Sotalol enhances the anticonvulsant action of valproate and diphenylhydantoin in the mouse maximal electroshock model

Background sotalol as a drug blocking β-receptors and potassium kcnh2 channels may interact with different substances that affect seizures. herein,we present interactions between sotalol and four conventional antiepileptic drugs: carbamazepine,valproate,phenytoin and phenobarbital. methods effects of sotalol and antiepileptics alone on seizures were determined in the electroconvulsive threshold test,while interactions between sotalol and antiepileptic drugs were estimated in the maximal electroshock test in mice. motor coordination and long-term memory were evaluated,respectively,in the chimney test and passive-avoidance task. brain concentrations of antiepileptics were determined by fluorescence polarization immunoassay. results sotalol at doses up to 100 mg/kg did not affect the electroconvulsive threshold. applied at doses 60–100 mg/kg,sotalol potentiated the antielectroshock action of valproate,while at doses 80–100 mg/kg that of phenytoin. sotalol (up to 100 mg/kg) did not affect the action of carbamazepine or phenobarbital in the maximal electroshock. sotalol alone and in combinations with antiepileptics impaired neither motor performance nor long-term memory in mice. finally,sotalol did not change brain concentration of valproate and phenytoin,so pharmacokinetic interactions between the drugs are not probable. conclusions as far as obtained data may be extrapolated into clinical conditions,sotalol may be considered as an arrhythmic drug that does not reduce the action of classical antiepileptic drugs and thereby can be used in epileptic patients with cardiac arrhythmias. © 2017 institute of pharmacology,polish academy of sciences