Effects of nicorandil and verapamil, antianginal agents, on plasma digoxin concentrations in rats and dogs

The effects of equihypotensive doses of nicorandil and verapamil on plasma digoxin concentrations have been assessed in rats and dogs. In a single digoxin dose study, digoxin (1 mg kg-1) alone, or in combination with nicorandil (5 mg kg-1) or verapamil (25 mg kg-1) was given orally to rats. When given chronically to rats, a single dose of digoxin (1 mg kg-1) orally for 7 consecutive days was followed, on day 8, by digoxin alone, or together with nicorandil (5 mg kg-1) or verapamil (25 mg kg-1). In dogs, a loading dose of digoxin (50 micrograms kg-1) was given orally on day 1, then 25 micrograms kg-1 was administered for the following 6 days. On day 8, digoxin (50 micrograms kg-1) was given with nicorandil (5 mg kg-1) or verapamil (20 mg kg-1). In rats, the AUC0-24 and Cmax of plasma digoxin were enhanced significantly by coadministration of verapamil, but not by nicorandil. In dogs, verapamil significantly increased the Cmax of plasma digoxin, but not the AUC. Nicorandil had no effect on either parameter.