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Effect of tolcapone on the haemodynamic effects and tolerability of desipramine
K M Jorga1, B Fotteler, M Modi
1Department of Research and Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland. karin.jorga@roche.com
Background And Purpose:
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.