Arzneimittel Forsch
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Arzneimittel Forsch · Aug 1997
Role of caffeine in combined analgesic drugs from the point of view of experimental pharmacology.
The interactions of caffeine (CAS 58-08-2) with acetylsalicylic acid (CAS 50-78-2, ASA) and paracetamol (CAS 103-90-2) were investigated with regard to the analgesic, antiphlogistic, antipyretic and other properties. The inhibitory effect of paracetamol and ASA on the prostaglandin biosynthesis in a cyclooxygenase preparation from bovine brain in vitro was not affected by the addition of caffeine. Caffeine additively increases the antinociceptive effect of paracetamol with regard to the heat-induced pain in the mouse, as does aminophenazone. ⋯ The protective effect of ASA against the hepatotoxic effect of paracetamol in the mouse is not influenced by the addition of caffeine. The plasma levels after the oral administration of 20 mg/caffeine/ kg and 80 mg paracetamol/kg in the rat are not significantly changed when the substances are given in combination. The toxicological advantages resulting from combining ASA and paracetamol with caffeine are discussed.