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Nicardipine versus propranolol in essential tumor
F J Jiménez-Jiménez1, P J Garcia-Ruiz, F Cabrera-Valdivia
1Department of Neurology of Hospital Principipe de asturia Alcala de Henares-Madrid, Spain.
Acta Neurologica
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Nicardipine, a calcium-channel blocker, shows potential efficacy in treating essential tremor (ET). While propranolol demonstrated slightly better results, nicardipine offers a promising alternative for ET management.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Essential tremor (ET) is a common neurological disorder characterized by involuntary rhythmic shaking, primarily affecting the upper limbs.
- Current treatments for ET have limitations, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of the calcium-channel blocker nicardipine as a treatment for essential tremor (ET).
- To compare the therapeutic effects of nicardipine with propranolol, a standard ET medication.
Main Methods:
- A cross-over study involving 14 patients diagnosed with essential tremor affecting their upper limbs.
- Patients received either nicardipine (1 mg/Kg/day) or propranolol (160 mg/day) for a specified period, with evaluations conducted at baseline and after each treatment phase using the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin scale.
Main Results:
- Both nicardipine and propranolol demonstrated improvements in essential tremor symptoms.
- Propranolol showed a non-significantly higher efficacy compared to nicardipine.
- Adverse events led to the withdrawal of two patients from the nicardipine arm (pretibial edema, palpitations) and two from the propranolol arm (dyspnea, hypotension).
Conclusions:
- Nicardipine may be an effective therapeutic option for managing essential tremor.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the efficacy and safety profile of nicardipine in a larger ET patient cohort.