Peripheral neuropathy in patients treated with almitrine dimesylate

Sensory peripheral neuropathy developed in 5 patients treated with almitrine dimesylate, 60-100 mg/day. Onset was insidious, beginning symmetrically in the legs with stocking sensory loss and loss of ankle-jerks. Cerebrospinal fluid protein levels were slightly increased and there was electrophysiological and histological evidence of distal axonopathy. The interval between the first dose of almitrine dimesylate and onset of symptoms ranged from 2 to 4 months in 4 patients. All patients had noted a recent weight loss of 4-15 kg which may have resulted in release of previously bound drug.