Effect of nicardipine on essential tremor: brief report.
The effects of nicardipine, a calcium channel blocker (CCB), were investigated in 11 patients with essential tremor (ET). In a placebo controlled study, a single oral dose of 30 mg of nicardipine was administered, followed by 1 month of sustained treatment (60 mg/day). Tremor was assessed by accelerometric recording. A single oral dose of nicardipine reduced the tremor amplitude respect baseline (p = 0.003) and placebo (p = 0.008). After 1 month of chronic treatment, nicardipine still reduced the tremor amplitude (30.78% +/- 17.13 SE from baseline), but failed to sustain the initial statistical improvement. A single oral dose of nicardipine is effective in reducing ET.
García Ruiz
P J
PJ
Department of Neurology, Fundación Jimenez Diaz, Madrid, Spain.
García de Yébenes Prous
J
J
Jimenez Jimenez
J
J
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009529:Nicardipine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014202:Tremor / Q000188:drug therapy*
D009529:Nicardipine