Abstract:
Carbamazepine is a (CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 enzyme inducer) medicine which is used by epileptic patients for a
long time. During the course of therapy, patients are generally caught by other diseases like urinary tract
infections, upper respiratory tract infection, skin and soft tissue infection etc. To cure them, physicians
commonly prescribe fluoroquinolones like Ciprofloxacin (CYP1A2 inhibitor) along with Carbamazepine
(CBZ). Interactions may result without recognition which may lead to unforeseen toxicity, untoward effects or
even therapeutic failure. Therefore, studies were conducted to investigate the effect of Ciprofloxacin on the
pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine in healthy adult male volunteers. The main objective of this study was to
generate new knowledge regarding CBZ and ciprofloxacin interaction for physicians and research workers
dealing with these medicines.
Eight healthy adult male volunteers were selected to assess the effect of ciprofloxacin on the pharmacokinetics
of carbamazepine. After overnight fast the selected male volunteers were given CBZ orally. Blood samples
were drawn at different time intervals after medication. Then the same volunteers were given CBZ along with
ciprofloxacin. Blood samples were again drawn at the same time intervals as done previously. Plasma was
separated from the blood samples. Concentration of CBZ in the plasma samples was determined by using
HPLC technique.
Results of the present study indicated that ciprofloxacin significantly increased the plasma concentration of
CBZ when given concurrently to the healthy adult male volunteers. Ciprofloxacin increased Cmax, AUC and t ½
while it decreased the CL and Vd of CBZ when administered concurrently to the adult volunteers.
Change in pharmacokinetic parameters was due to slow metabolism or elimination of CBZ when given
concurrently with ciprofloxacin to the adult volunteers. This is probably due to the inhibition of CYP3A4
isoenzyme by ciprofloxacin which is responsible for metabolism of CBZ. Ciprofloxacin increased the plasma
concentration of CBZ so dose adjustment as well as drug monitoring of CBZ is required when both the drugs
are given concurrently. The knowledge regarding interaction between ciprofloxacin and CBZ would be helpful
for the pharmaceutical industries, physicians and a blessing for the patients.
