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[Trimetazidine-induced parkinsonism]
1Servicio de Neurología, Hospital de Donostia, Universidad del País Vasco, San Sebastián. jfmarti@chdo.osakidetza.net
Neurologia (Barcelona, Spain)
|July 27, 2004
Summary
Trimetazidine can cause parkinsonism in elderly patients. Symptoms resolved after discontinuing the medication, highlighting a crucial side effect to monitor.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Trimetazidine is a medication prescribed for angina.
- Parkinsonism is a neurological disorder affecting movement.
Observation:
- Eight elderly patients (mean age 80) developed parkinsonism while on trimetazidine.
- Seven patients took the drug for 6-12 months, one for 9 years.
Findings:
- Parkinsonism symptoms completely reversed after stopping trimetazidine.
- This is the first documented report of trimetazidine-induced parkinsonism.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of trimetazidine as a potential cause of parkinsonism.
- Avoid prescribing trimetazidine to patients with existing parkinsonism, particularly dementia with Lewy bodies.