The anti-spastic effect of a new drug, tizanidine, was compared with that of baclofen in a double-blind clinical trial; 40 seriously handicapped patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) were randomly allocated treatment with one or the other drug for a 6-week period. The antispastic effect was evaluated by clinical criteria. The optimal daily dose of both drugs varied considerably from patient to patient, and was on the average 23 mg for Tizanidin and 59 mg for baclofen. To the extent an antispastic effect was observed, the 2 drugs appeared to be equally effective when given at a 1:2 ratio (mg tizanidine: mg baclofen). Side effects of both drugs were sleepiness, muscular weakness and dry mouth. Tizanidine had a mild depressive effect on blood pressure. Sudden withdrawal of both drugs was accompanied by a transient relative increase of spasticity in approximately half the patients. There were no other changes suggesting physical or psychological dependence. The present study underscores that neither baclofen nor tizanidine are ideal antispastic drugs, and emphasize the need for further research.
This is a report of the first clinical trial with iohexol in lumbar myelography. The investigation was carried out as an open, non-comparative study in 30 patients and was part of a multicentre trial. Iohexol doses of 10 to 15 ml (180 mg I/ml) were used and clinical and laboratory tests were performed before and during 48 h after myelography. Spinal repuncture 6 or 24 h after myelography was done in all patients. Only minor side effects of temporary duration were recorded in 8 patients. No seizures or spikes on EEG were seen. There was no significant increase in CSF parameters such as white cell counts, protein or IgG.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.