HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Correspondence: Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when Correspondence are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by MORGAN, J. P. Articles by TRABERT, N. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by MORGAN, J. P. Articles by TRABERT, N.

Imipramine-mediated interference with levodopa absorption from the gastrointestinal tract in man

Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, and the Division of Psychopharmacology, Texas Tech University College of Medicine.

The effect of imipramine on the absorption of a single dose of levodopa was studied in male volunteers. By delaying gastric emptying and retarding delivery to intestinal absorptive sites, imipramine interfered with the absorption of levodopa. This action is caused by the anticholinergic effect of imipramine. The retardation of transit of levodopa also caused the elaboration of therapeuticalty inactive metabolites of levodopa in the gastrointestinal tract. Antidepressants and levodopa are often given together, and this combination may interfere with the absorption and efficacy of levodopa in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Received for publication February 10, 1975.

Presented in part at a regional meeting of the American College of Physicians, Hamilton, Ontario, October 3, 1973.

Reprint requests should be addressed to Dr. Morgan at Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642.