Cytisine inhibits the anticonvulsant activity of phenytoin and lamotrigine in mice

BackgroundCytisine (CYT), the most commonly used drug for smoking cessation in Poland, was experimentally found to induce convulsions. There is a lack of studies on the influence of CYT on the anticonvulsant activity of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).MethodsThe effects of CYT on the anticonvulsant activity of six AEDs were examined in maximal electroshock (MES)-induced seizures in mice.ResultsSingle intraperitoneal (ip) administration of CYTin a subthreshold dose of 2 mg/kg antagonized the protective activity of ip phenytoin and lamotrigine against MES-induced seizures in mice. Adose of 1 mg/kg did not reverse the protective activity of phenytoin and lamotrigine. CYT in a dose of 2 mg/kg had no effect on the anticonvulsive activity of carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, and valproate magnesium.ConclusionCYT ability to antagonize the anticonvulsive activity of phenytoin and lamotrigine can be of serious concern for epileptic smokers, who might demonstrate therapeutic failure to these drugs resulting in possible breakthrough seizure attacks.