title: The calcium channel antagonist, verapamil, potentiates the inhibitory action of morphine on intestinal and biliary motility.
abstract: The effects of morphine and verapamil have been assessed on the gastrointestinal propulsion of charcoal meal and egg yolk-induced gall bladder emptying in mice. Each drug significantly inhibited these functions. In combination, an additive effect was seen on the inhibition of gastrointestinal transit, whilst verapamil potentiated the morphine-induced inhibition of gall bladder emptying. It is concluded that calcium ion channel antagonists may potentiate the activity of opiate drugs.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001659:Biliary Tract / Q000187:drug effects*; D002606:Charcoal / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D005704:Gallbladder / Q000187:drug effects; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D009020:Morphine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014700:Verapamil / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D002606:Charcoal; D009020:Morphine; D014700:Verapamil