Effect of tolcapone on the haemodynamic effects and tolerability of desipramine.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the changes in haemodynamics, tolerability and pharmacokinetics that may occur when a combination of tolcapone and levodopa/carbidopa are given with desipramine.


METHODS
In a crossover study, 22 healthy subjects received desipramine during two 13-day treatment periods (25 mg t.i.d. for 3 days and 50 mg t.i.d. for 10 days), with a washout period of 10-15 days. Subjects received levodopa/carbidopa (100 mg/25 mg t.i.d. for 5 days, days 9-13) and concomitant, double-blind, randomized treatment with either tolcapone (200 mg t.i.d.) or placebo.


RESULTS
No significant pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions occurred between tolcapone and desipramine. Adverse events were predictable based on the known effects of the individual drugs.


CONCLUSIONS
Tolcapone can be combined with levodopa/carbidopa and desipramine in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Jorga
K M
KM
Department of Research and Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland. karin.jorga@roche.com
Fotteler
B
B
Modi
M
M
Rabbia
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000978:Antiparkinson Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001577:Benzophenones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003891:Desipramine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004347:Drug Interactions / Q000502:physiology*; D004361:Drug Tolerance / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007980:Levodopa / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D009596:Nitrophenols; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000077867:Tolcapone
D000978:Antiparkinson Agents; D001577:Benzophenones; D009596:Nitrophenols; D007980:Levodopa; D000077867:Tolcapone; D003891:Desipramine; C028653:2-hydroxydesipramine