Amantadine in drug-induced extrapyramidal signs: a comparative study

Int J Clin Pharmacol Biopharm. 1975 Jun;11(4):323-6.

Abstract

In our non-blind comparative study, amantadine was as effective as the standard medications, benztropine and ethopropazine, in controlling drug-induced extrapyramidal signs. However, statistically significant improvement was noted a week after all the three medications. In addition, extrapyramidal signs were not completely controlled in most patients even after weeks, even though substantial improvement was noted. This indicates the limitations of the currently available antiparkinsonian medications. Amantadine produced least side effects. Therefore, it may be particulary useful in patients who may not tolerate antiparkinsonian medication with anticholinergic properties. Our clinical finding that two patients with depression improved was rather interesting and needs further exploration. In summary, anamtadine is a valuable addition to our armamentarium of antiparkinsonian drugs. The drug compared favourably with other standard medications. The problem of dissipation of the therapeutic effects over time was not studied in our trial.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Amantadine / adverse effects
  • Amantadine / therapeutic use*
  • Basal Ganglia Diseases / chemically induced
  • Basal Ganglia Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Benztropine / adverse effects
  • Benztropine / therapeutic use
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phenothiazines / adverse effects
  • Phenothiazines / therapeutic use
  • Tranquilizing Agents / adverse effects

Substances

  • Phenothiazines
  • Tranquilizing Agents
  • Benztropine
  • Amantadine