Effect of Licorice on Zolpidem Pharmacokinetics in Rats

OBJECTIVE To study the effect of licorice on zolpidem pharmacokinetics in rats. METHODS Experimental rats were randomly divided into the control group and treatment group, which was administrated respectively with normal saline and extract of licorice. After pretreated with extract of licorice (0.5 g·kg^-1, qd) for 7 d, zolpidem was given to the rats by intragastric administration. The plasma concentrations of zolpidem were determined by HPLC-FLU. Main pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by statistical analysis. RESULTS After coadministrating with licorice, the t_max of zolpidem was markedly decreased (P<0.05). The AUC_0→8 h and AUC_0→∞ of zolpidem in treatment group were significantly lower than those in control group(P<0.05). And the CL/F was markedly decreased(P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups of C_max and t_1/2 (P>0.05). CONCLUSION Extract of licorice can affect the metabolism of zolpidem. So we should pay attention to the potential herb-drug interaction risk after coadministrating with licorice and zolpidem in clinic.