Flupirtine: pharmacology and clinical applications of a nonopioid analgesic and potentially neuroprotective compound.
BACKGROUND
Flupirtine is a nonopioid drug without antipyretic or antiphlogistic properties and with a favorable tolerability. It constitutes a unique class within the group of nonsteroidal analgesics and displays a peculiar pharmacodynamic profile that invites the investigation of applications beyond the pain-relieving effect.


OBJECTIVE
This review describes and evaluates the pharmacologic and clinical literature regarding flupirtine and discusses its future potential.


METHODS
A search of the primary literature and conference abstracts was conducted using the keyword 'flupirtine'. Resulting articles were compiled and analyzed for this review.


CONCLUSIONS
Although flupirtine has gained a firm place in the treatment of acute and chronic pain in various clinical settings since its introduction, a broader range of applications remains to be explored in clinical trials. Possible neuroprotective effects due to N-methyl-d-aspartate antagonistic properties of flupirtine might be promising in the treatment of Creutzfeld-Jakob disease, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis. Trials in these fields are forthcoming.
Klawe
C
C
Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Nordallee 1, 54292 Trier, Germany.
Maschke
M
M
D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D000631:Aminopyridines / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000700:Analgesics / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000631:Aminopyridines; D000700:Analgesics; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; C034161:flupirtine