Cimetidine inhibits the metabolism of all of the following drugs except.
**Core Concept**
Cimetidine is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist used to treat peptic ulcers. It has a unique property of inhibiting the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, specifically the CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 isoenzymes. This leads to decreased metabolism of various drugs, potentially resulting in increased plasma concentrations and adverse effects.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication that inhibits the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, particularly CYP3A4, thereby reducing the metabolism of other drugs. Unlike other options, ketoconazole does not rely on the cytochrome P450 system for its own metabolism. Instead, it is primarily metabolized by CYP3A4-independent pathways, making it less susceptible to cimetidine's inhibitory effects.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant that undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism via the cytochrome P450 system, particularly CYP2C9 and CYP2C19. Cimetidine's inhibition of CYP3A4 can lead to decreased phenytoin metabolism, increasing its plasma concentration.
**Option B:** Warfarin is an anticoagulant that is metabolized by the cytochrome P450 system, including CYP2C9 and CYP3A4. Cimetidine can inhibit these isoenzymes, reducing warfarin's metabolism and increasing its anticoagulant effect.
**Option D:** Diazepam is a benzodiazepine that undergoes hepatic metabolism via the cytochrome P450 system, including CYP3A4. Cimetidine's inhibition of this isoenzyme can decrease diazepam's metabolism, leading to increased plasma concentrations and potential adverse effects.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Cimetidine is a classic example of a drug that can interact with the cytochrome P450 system, highlighting the importance of monitoring patients for potential drug-drug interactions, particularly when cimetidine is co-administered with other medications.
**Correct Answer:**
β Correct Answer: C. Ketoconazole