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Drug Interactions between galantamine and hydroxychloroquine

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

hydroxychloroquine galantamine

Applies to: hydroxychloroquine and galantamine

MONITOR: Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors may have vagotonic effects on the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes, which occasionally manifest as bradycardia or heart block (<2%). Because bradycardia is a risk factor for torsade de pointes, a theoretical risk exists when combined with agents that prolong the QT interval. In general, the risk of an individual agent or a combination of agents causing ventricular arrhythmia in association with QT prolongation is largely unpredictable but may be increased by certain underlying risk factors including, but not limited to congenital long QT syndrome, cardiac disease, and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia). In addition, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation may vary depending on the dosage(s) and specific drug(s) involved.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are used with drugs that can prolong the QT interval. Patients should be monitored for bradycardia, atrioventricular block and syncope, and advised to seek medical attention if they experience dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or slow or irregular heartbeat.

References (11)
  1. (2001) "Product Information. Aricept (donepezil)." Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals
  2. (2001) "Product Information. Exelon (rivastigmine)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  4. Canadian Pharmacists Association (2006) e-CPS. http://www.pharmacists.ca/function/Subscriptions/ecps.cfm?link=eCPS_quikLink
  5. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
  6. (2024) "Product Information. Galantamine Hydrobromide ER (galantamine)." Aurobindo Pharma USA Inc
  7. (2024) "Product Information. Galantamine Hydrobromide (galantamine)." Aurobindo Pharma USA Inc
  8. (2022) "Product Information. Gaalin (galantamine)." Auro Pharma Inc
  9. (2023) "Product Information. Galzemic (galantamine)." Zentiva Pharma UK Ltd
  10. (2023) "Product Information. Galantyl (galantamine)." Viatris UK Healthcare Ltd
  11. (2020) "Product Information. Auro-Galantamine ER (galantamine)." Auro Pharma Inc

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Drug and food interactions

Moderate

hydroxychloroquine food

Applies to: hydroxychloroquine

GENERALLY AVOID: Theoretically, grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine and the risk of toxicities such as QT interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall induced by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Following coadministration with cimetidine, a weak to moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, a 2-fold increase in chloroquine exposure occurred. Since chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine have similar structures and metabolic elimination pathways, a similar interaction may be observed with hydroxychloroquine. In general, the effect of grapefruit juice is concentration-, dose- and preparation-dependent, and can vary widely among brands. Certain preparations of grapefruit juice (e.g., high dose, double strength) have sometimes demonstrated potent inhibition of CYP450 3A4, while other preparations (e.g., low dose, single strength) have typically demonstrated moderate inhibition. Pharmacokinetic interactions involving grapefruit juice are also subject to a high degree of interpatient variability, thus the extent to which a given patient may be affected is difficult to predict.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Administration with food or milk may reduce the incidence of hydroxychloroquine-related gastrointestinal adverse effects.

MANAGEMENT: Although clinical data are lacking, it may be advisable to avoid the consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and any supplement containing grapefruit extract during hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine therapy. Hydroxychloroquine should be administered with food or milk to reduce the occurrence of gastrointestinal upset.

References (5)
  1. (2024) "Product Information. Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate (hydroxychloroquine)." Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Inc
  2. (2023) "Product Information. Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine)." Sanofi-Aventis Canada Inc
  3. (2024) "Product Information. Quinoric (hydroxychloroquine)." Bristol Laboratories Ltd
  4. (2024) "Product Information. Hydroxychloroquine (GH) (hydroxychloroquine)." Generic Health Pty Ltd
  5. (2023) "Product Information. HIDROXICLOROQUINA RATIOPHARM (hidroxicloroquina)." RATIOPHARM ESPANA S.A.

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Moderate

galantamine food

Applies to: galantamine

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: The administration of galantamine with food and adequate fluid intake may reduce the impact of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and weight loss that are commonly associated with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs). According to product labeling, the administration of food with various galantamine formulations (e.g., liquid, immediate-release tablets, modified/extended-release capsules) has no significant effect on the systemic absorption (AUC) of galantamine. While the presence of food has been shown to delay the rate of absorption (Tmax) and reduce peak concentration (Cmax), these changes are unlikely to be clinically significant. For example, when galantamine modified release was given after food, Tmax increased by approximately 30 minutes. Similarly, in 24 healthy elderly subjects, the presence of food with galantamine immediate release tablets (12 mg twice a day) delayed the Tmax by 1.5 hours and decreased the Cmax by about 25% without affecting the AUC.

MONITOR: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of galantamine, which is partially metabolized by the CYP450 3A4 isoenzyme. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Inhibition of hepatic CYP450 3A4 may also contribute. The interaction has not been studied with grapefruit juice, but has been reported with both moderate and potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitors. When study subjects (n=16) received the potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole (200 mg twice daily for 4 days) with galantamine (4 mg twice daily for 8 days), the systemic exposure (AUC) of galantamine increased by 30%. However, when study subjects (n=16) received the moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitor erythromycin (500 mg 4 times daily for 4 days) with galantamine (4 mg twice daily for 6 days), the AUC of galantamine only increased by 10%. In general, the effects of grapefruit products are concentration-, dose-, and preparation-dependent, and can vary widely among brands. Certain preparations of grapefruit (e.g., high dose, double strength) have sometimes demonstrated potent inhibition of CYP450 3A4, while other preparations (e.g., low dose, single strength) have typically demonstrated moderate inhibition. While the clinical significance of this interaction is unknown, increased exposure to galantamine may lead to AChEI related adverse effects such as vagotonic effects on the heart rate (e.g., bradycardia and heart block), neurologic side effects (e.g., seizure activity), respiratory distress, bladder outflow obstruction, dizziness or syncope, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.

MANAGEMENT: According to product labeling, galantamine should be administered with food and adequate fluid intake to reduce the impact of cholinergic-related gastrointestinal adverse effects (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and weight loss). Caution and closer monitoring for AChEI related adverse effects may advisable if galantamine is used in combination with grapefruit and/or grapefruit juice. Modified and/or extended-release formulations must also be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or divided.

References (6)
  1. (2024) "Product Information. Galantamine Hydrobromide ER (galantamine)." Aurobindo Pharma USA Inc
  2. (2024) "Product Information. Galantamine Hydrobromide (galantamine)." Aurobindo Pharma USA Inc
  3. (2022) "Product Information. Gaalin (galantamine)." Auro Pharma Inc
  4. (2023) "Product Information. Galzemic (galantamine)." Zentiva Pharma UK Ltd
  5. (2023) "Product Information. Galantyl (galantamine)." Viatris UK Healthcare Ltd
  6. (2020) "Product Information. Auro-Galantamine ER (galantamine)." Auro Pharma Inc

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.


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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.