Dextromethorphan and diabetic neuropathy.
OBJECTIVE
To review the use of dextromethorphan for the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy.


METHODS
MEDLINE and EMBASE searches for studies using dextromethorphan to manage diabetic neuropathy were conducted from 1966 to 1999 and 1980 to 1999, respectively.


RESULTS
Peripheral neuropathy is a common manifestation of diabetic patients. Many classes of medications have been investigated to treat this condition, including N-methyl-D-aspartate inhibitors. A review of studies using dextromethorphan to manage diabetic neuropathy was performed.


CONCLUSIONS
There are insufficient safety and efficacy data to justify the use of dextromethorphan for treating painful diabetic neuropathy. Further clinical trials are needed.
Criner
T M
TM
School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
Perdun
C S
CS
D003915:Dextromethorphan / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; D003915:Dextromethorphan