Pharmacological Interaction Between Pindolol and MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine)

This trial (n=16) investigated the interaction between MDMA (112mg/70kg) and pindolol (treatment for hypertension, beta-blocker) in 2001. The study tested this in a double-blind design (meaning all participants received MDMA).

The resulting study found that pindolol (20mg) prevented MDMA from raising heart rate but didn’t prevent a slight elevation of blood pressure.

Topic Healthy Subjects Safety
Compound Placebo MDMA
Country Switzerland
Visit trial
Status Completed
Results Published
Start date 01 June 2001
End date 01 March 2002
Chance of happening 100%
Phase Phase I
Design Blinded
Type Interventional
Generation First
Participants 16
Sex Male
Age 18- 45
Therapy No

Trial Details

MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, "Ecstasy") produces tachycardia, hypertension, hyperthermia, and other acute adverse effects. Ecstasy use has also been associated with rare cardio- and cerebrovascular complications. The role of beta-blockers in treating cardiovascular and adverse effects of MDMA is unknown. In a double-blind placebo-controlled study, we investigated the interactive effects of the beta-blocker pindolol (20 mg) with MDMA (1.6 mg/kg) on heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and adverse effects in 16 healthy subjects.

NCT Number NCT00895804

Sponsors & Collaborators

University of Basel
The University of Basel Department of Biomedicine hosts the Liechti Lab research group, headed by Matthias Liechti.

Heffter Research Institute
The Heffter Research Institute has been advancing psychedelics (psilocybin) as medicines since 1993.

Papers

Effects of a β-blocker on the cardiovascular response to MDMA (Ecstasy)
This double-blind cross-over study (n=16) finds that pindolol (medication for hypertension, 20mg) prevents the heart-raising effects of MDMA (112mg/70kg) but not the elevation of blood pressure.

Data attribution

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