Delayed Clearance of Diazepam Due to Cimetidine

Abstract

CIMETIDINE inhibits microsomal metabolism and hence impairs elimination of oral anticoagulants and the model drug antipyrine from the bloodstream.^{1 , 2} Diazepam and cimetidine are among the most widely used drugs, and many patients are treated with both at the same time. An interaction between these two drugs could be of clinical importance. We have written a preliminary report suggesting an effect of cimetidine on diazepam disposition.³ The present paper describes studies on the magnitude and possible mechanism of the interaction. We have investigated the effect of cimetidine on plasma levels of diazepam and antipyrine.MethodsThe crossover study consisted of four . . .