In vitro drug-drug interactions in rat liver between oxycodone and
commonly co-consumed drugs
Abstract
Background and Purpose: The co-use of opioids and other drugs is
prevalent, both in a clinical setting and during opioid misuse. We
investigated whether drug-drug interactions occur between oxycodone and
xylazine, diazepam, etizolam, and methamphetamine using rat liver
microsomes. Experimental Approach: Michaelis–Menten parameters (Km,
Vmax), and intrinsic clearance (CLint) of oxymorphone and noroxycodone
formation were determined. Inhibition Kis for xylazine, diazepam, and
etizolam were assessed. Inhibition of oxycodone and dextromethorphan
(probe substrate) metabolite formation by selective P450- and
test-inhibitors was investigated. Key Results: Km values of oxymorphone
(75 μM) and noroxycodone (74 μM) formation were similar. The Vmax of
noroxycodone formation (1235 pmol/min/mg) was higher than oxymorphone
(354 pmol/min/mg), leading to three times higher CLint of noroxycodone.
Xylazine and etizolam were competitive inhibitors of oxymorphone (Ki =
0.5 and 9.5 μM, respectively) and noroxycodone (Ki = 2.6 and 14.6 μM,
respectively) formation, while diazepam was a competitive inhibitor of
oxymorphone formation (Ki = 3.7 μM) and a mixed inhibitor of
noroxycodone formation (Ki = 8.3 μM). Xylazine, diazepam, and etizolam,
as well selective P450-inhibitors, were confirmed to inhibit both CYP2D-
and CYP3A-mediated pathways in rat liver microsomes. Methamphetamine was
a moderate inhibitor of oxymorphone formation, and weak inhibitor of
noroxycodone formation. Conclusion and Implications: Xylazine, diazepam,
and etizolam are potent inhibitors of the formation of both primary
oxycodone metabolites and leading to potential drug-drug interactions.
Further, xylazine, diazepam, and etizolam could inhibit both CYP2D- and
CYP3A-mediated pathways, leading to potentially altered drug metabolism
of other opioids and substrates.