Concurrent administration of donepezil HCl and theophylline: assessment of pharmacokinetic changes following multiple-dose administration in healthy volunteers.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of theophylline administered alone, and in combination with donepezil HCl, following multiple-dose administration of both drugs in healthy volunteers.


METHODS
This was an open-label, randomized, two-period crossover study in healthy male volunteers (n=12). During each treatment period, subjects received either titrated-dose theophylline alone, or in combination with donepezil (5 mg, once daily) for 10 consecutive days. On day 10 of each treatment period, serial blood samples for the determination of theophylline concentrations in plasma were measured up to 24 h. Treatment periods were separated by a 3-week, drug-free washout. Plasma concentrations of theophylline were determined by HPLC with UV detection.


RESULTS
No statistically significant differences in theophylline pharmacokinetics (Cmax, AUC or tmax) were observed between theophylline administered alone and in combination with donepezil. No clinically significant changes in vital signs, ECG parameters or clinical laboratory tests were observed in any subject during any treatment period.


CONCLUSIONS
Concurrent administration of donepezil HCl does not alter the pharmacokinetic profile of theophylline following multiple-dose administration of both drugs in healthy volunteers. These findings suggest that donepezil may be safely co-administered with theophylline without a need for dose modification or additional monitoring procedures.
Tiseo
P J
PJ
Eisai Inc., Glenpointe Centre West, Teaneck, NJ 07666-6741, USA.
Foley
K
K
Friedhoff
L T
LT
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D000077265:Donepezil; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D007189:Indans / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D008297:Male; D010880:Piperidines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D013806:Theophylline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D007189:Indans; D010880:Piperidines; D000077265:Donepezil; D013806:Theophylline