Epalrestat, an aldose reductase inhibitor, in diabetic neuropathy: an Indian perspective.
BACKGROUND
A number of diabetic patients with diabetic neuropathy, in India, were treated with epalrestat, an aldose reductase inhibitor. In this study, more than 2000 patients with diabetic neuropathy, who were treated with epalrestat for 3-12 months, were analyzed to assess the efficacy and the adverse reactions of the drug.


METHODS
We analyzed the subjective symptoms (spontaneous pain, numbness, coldness and hypoesthesia) and the nerve function tests (motor nerve conduction velocity, sensory nerve conduction velocity and vibration threshold).


RESULTS
The improvement rate of the subjective symptoms was 75% (slightly improved or better) and that of the nerve function tests 36%. Adverse drug reactions were encountered in 52 (2.5%) of the 2190 patients, none of which was severe.


CONCLUSIONS
Although data are limited, it is strongly suggested that epalrestat is a highly effective and safe agent for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.
Sharma
S R
SR
Department of Neurology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, India. srmsims_sharma@rediffmail.com
Sharma
Nalini
N