DOFETILIDE (Generic for TIKOSYN)

Dofetilide 500mcg, Oral capsule

Grapefruit juice

· Severity: Major

· Notes for Consumers: Use caution when taking grapefruit juice with Dofetilide since it can increase the risk of a dangerous change in heartbeat or heart rhythm. Contact your prescriber immediately if you experience chest pain, dizziness, fainting or falling spells, palpitations, shortness of breath, or a change in your usual heart beat (fast, slow, or irregular heart beat) while taking Dofetilide.

· Notes for Professionals: Clinicians should be aware that food interactions with dofetilide are possible. Grapefruit juice inhibits the cytochrome P-450 3A4 isozyme in the gut wall. Grapefruit juice contains furanocoumarins that are metabolized by CYP3A4 to reactive intermediates. These intermediates form a covalent bond to the active site of the CYP3A4 enzyme, causing irreversible inactivation (mechanism-based inhibition). Consequently, CYP3A4 activity in the gut wall is inhibited until de novo synthesis returns the enzyme to its previous level. According to the manufacturer of dofetilide, caution should be used when coadministering with grapefruit juice. Elderly patients have the greatest possibility of ingesting grapefruit and interacting medications and are the most vulnerable to the adverse clinical consequences.

<b>DISCLAIMER:</b><em> This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.</em>