study of pentobarbitone-methoxsalen interaction in rats

ABSTRACT

Experiments carried out to study pentobarbitonemethoxsalen interaction in rats. The study was conducted on adult albino rats [150-250 g, either sex] in two phases. In phase I, methoxsalen was administered [5, 10 and 15 mg/kg i.p. x 5 days] and pentobarbitone was administered [30 mg/kg i.p.] 24 hours after the last dose of methoxsalen. In phase II, methoxsalen was administered [10 mg/kg p.o. x two weeks] and pentobarbitone was administered [in dose of 15, 20 and 30 mg/kg i.p.] 24 hrs after the last dose of methoxsalen, CNS activity such as pinna, sound and righting reflex were observed. In phase I, pentobarbitone caused CNS depression in methoxsalen treated and control groups. In phase II, pentobarbitone in dose of 15, 20 and 30 mg/kg in methoxsalen treated rats also caused CNS depression in dose dependent manner. The action of pentobarbitone was potentiated in methoxsalen treated rats hence barbiturates whenever indicated in patients on methoxsalen, should be used with caution