Table 12 Significant drug interactions
PAH drugMechanismInteracting drugInteraction
BosentanCYP3A4 inducerSildenafilSildenafil levels fall 50%; bosentan levels increase 50%
CYP3A4 substrateCiclosporinCiclosporin levels fall 50%; bosentan levels increase 4-fold. Combination contraindicated
CYP3A4 substrateErythromycinBosentan levels increased
CYP3A4 substrateKetoconazole, itraconazoleBosentan levels increased
CYP2C9 inducerHMG CoA reductase inhibitorsSimvastatin levels reduced 50%; similar effects likely with atorvastatin
CYP2C9 inducerWarfarinIncreases warfarin metabolism, may need to adjust warfarin dose
CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 inducersHormonal contraceptivesHormone levels decreased, contraception unreliable
SitaxentanCYP2C9 inhibitorWarfarinInhibits warfarin metabolism, warfarin dose needs to be reduced
? inhibition of OATP transporterCiclosporinIncreases sitaxentan levels 6-fold; combination contraindicated
SildenafilCYP3A4 substrateBosentanSildenafil levels fall 50%; bosentan levels increase 50%
CYP3A4 substrateHMG CoA reductase inhibitorsMay increase simvastatin/atorvastatin levels through competition for metabolism
CYP3A4 substrateHIV protease inhibitorsRitonavir and saquinovir increase sildenafil levels
CYP3A4 substrateErythromycinSildenafil levels increased
CYP3A4 substrateKetoconazoleSildenafil levels increased
CYP3A4 substrateCimetidineSildenafil levels increased
cGMPNitrates, nicorandilProfound systemic hypotension