[Use of memantine in progressive glaucoma. Case report].
BACKGROUND
Several animal models demonstrated that NMDA-receptor antagonists like memantine inhibit the excitotoxic action of glutamate in glaucoma. Furthermore, this also enables to slow down the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells. In the following case report we investigated the use and tolerability of memantine in a glaucoma patient.


METHODS
We report on a 73-year old male with progressive glaucoma damage. Treatment with memantine à 20 mg/d lasted for 6 months and was preceded by one week à 10 mg/d. Follow-ups with perimetry and VEP were performed at beginning and 2, 4, 6 and 12 months after.


RESULTS
The first control showed an improvement of perimetry. The following examinations demonstrated a stabilization of perimetry and VEP. Because of side-effects there was no tolerability of a higher dose of memantine à 30 mg/d or continuation of the therapy after 6 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Memantine seems to be neuroprotective in glaucoma patients. At present a multicentric study is under way. More results may be expected shortly.
Augenklinik der Medizinischen Hochschule Hannover, Germany. Schroeder.rust@t-online.de
Anke
A
Schröder
Carl
C
Erb
D000368:Aged; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005074:Evoked Potentials, Visual / Q000187:drug effects; D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D017889:Exfoliation Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008559:Memantine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D014794:Visual Fields / Q000187:drug effects
D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; D008559:Memantine