title: Effects of common medications on cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid haemorrhage.
abstract: Cerebral vasospasm is a common and serious complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). At present, no consistently effective preventative and therapeutic measures are available, perhaps because of incomplete understanding of the pathogenesis of vasospasm. Experimental studies provide evidence that the incidence and severity of vasospasm after SAH can be modulated by drugs that affect neurotransmitter levels, intracellular signalling mechanisms, vascular smooth muscle function, inflammation and cellular proliferation, and the concentration of 'spasmogenic' factors. Preliminary clinical studies indicate that some illicit drugs and common prescription medications can have similar effects in humans. Recognition of these pharmacological effects is important because medications that can worsen or alleviate vasospasm are frequently administered to SAH patients to treat coincident medical problems.
authors.affiliation: Akdeniz University Hospitals, Neurology Department, Antalya, 07059, Turkey. matopcuoglu@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Mehmet Akif
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Topcuoglu
authors.forename: Aneesh B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Singhal
mesh_terms: D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020030:Nitric Oxide Donors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015995:Prevalence; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013345:Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / Q000150:complications*; D020301:Vasospasm, Intracranial / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D020030:Nitric Oxide Donors