Using nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in patients with epilepsy: An update from the Israeli chapter of the International League Against Epilepsy

Epilepsia. 2022 May;63(5):1276-1278. doi: 10.1111/epi.17212. Epub 2022 Mar 9.

Abstract

Presented herein are recommendations for use of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in patients with epilepsy, as issued by the Steering Committee of the Israeli chapter of the International League Against Epilepsy. The recommendations suggest that patients on moderate-to-strong enzyme-inducing antiseizure medications (ASMs) and everolimus should not be treated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir; rectal diazepam may be used as an alternative to buccal midazolam; doses of ASMs that are cytochrome P450 (CYP3A4) substrates might be adjusted; and patients treated with combinations of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and ASMs that are CYP3A4 substrates or lamotrigine should be monitored for drug efficacy and adverse drug reactions.

Keywords: COVID-19; CYP3A4; antiepileptic drugs; antiseizure medications; drug-drug interactions.

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A
  • Epilepsy* / chemically induced
  • Epilepsy* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Israel
  • Ritonavir* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A
  • Ritonavir