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Interaction between ethanol and calcium channel blockers in humans
M Perez-Reyes1, W R White, R E Hicks
1Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill 27599-7175.
Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research
|August 1, 1992
Summary
Calcium channel blockers like verapamil and nifedipine did not reduce the intoxicating effects of ethanol in human participants. This study found no evidence that these drugs can counteract alcohol
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Preclinical studies suggested calcium (Ca2+) channel blockers might mitigate ethanol's behavioral effects.
- Ethanol intoxication impairs cognitive and psychomotor functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if verapamil and nifedipine (Ca2+ channel blockers) could antagonize ethanol intoxication in humans.
- To determine the efficacy of these blockers in reducing alcohol's subjective and objective impairments.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, single-blind, crossover study involving 16 healthy male volunteers.
- Administration of verapamil or nifedipine (or placebo) before controlled ethanol (or placebo) ingestion.
- Assessment of subjective intoxication, cognitive function (memory), and psychomotor performance.
Main Results:
- Neither verapamil nor nifedipine pretreatment antagonized the subjective or objective effects of ethanol.
- No significant reduction in ethanol's impairing effects on short-term memory or psychomotor performance was observed.
Conclusions:
- Calcium channel blockers verapamil and nifedipine are ineffective in counteracting ethanol intoxication in humans.
- Findings contradict preclinical data and suggest limited therapeutic potential for these blockers against alcohol's acute effects.