial Mediterranean fever for patients receiving the combination of Darunavir / ritonavir, the maximum dose of colchicine should be 0.6 mg once daily (or 0.3 mg twice daily). Patients with reduced renal or hepatic function should not be prescribed colchicine when used together with Darunavir / ritonavir.
Blocks of "slow" calcium channels
Concentrations in the plasma of "slow" calcium channel blockers (eg, felodipine, nifedipine, nicardipine) may increase with simultaneous use with a combination of Darunavir / ritonavir. In such situations it is necessary to closely monitor the condition of patients.
Clarithromycin
The study of the interaction between the darunavir / ritonavir combination (400 mg / 100 mg twice daily) and clarithromycin (500 mg twice daily)that the concentration of clarithromycin in the plasma increased by 57%, while the concentration of darunavir remained unchanged. In patients with impaired renal function, it is recommended to reduce the dose of clarithromycin.
Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone when injected into the bloodstream induces isoenzyme CYP3A4 in the liver, which leads to a decrease in the concentration in the plasma of darunavir. This can lead to a decrease in its therapeutic effect. It is advisable to use caution when using concomitant dexamethasone and darunavir.
Boszentan
With the simultaneous use of bosentan and the combination of Darunavir / ritonavir, the concentration of bosentan in plasma may increase. Patients receiving a combination Darunavir / ritonavir for at least 10 days, the initial dose of bosentan is 62.5 mg every other day or every other day, depending on individual tolerability. For patients receiving bosentan and initiating therapy with Darunavir / ritonavir, it is recommended to cancel bosentan at least 36 hours before the initiation of therapy with Darunavir / ritonavir. At least 10 days after initiation of therapy with Darunavir / ritonavir, bosentan should be taken at a dosage of 62.5 mg every other day or every other day, depending on individual tolerability.
Fluticasone, budesonide
The study of the interaction between paroxetine (20 mg once daily) or sertraline (50 mg once daily) and a combination of Darunavir / ritonavir (400 mg / 100 mg twice daily)that the concentration of darunavir in plasma did not depend on the presence of sertraline or paroxetine. On the other hand, in the presence of a combination of Darunavir / ritonavir, plasma concentrations of sertraline and paroxetine decreased by 49 and 39%, respectively. In those cases where selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have to be applied simultaneously with the drug Darunavir and ritonavir, it is necessary to carefully select the dose of these inhibitors based on the clinical evaluation of the antidepressant effect. In addition, patients receiving a stable dose of sertraline or paroxetine, who are being treated with a combination of Darunavir / ritonavir, should carefully monitor the severity of the underlying effect of the antidepressant.