Interaction of pyridostigmine with the 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist ondansetron in guinea pigs

Abstract : Serotonin receptor subtype three (5HT3) antagonists, such as the drug ondansetron (OND), have been developed as effective anti-emetic compounds. The purpose of this study was to assess the drug interactions of OND (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg) with the organophosphorus pretreatment compound pyridostigmine (PYR; 0.94 mg/kg) after simultaneous oral administration to guinea pigs. Compatibility was assessed by determining (1) OND pharmacokinetics in the absence (Phase 1) and presence (Phase 2) of pyridostigmine (PYR) and (2) PYR-induced acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition kinetics in the absence (Phase 1) and the presence (Phase 2) of OND. AChE inhibition was examined because it has been shown to be an indicator of PYR efficacy against OP-induced lethality. The pharmacokinetics of OND alone and in the presence of PYR were linear and best described by a one-compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination rate kinetics. For OND 30 mg/kg the K10 was found to be significantly smaller in Phase 2 than Phase 1 (p < 0.05).