Triazolam and ethanol interaction: kinetic and dynamic consequences.

The kinetic and dynamic consequences of the coadministration of triazolam and ethanol were investigated in six normal subjects. Each received three treatments: triazolam, 0.25 mg by mouth, preceded by 1 hour and followed for 7.5 hours by oral ethanol dosed to maintain breath concentrations of 800 to 950 mg/L; placebo and ethanol; and triazolam and orange juice. After ethanol, triazolam total AUC0-infinity increased (mean +/- SD = 21% +/- 18%). Subjects showed greater psychomotor impairment on measures of free recall, postural stability, and hand-eye coordination after the combination than after either drug alone. These dynamic interactions are greater than the kinetic changes.