Inhibition by caffeine of ethanol absorption in rats

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Abstract

In rats, oral doses of 10, 20, 60, or 100 mg/kg caffeine given 15 min prior to ethanol, 4.8 g/kg, p.o., caused a dose-dependent depression of blood alcohol concentrations. I.p. or s.c. application of caffeine also lowered blood alcohol levels.

The depressive effect of caffeine on blood alcohol concentrations was less marked if caffeine and ethanol were applied simultaneously or if caffeine was given 15 min after ethanol. Furthermore, caffeine given 15 min prior to ethanol did not decrease blood alcohol levels if ethanol, 1 and 2 g/kg, was injected i.v.

Stomachs of rats treated orally with caffeine and ethanol were of larger volume and contained more ethanol than stomachs of rats treated with ethanol alone. In carbachol-contracted rat fundal strips, caffeine caused a dose-dependent relaxation.

In conclusion, caffeine in rats delays stomach emptying due to relaxation of gastric musculature. Consequently, passage of alcohol to the small intestine and thereby ethanol absorption are retarded.

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