Racemic warfarin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole interaction in humans

Ann Intern Med. 1979 Jul;91(1):34-6. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-91-1-34.

Abstract

Eleven normal humans were studied to evaluate the reported interaction of racemic sodium warfarin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prospectively. Single oral doses of racemic warfarin, 1.5 mg/kg of body weight, were administered with and without 320 mg of trimethoprim and 1600 mg of sulfamethoxazole orally, beginning 7 d before the warfarin and continuing daily throughout the hypoprothrombinemia. Daily plasma samples were analyzed for one-stage prothrombin activity (Quick) and for warfarin content by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Transient cutaneous reactions developed in four of 11 subjects: a morbilliform rash in three (studies discontinued) and generalized pruritus in one. A highly significant augmentation of the warfarin effect on the mean one-stage prothrombin activity (P less than 0.03) occurred with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, but no significant effect was found on the warfarin half-life (P greater than 0.5). It is concluded that trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole interacts with racemic warfarin, possibly at a receptor-site locus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Drug Combinations
  • Drug Interactions
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Prothrombin Time
  • Sulfamethoxazole / pharmacology*
  • Trimethoprim / pharmacology*
  • Warfarin / blood
  • Warfarin / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Drug Combinations
  • Warfarin
  • Trimethoprim
  • Sulfamethoxazole