Ibudilast: a review of its pharmacology, efficacy and safety in respiratory and neurological disease.
Ibudilast is a relatively nonselective phosphodiesterase inhibitor which has been marketed for almost 20 years in Japan for treating asthma. More recently it has been found to have anti-inflammatory activity in both the peripheral immune system and in the CNS via glial cell attenuation. This CNS-directed anti-inflammatory activity is of potential use in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, neuropathic pain, and in the improved efficacy and safety of opioids by decreasing opioid tolerance, withdrawal and reinforcement. Its suitable pharmacokinetics and generally good tolerability make it a promising potential treatment for these conditions.
Rolan
P
P
University of Adelaide, Discipline of Pharmacology, Adelaide 5005, Australia. paul.rolan@adelaide.edu.au
Hutchinson
Mr
M
Johnson
Kw
K
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011725:Pyridines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007212:Indolizines; D011720:Pyrazoles
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D011725:Pyridines; C038366:ibudilast; D007212:Indolizines; D011720:Pyrazoles