Effect of tolcapone on the haemodynamic effects and tolerability of desipramine

Background and Purpose: To determine the changes in haemodynamics, tolerabi lity and pharmacokinetics that may occur when a combination of tolcapone an d levodopa/carbidopa are given with desipramine. Methods: In a crossover st udy, 22 healthy subjects received desipramine during two 13-day treatment p eriods (25 mg t.i.d. for 3 days and 50 mg t.i,d, for 10 days), with a washo ut 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 tr eatment with either tolcapone (200 mg t,i,d,) or placebo. Results: No signi ficant pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions occurred between to lcapone and desipramine. Adverse events were predictable based on the known effects of the individual drugs, Conclusions: Tolcapone can be combined wi th levodopa/carbidopa and desipramine in patients with Parkinson's disease, Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.