Cisapride increases peak plasma and saliva ethanol levels under fasting conditions.

OBJECTIVES

Alcohol absorption is influenced by gastric first-pass metabolism through an alcohol dehydrogenase and the gastric emptying time. Whilst an influence of antisecretory drugs and aspirin on gastric alcohol metabolism has been described, the role of prokinetic drugs has not been determined.

DESIGN

A randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind cross-over study was performed.

SETTING

Out-patient facilities of a referral hospital.

SUBJECTS

Eight male volunteers (age range 25-46 years).

INTERVENTION

Treatment with two doses of either placebo or cisapride 150 micrograms/kg 7 h and 20 min before drinking 0.5 g/kg alcohol either in a fasting state or during a standardized meal (12 kcal/kg).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Plasma and saliva ethanol concentrations were measured during 4 h.

RESULTS

Cisapride increased peak plasma ethanol levels in fasting subjects from 15.6 (SD 1.4, 95%-KI 14.7;16.6) to 17.8 (SD 2.7, 95%-KI 15.9;19.7) mmol/L and saliva ethanol 30 min after alcohol ingestion from 11.4 (SD 2.2. 95%-KI 9.9;12.9) to 15.9 (SD 4.3, 95%-KI 12.9;18.8) mmol/L. A significant interaction between fasting state and drug intake was found for the 30 min saliva ethanol values (P < 0.05, ANOVA for repeated measurements).

CONCLUSIONS

Cisapride may increase ethanol levels under fasting conditions. Patients treated with prokinetic drugs should be informed about this possibility.