Treatment of chorea associated with Huntington's disease: focus on tetrabenazine.
OBJECTIVE
Review Huntington's disease (HD) and the role of tetrabenazine (TBZ) in treating chorea associated with this disease. Discuss the pharmacology, side-effect profile, drug interactions, precautions, and contraindications of TBZ.


METHODS
Literature identified within MEDLINE and PubMED.


METHODS
Two manuscripts specifically regarding the management of chorea in patients with HD were identified. Additionally, studies involving the clinical use of TBZ were reviewed.


RESULTS
The literature identified provided information regarding the efficacy, safety, and pharmacological actions of TBZ.


CONCLUSIONS
HD is often accompanied by chorea, and the treatment with TBZ in this patient population often results in decreased chorea. Pharmacists managing patients on TBZ need to be well versed in TBZ's potential side effects, drug interactions, and unique dosing considerations.
Setter
Stephen M
SM
Washington State University/Elder Sevices, Spokane, Washington 99217, USA. ssetter@smhca.org
Neumiller
Joshua J
JJ
Dobbins
Erin K
EK
Wood
Lindy
L
Clark
Jeffrey
J
DuVall
Cristina A K
CA
Santiago
Anthony
A
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002819:Chorea / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D006816:Huntington Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D013747:Tetrabenazine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D013747:Tetrabenazine