Acute kinetic and dynamic interactions of zimelidine with ethanol

The acute interaction of zimelidine (Z) with ethanol (E) was examined in six healthy men aged 20 to 37 yr who randomly received each of four treatments 1 wk apart: Z, 200 mg by mouth, preceded by 1 hr and followed for 7 hr of oral E in juice dosed to maintain blood alcohol concentrations between 800 and 1000 mg/l; placebo Z and E; Z and juice; and placebo Z and juice. E decreased the rate of biotransformation of Z to norzimelidine (NZ) by 46%, but the AUCs of Z, NZ, and their total concentration over 8 hr were not altered by E. Acetaldehyde concentrations did not change and no aversive alcohol-sensitizing reaction was detected. E-induced impairments in memory, body sway, and a manual tracking task were further enhanced by Z, as was the E-induced decrease in friendliness. Data suggest Z and E interact kinetically and dynamically and suggest a mechanism whereby Z may decrease E intake in man.