title: Tocainide and tinnitus. Clinical effect and site of action.
abstract: Tocainide, an amine analogue of lidocaine, which can be taken orally, was tested on 9 patients with severe tinnitus. 6 patients responded to the drug. In 4 patients the effect ceased after about 2 weeks despite continuous medication. 2 patients are still on this medication after more than 2 years. The binding of tocainide to melanin was analysed in vitro and in vivo in rats. It was concluded that the effect of tocainide on tinnitus is mediated by a peripheral mechanism possibly related to the accumulation on inner ear melanin.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002621:Chemistry; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008543:Melanins / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016677:Tocainide
chemical_list: D008543:Melanins; D016677:Tocainide; D008012:Lidocaine; C006110:carcainium chloride