Effect of tolcapone on the haemodynamic effects and tolerability of desipramine.

Background And Purpose: To determine the changes in haemodynamics, tolerability and pharmacokinetics that may occur when a combination of tolcapone and levodopa/carbidopa are given with desipramine.

Methods: In a crossover study, 22 healthy subjects received desipramine during two 13-day treatment periods (25 mg t.i.d. for 3 days and 50 mg t.i.d. for 10 days), with a washout 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 treatment with either tolcapone (200 mg t.i.d.) or placebo.

Results: No significant pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions occurred between tolcapone and desipramine. Adverse events were predictable based on the known effects of the individual drugs.

Conclusions: Tolcapone can be combined with levodopa/carbidopa and desipramine in patients with Parkinson's disease.