EFFECT OF TRIKATU, AN AYURVEDIC PRESCRIPTION ON THE PHARMACOKINETIC PROFILE OF CARBAMAZEPINE IN RABBITS

The effect of single and multiple doses of a herbal preparation Trikatu was studied on the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine in rabbits. Rabbits (n = 10) were administered a single dose of carbamazepine (80 mg/kg; p.o.) and after a washout period of 7 days in combination with a single dose of Trikatu (500 mg/kg; p.o.). In the other study, six rabbits were administered a single dose of carbamazepine (80 mg/kg; po.) before and after multiple doses of Trikatu (500 mg/kg x 7d; p.o.). The blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12 and 24 hours after drug administration and assayed for carbamazepine. In the animals treated with single dose of Trikatu, there was a significant decrease in T(max) of carbamazepine (P < 0.05). Multiple doses of Trikatu also shortened the T(max) of carbamazepine although not to statistically significant level. Our results suggest that the steeper rise and fall in the plasma levels of carbamazepine brought about by Trikatu, do not constitute significant advantage.