Abstract
Background
Drug safety- and drug-alcohol interaction studies have mainly been conducted for frequently
prescribed drugs with high financial interests. Orphan drugs such as tiopronin (ORPHA25073)
are often neglected in terms of clinical research. Tiopronin is a drug that is mainly
used for the treatment of cystinuria. In this study, the interaction of tiopronin
regarding the metabolism of alcohol (primary objective), and the safety of tiopronin
in combination with alcohol was tested in healthy volunteers.
Methods
In this randomised, double-blind, cross-over study, 13 healthy subjects received 500 mg
tiopronin or an identical looking placebo 1 h before the intake of 0.8 g of alcohol
per kg of bodyweight. Blood alcohol concentrations were measured over the course of
12 h after consumption. The experiment was repeated 7 days later with the previous
placebo group receiving the active drug and vice-versa. Changes in blood alcohol AUC
and elimination rate k were analysed using a 2-tailed t-test. Further acetaldehyde
concentrations were measured. Additionally, the concentration ability of the subjects
was tested and any adverse effects were recorded.
Results
There was no significant change in blood alcohol or acetaldehyde concentration. Significant
differences in concentration tests refer presumably to learning effects. No serious
adverse event occurred. All adverse events were reversible and there was no significant
difference in occurrence between drug and placebo group.
Conclusion
It was demonstrated that tiopronin does not affect the metabolism of alcohol. Intake
of tiopronin in combination with alcohol has no safety implications on healthy subjects.
Key words
cystinuria - orphan drug - ethanol
