Effect of clarithromycin on the pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine in rhesus monkeys.
Clarithromycin, an advanced-generation macrolide antimicrobial, is less prone to drug interactions as compared to erythromycin. Based on two case reports in which increased carbamazepine (CBZ) plasma concentrations were observed in patients receiving clarithromycin, a crossover multiple dose study was designed to find out the pharmacokinetic interaction between CBZ and clarithromycin in rhesus monkeys. CBZ (46 mg/kg/d) was administered to the monkeys alone and along with clarithromycin (20 mg/kg/d). Blood samples were collected from 0-24 h. Plasma concentrations of CBZ were measured by HPLC technique. Pharmacokinetic data revealed an increase in plasma concentrations, AUC(0-24) and t1/2e of CBZ when coadministered with clarithromycin, but the increase was not statistically significant. These findings suggest careful administration and plasma monitoring of CBZ concentrations when coadministered with clarithromycin.
Badyal
D K
DK
Department of Pharmacology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, India. badyal@cmch.ldh.nic.in
Garg
S K
SK
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D017291:Clarithromycin / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D008297:Male
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D002220:Carbamazepine; D017291:Clarithromycin