Itraconazole, a P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4 inhibitor, markedly raises the plasma concentrations and enhances the renin-inhibiting effect of aliskiren

J Clin Pharmacol. 2011 Mar;51(3):359-67. doi: 10.1177/0091270010365885. Epub 2010 Apr 16.

Abstract

In a randomized crossover study, 11 healthy volunteers took 100 mg (first dose 200 mg) of the antifungal drug itraconazole, a P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4 inhibitor, or placebo twice daily for 5 days. On day 3, they ingested a single 150-mg dose of aliskiren, a renin inhibitor used in the treatment of hypertension. Itraconazole raised the peak plasma aliskiren concentration 5.8-fold (range, 1.1- to 24.3-fold; P < .001) and the area under the plasma aliskiren concentration-time curve 6.5-fold (range, 2.6- to 20.5-fold; P < .001) but had no significant effect on aliskiren elimination half-life. Itraconazole increased the amount of aliskiren excreted into the urine during 12 hours 8.0-fold (P < .001) and its renal clearance 1.2-fold (P = .042). Plasma renin activity 24 hours after aliskiren intake was 68% lower during the itraconazole phase than during the placebo phase (P = .011). In conclusion, itraconazole markedly raises the plasma concentrations and enhances the renin-inhibiting effect of aliskiren. The interaction is probably mainly explained by inhibition of the P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux of aliskiren in the small intestine, with a minor contribution from inhibition of CYP3A4. Concomitant use of aliskiren and itraconazole is best avoided.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Adult
  • Amides / blood
  • Amides / pharmacokinetics*
  • Amides / pharmacology
  • Amides / urine
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antihypertensive Agents / blood
  • Antihypertensive Agents / pharmacokinetics*
  • Antihypertensive Agents / pharmacology
  • Antihypertensive Agents / urine
  • Biotransformation / drug effects
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A Inhibitors*
  • Drug Interactions
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / blood
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacokinetics
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / urine
  • Female
  • Fumarates / blood
  • Fumarates / pharmacokinetics*
  • Fumarates / pharmacology
  • Fumarates / urine
  • Half-Life
  • Humans
  • Itraconazole / analogs & derivatives
  • Itraconazole / blood
  • Itraconazole / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Metabolic Clearance Rate
  • Renin / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Renin / blood
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1
  • Amides
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A Inhibitors
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Fumarates
  • hydroxyitraconazole
  • Itraconazole
  • aliskiren
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A
  • CYP3A4 protein, human
  • Renin