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Methyldopa does not alter the disposition of digoxin.
Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|August 1, 1984
Summary
Methyldopa does not affect how the body processes digoxin, according to a study in healthy individuals. This suggests that methyldopa is unlikely to cause pharmacokinetic interactions with digoxin in patients.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Drug Interactions
Background:
- Digoxin is a crucial medication for heart conditions.
- Methyldopa is commonly prescribed for hypertension.
- Potential drug interactions between methyldopa and digoxin require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if methyldopa alters the pharmacokinetic disposition of digoxin.
- To assess the potential for a drug interaction between these two medications.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, cross-over study involving eight healthy subjects.
- Subjects received either methyldopa or placebo for 16 days.
- Digoxin (intravenous and oral) was administered, and plasma and urine concentrations were measured.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in digoxin's area under the curve (AUC) or urinary excretion between methyldopa and placebo groups.
- Mean steady-state serum concentrations of oral digoxin were comparable with and without methyldopa.
- Statistical power analysis indicated the study could detect meaningful differences of approximately 30%.
Conclusions:
- Methyldopa does not significantly alter the disposition of digoxin in healthy subjects.
- A clinically significant pharmacokinetic interaction between methyldopa and digoxin is unlikely in patients.