FPGEE for National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Practice Exam 2025 - Free NABP Practice Questions and Study Guide

Amiodarone is recognized as a potent inhibitor of the enzyme CYP3A4, which plays a critical role in the metabolism of various drugs. This inhibition can significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of co-administered medications that are substrates of CYP3A4, leading to increased drug levels in the bloodstream, heightened effects, or potential toxicity.

CYP3A4 is involved in the metabolism of many commonly prescribed medications, making knowledge of its inhibitors crucial for safe medication management. Healthcare professionals must be wary of drug interactions and adjust dosages accordingly when prescribing medications that may interact with amiodarone or other CYP3A4 inhibitors.

Contrastingly, the other substances listed do not have significant effects on CYP3A4. While ibuprofen and aspirin are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that may cause adverse effects, they are not major inhibitors of CYP3A4. Simvastatin, a statin used to control cholesterol levels, is primarily metabolized by CYP3A4 but does not significantly inhibit its activity. Thus, understanding these interactions is essential for effective and safe pharmacotherapy.