Effects of Paroxetine, a CYP2D6 Inhibitor, on the Pharmacokinetic Properties of Hydrocodone After Coadministration With a Single-entity, Once-daily, Extended-release Hydrocodone Tablet

Abstract Purpose A single-entity, once-daily, extended-release formulation of hydrocodone bitartrate (HYD) has been developed for the management of moderate to severe chronic pain. Hydrocodone undergoes cytochrome P-450 (CYP)-mediated metabolism involving the CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 isozymes. CYP3A4 yields norhydrocodone, a major inactive metabolite, whereas CYP2D6 yields hydromorphone, a minor active metabolite. This study examined the influence of the coadministration of paroxetine, a strong selective CYP2D6 inhibitor, on the pharmacokinetic properties of hydrocodone (and hydromorphone) in healthy adults. Methods In this randomized, double-blind, 2-period, 2-treatment crossover study, 24 healthy subjects received paroxetine 20 mg or placebo once daily for 12 days and an HYD 20-mg tablet on day 10 of each period. Findings Hydrocodone mean C max and t ½ and median T max values were similar with paroxetine or placebo coadministration (16.8 vs 15.9 ng/mL, 8.5 vs 8.4 hours, and 18.0 vs 18.0 hours, respectively), as were mean AUC 0–t and AUC 0–∞ values (342.9 vs 325.3 ng · h/mL and 346.3 vs 328.5 ng · h/mL). The 90% CIs of the geometric mean ratios of the hydrocodone AUC and C max values were fully within the predetermined range of 80% to 125%, suggesting that there was no effect of multiple doses of paroxetine on systemic exposure to hydrocodone. Mean hydromorphone AUC 0–t and C max values were decreased with paroxetine versus placebo (0.64 vs 3.8 ng · h/mL and 0.06 vs 0.19 ng/mL), whereas T max values remained similar (18.0 vs 16.1 hours, respectively). The mean hydromorphone AUC 0–∞ value could not be calculated. Both regimens were well tolerated; after HYD administration, the numbers of adverse events were similar between the 2 treatment regimens, and all adverse events were mild. Implications In this study, the coadministration of single-dose HYD with paroxetine at steady state did not alter systemic exposure to hydrocodone, suggesting that HYD can be coadministered with CYP2D6 inhibitors at therapeutic doses, without dosage modification.