title: Diazepam-atenolol combination antagonizes aminophylline-induced convulsions and lethality in mice.
abstract: The present study was undertaken to identify protective drugs against aminophylline (240 mg/kg i.p.)-induced convulsions and lethality in mice. Diazepam (10 mg/kg) and valproic acid significantly prevented the convulsions, but were not effective in preventing mortality. Phenytoin, atropine, carbamazepine and atenolol were ineffective in protecting against convulsions and death. Ketamine gave partial protection against convulsions, but was not effective in preventing mortality. Diazepam (10 mg/kg) and atenolol (5 mg/kg) administered together gave total protection against convulsions and death. These results show that aminophylline-induced convulsions are relatively resistant to antiepileptic drugs, and that a combination of diazepam and a beta-blocker (atenolol) has potential as an anti-aminophylline agent.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chugh
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chakrabarti
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Sharma
mesh_terms: D000628:Aminophylline / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000633:toxicity; D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000494:pharmacology; D001262:Atenolol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003975:Diazepam / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008813:Mice, Inbred ICR; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000628:Aminophylline; D001262:Atenolol; D003975:Diazepam