Yale University

Drug interactions between opioids and antiretroviral medications: interaction between methadone, LAAM, and nelfinavir.

TitleDrug interactions between opioids and antiretroviral medications: interaction between methadone, LAAM, and nelfinavir.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2004
AuthorsMcCance-Katz, Elinore F., Petrie M. Rainey, Patrick Smith, Gene Morse, Gerald Friedland, Marc Gourevitch, and Peter Jatlow
JournalThe American journal on addictions / American Academy of Psychiatrists in Alcoholism and Addictions
Volume13
Issue2
Pagination163-80
Date Published2004 Mar-Apr
ISSN1055-0496
KeywordsAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Adult, Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System, Drug Interactions, Female, HIV Protease Inhibitors, Humans, Male, Methadone, Methadyl Acetate, Narcotics, Nelfinavir, Substance-Related Disorders
AbstractUnderstanding drug interactions between antiretrovirals and opiate therapies may decrease toxicities and enhance adherence, with improved HIV outcomes in injection drug users. We report results of a clinical pharmacology study designed to examine the interaction of the protease inhibitor, nelfinavir, with methadone and LAAM (N = 48). Nelfinavir decreased methadone exposure, but no withdrawal was observed over the five day study period. LAAM and dinorLAAM concentrations were decreased, while norLAAM concentrations were increased, with minimal overall change in LAAM/metabolite exposure. Methadone and LAAM did not affect nelfinavir concentrations, but methadone decreased M8 metabolite exposure. While no toxicities were observed, clinicians should be aware of the potential for drug interactions when patients require treatment with nelfinavir and these opiate medications.
DOI10.3109/00952990.2011.568081
Alternate JournalAm J Addict

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