Effect of transdermal clonidine on spinal spasticity. A case series.
Clonidine, a centrally acting alpha 2 receptor adrenergic agonist, has been successfully used as adjunctive therapy in patients with spinal cord injury with problematic spasticity not adequately controlled by recognized spasmolytic agents. A transdermal system providing approximately constant and continuous systemic delivery of clonidine has been recently introduced to enhance patient compliance. However, experience with transdermal clonidine in the management of spasticity is limited. Three cases are presented of patients with spasticity as the result of cervical spinal cord injury, inadequately managed by oral baclofen, in whom transdermal clonidine was administered. Significant improvement in spastic hypertonia was observed in all three cases. Transdermally delivered clonidine was well tolerated, with reported side effects limited to dryness of the mouth.
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark.
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SA
Yablon
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Sipski
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003000:Clonidine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009122:Muscle Hypertonia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000150:complications*
D003000:Clonidine