You are in: eMedicine Specialties > Neurology > Neuromuscular Diseases Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating PolyradiculoneuropathyArticle Last Updated: Jan 8, 2007AUTHOR AND EDITOR INFORMATIONAuthor: Richard A Lewis, MD, Associate Chairman, Program Director, Professor, Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine Richard A Lewis is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, American Society of Neuroimaging, and Medical Society of Virginia Coauthor(s): Marina Zvartau-Hind, MD, Ph, Director of Clinical Neurology, GlaxoSmithKline, UK Editors: Dianna Quan, MD, Director, Electromyography Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Assistant Professor, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center; Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine; Florian P Thomas, MD, MA, PhD, Drmed, Director, Spinal Cord Injury Unit, St Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center; Director, National MS Society Multiple Sclerosis Center; Associate Program Director, Professor, Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Associate Professor, Institute for Molecular Virology, and Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, St Louis University; Selim R Benbadis, MD, Professor, Director of Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of South Florida School of Medicine, Tampa General Hospital; Nicholas Y Lorenzo, MD, Chief Editor, eMedicine Neurology; Consulting Staff, Neurology Specialists and Consultants Author and Editor Disclosure Synonyms and related keywords: chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, CIDP, chronic acquired demyelinating polyneuropathies, CADP, acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, AIDP, Guillain-Barré syndrome, GBS, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, monoclonal gammopathies, multifocal motor neuropathy, MMN, acquired purely motor neuropathy, lower motor neuron-type deficits, multifocal sensorimotor neuropathy, sensorimotor mononeuropathy multiplex, Lewis-Sumner neuropathy, sensory predominant CADP, polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, POEMS, CADP associated with diabetes mellitus, sensorimotor disorder INTRODUCTIONBackgroundThe term chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) has been used to identify patients with a chronically progressive or relapsing symmetric sensorimotor disorder with cytoalbuminologic dissociation and interstitial and perivascular endoneurial infiltration by lymphocytes and macrophages. In many ways, CIDP can be considered the chronic equivalent of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP), the most common form of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). A number of variants of CIDP have been described that have immune or inflammatory aspects and electrophysiologic and/or pathologic evidence of demyelination in common. No consensus exists on the best approach to the nomenclature of these disorders. CIDP is a major subset of chronic acquired demyelinating polyneuropathies (CADP). In this context, CIDP is considered when patients have a symmetric proximal and distal motor predominant disorder. CIDP variants include patients with predominantly sensory symptoms, those with a distal symmetric disorder (DADS), those with multifocal sensorimotor neuropathy or sensorimotor mononeuropathy multiplex with prominent conduction block (also known as Lewis-Sumner neuropathy), and those with CIDP with associated CNS demyelination or with other systemic disorders. The following disorders are considered distinct from CIDP because they have specific pathophysiologic features and respond to treatments differently than do patients with CIDP: Demyelinating neuropathies associated with immunoglobulin M (IgM) paraproteins, including those with anti–myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) antibodies; polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome; and multifocal motor neuropathy. PathophysiologyCIDP is presumed to occur because of immunologic antibody-mediated reaction along with interstitial and perivascular infiltration of the endoneurium with inflammatory T cells and macrophages. The consequence is a segmental demyelination of peripheral nerves. Human leukocyte antigens Dw3, DRw3, A1, and B8 occur more frequently in patients with CIDP than in the healthy population. Cytoalbuminologic dissociation is a characteristic finding in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pointing to nerve root involvement. Occasionally, CSF studies reveal mild lymphocytic pleocytosis and elevation of gamma globulin level, but this is observed most frequently in HIV-positive patients. FrequencyInternationalCIDP is uncommon. The prevalence of CIDP is difficult to ascertain but estimates have ranged from 0.8-1.9 cases per 100,000 population. Mortality/MorbidityCIDP most commonly has an insidious onset and either chronic progressive or relapsing course. Occasionally, complete remissions occur. Quadriplegia, respiratory failure, and death have been described but are rare. RaceNo racial predilection has been identified. SexBoth sexes are affected. Of CADP variants, multifocal motor neuropathy has a male predominance of at least 2:1 based on a survey of the largest case series. AgeCIDP may occur at any age, but it is more common in the fifth and sixth decades. Relapsing course is associated with younger age of patients (third and fourth decades). CIDP has been described in childhood. CLINICALHistoryCIDP most frequently starts insidiously and evolves slowly, either in a slowly progressive (more than 60% of patients) or relapsing manner (approximately one third of patients), with partial or complete recovery between recurrences.
PhysicalPertinent findings are limited to the nervous system, except for cases of CADP associated with other diseases, as already mentioned. Depending on the associated systemic disorder, abnormalities on physical examination may be found in multiple organ systems. Patients should be examined in detail for signs of autoimmune, inflammatory, and neoplastic conditions.
CausesCIDP is most frequently an idiopathic illness, but it has been known to occur with several conditions. In those cases, the associated condition is included in the main diagnosis (eg, CIDP with systemic lupus erythematosus, CIDP with HIV infection) to separate those cases from the idiopathic variety. Most reported conditions associated with CIDP are listed below.
DIFFERENTIALSAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
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| Drug Name | Plasmapheresis |
|---|---|
| Description | Two controlled and blinded studies have confirmed benefit of plasmapheresis. Proposed mechanism is removal of antibodies and complement components that are responsible for immune-mediated damage of peripheral nerves. Plasma removed from blood through method similar to dialysis. Requires 2 large-bore needles, one to remove whole blood and other to return blood cells with albumin and saline. Patients whose veins are not large enough for repeated needle insertions have double-lumen catheter placed, either Quinton catheter (can be kept in for few weeks) or Permacath (can remain inserted indefinitely). Has been shown to have similar efficacy as IVIg in treatment of CIDP. |
| Adult Dose | Based on body weight and size to determine plasma volume; commonly, patients undergo 3 plasma exchanges per wk for first 2 wk; after that, number and frequency of treatments determined by clinical response; response tends to last for 2-4 wk and must be repeated to sustain improvement; some patients require more frequent treatment; remission is uncommon if plasmapheresis is sole therapy |
| Pediatric Dose | Based on body weight and size |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; contraindications to permanent line placement; heart disease; cardiac risk factors; coagulation problems; hypocalcemia; sensitivity to fluid imbalance |
| Interactions | Pheresis removes medications that are circulating in plasma; dosing adjustments may be necessary |
| Pregnancy | D - Unsafe in pregnancy |
| Precautions | Can be classified as device or procedure related Device-related risk factors include RBC hemolysis, overheating of blood, and inaccurate delivery of anticoagulant and/or replacement fluids Procedure-related risk factors include citrate-induced hypocalcemia; replacement with fluids depleted of coagulation factors, proteins, or electrolytes can lead to problems; replacement fluids containing plasma have capacity to transmit infection; allergic reactions can lead to anaphylaxis; hemorrhage and DIC can occur; activation of coagulation, complement, fibrinolytic cascades, and/or aggregation of platelets is potential risk Problems with vascular access can be significant, such as sepsis, penetration, and thrombosis with subsequent systemic embolism; use special caution in patients with heart disease or risk factors |
| Drug Name | Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) |
|---|---|
| Description | Multiple clinical trials establish efficacy. Solution for IV infusion that is composed mostly of heterogenous human IgG but also small amounts of IgA and IgM. Its proposed mechanism of action based on thought that IVIg contains random set of antibodies that would neutralize immune factors, causing damage to peripheral nerve in CIDP. Used in infectious diseases to provide immediate passive immunity in situations in which time constraints do not allow development of active immunity via vaccination. Also used to treat multiple immune-mediated conditions, such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, GBS, and myasthenia gravis. Activates complement cascade and provides multitude of antibodies capable of neutralization of many microorganisms, toxins, viruses, and presumably autoantibodies. Latter mechanism possibly underlies effect in CIDP. Several studies showed significant benefit in CIDP; this makes it useful alternative to plasmapheresis. On average, improvement seen by day 10 and continues through day 42. Serum half-life approximately 21-29 d. Patients usually require repeated treatments every few weeks or months to maintain remission or treat recurrences. |
| Adult Dose | For treatment of CIDP, total dose is 2 g/kg, IV usually divided into 5 daily doses of 400 mg/kg; effect tends to be for 2-4 wk and must be repeated to sustain improvement; remission from IVIg as sole therapy is unusual ( <10%) |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established; 2 g/kg (as in adults) recommended |
| Contraindications | Absolute: IgA deficiency Relative: Documented hypersensitivity; hypogammaglobulinemia; pregnancy; breastfeeding; diabetes; cardiac disease; elderly patients; hypovolemia; maltose, sucrose, or egg hypersensitivity; renal insufficiency; sepsis |
| Interactions | Patients receiving IVIg are not to receive live virus vaccines for 2 wk before infusion and for 3 mo after because antibodies in IVIg can prevent immunization effect |
| Pregnancy | C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. |
| Precautions | Hypersensitivity (anaphylactic reactions have occurred); injection site reactions are possible as well as reaction to infusion, including chills, back pain, diaphoresis, fever, hypotension, myalgias, nausea, and vomiting; premedication with diphenhydramine (25-50 mg IV 30 min before infusion) recommended Renal impairment (increased risk of renal tubular necrosis, particularly in presence of hypovolemia) Crosses placenta (in increasing amounts after 30 wk gestation) and may be excreted into milk During few weeks after IVIg therapy, some blood tests, such as complement components levels, sedimentation rate, protein electrophoresis, and serologic tests for antibodies, are not reliable |
| Drug Name | Prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, Meticorten) |
|---|---|
| Description | Oral corticosteroid that suppresses inflammation and immune responses by altering protein synthesis in cells. Naturally occurring hormone that crosses cell membranes to bind to cytoplasmic receptors. Some mechanisms of action in CIDP are altering mediator function at site of inflammation and suppressing immune response. Controlled trial demonstrated efficacy of oral prednisone. |
| Adult Dose | Doses vary; most patients are started on prednisone at 1 mg/kg/d PO initially (60-80 mg/d) Improvement can be anticipated within next 2 mo; further on, dosing converted to alternate-day treatment and then titrated to lowest effective dose that allows maintaining patient in remission; some clinicians use weekly high-dose PO or IV corticosteroids (500 mg Solu-Medrol) instead of daily or alternate-day prednisone and believe this is at least as effective and better tolerated |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established; because of severity of adverse effects in children, use lowest possible dose |
| Contraindications | Absolute: Cushing syndrome; fungal and some viral (measles, varicella) infections Relative: Documented hypersensitivity; breastfeeding; children; acute infection; cataracts; glaucoma; coagulopathy; diabetes; infections; severe hypertension; GI problems; recent surgery or vaccination; osteoporosis; psychosis |
| Interactions | Significant effects occur when taken together with a few medication groups, such as antithyroid and thyroid replacement medications (eg, hyperthyroidism increases and hypothyroidism decreases prednisone metabolism), anticoagulants (prednisone can increase coagulability and thus decrease effect), barbiturates (induce hepatic enzymes), cholinesterase inhibitors, and neuromuscular blockers (acutely prednisone can induce decreased neuromuscular junction conduction), diuretics, estrogens, NSAIDs, salicylates (GI adverse effects), vaccines, and others |
| Pregnancy | B - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh the risks. |
| Precautions | Pregnancy Category B, but hydrocortisone classified as category D, probably reflecting more experience with use in pregnancy; miscarriages, stillbirth, and malformations are known to occur with use of prednisone in pregnant women; monitor infants and treat for adrenal insufficiency; precautions in children include growth retardation, altered bone development, and multiple other adverse effects, which should lead to use in children only when absolutely necessary and to precautions and careful monitoring Do not stop abruptly—taper off over period of time, length of which depends on duration and dose of treatment, because of potential for withdrawal effects Musculoskeletal system risks include osteoporosis, fractures, and avascular necrosis (institute prophylactic measures); myopathy can occur; cataracts are known adverse effect, as is exacerbation of glaucoma (follow-up care with ophthalmologist needed in long-term use); vigorous glucose control necessary in patients with diabetes mellitus because of tendency for increased blood glucose with prednisone use; ulcers are frequent complication (use prophylactic H2 blocker); increases risk for infections Weight changes, variety of psychiatric adverse effects, sleep disorders, amenorrhea, and other problems encountered; patients must be aware of potential problems |
| Drug Name | Azathioprine (Imuran) |
|---|---|
| Description | Purine analog that decreases metabolism of purines and also may inhibit DNA and RNA synthesis. Reduces disability and symptoms of CIDP by suppressing immune-mediated damage to nerves. A small trial did not show any beneficial effect but data are insufficient to draw conclusions. |
| Adult Dose | Initial dose: 50 mg PO qd, increased gradually to total daily dosage of 2-3 mg/kg/d PO Therapeutic dose of azathioprine difficult to determine for each patient; some evidence suggests that elevations of RBC volume (MCV) indicate therapeutic dosing Therapeutic response may take > 6 mo to become apparent |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Absolute: Pregnancy and breastfeeding Relative: Documented hypersensitivity; bone marrow suppression; liver or kidney problems; infection |
| Interactions | ACE inhibitors cause severe leukopenia and anemia; other immunosuppressants and vaccines also cause significant interactions; carbamazepine can worsen marrow suppression |
| Pregnancy | D - Unsafe in pregnancy |
| Precautions | Can lead to various GI symptoms and ulcer formation with delayed healing (use with prophylactic agent to prevent ulcers); can lead to severe leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia (strictly monitor blood counts: obtain CBC count before treatment, every 1-2 wk for first few months, then monthly; in author's practice, WBC count of 3000/µL considered warning, requiring closer monitoring of WBC counts and infection precautions; 2000/µL considered sign to stop medication) As immune suppressant, places patients at risk for infections Monitor hepatic enzymes because of risk of liver failure (same frequency as monitoring of CBC count); caution should be used if new elevation of liver enzymes up to twice normal level noted; if stopping drug brings liver enzymes back to normal, drug can be tried again at later date, although with special caution; an idiosyncratic reaction can occur within days of initiation of treatment, including fever, jaundice, nausea and vomiting, and elevation of hepatic enzymes Discontinuation of drug usually results in complete resolution of symptoms; restarting drug does not always result in same reaction but should be considered carefully Studies showed significant risk to fetus (on occasion benefits for mother can outweigh risk to fetus) |
| Drug Name | Mycophenolate (CellCept) |
|---|---|
| Description | Prodrug for immunosuppressive agent mycophenolic acid. Inhibits lymphocyte purine synthesis by inhibiting enzyme inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase. Reports of efficacy but no large controlled trials. |
| Adult Dose | 250 mg to 3 g/d PO; adjust dose depending on clinical effect |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; bone marrow suppression; infections; GI problems; phenylketonuria; pregnancy; breastfeeding; renal failure; vaccination |
| Interactions | Antacids decrease bioavailability; other immunosuppressive agents can worsen marrow suppression; thrombolytic agent or anticoagulant can increase risk of bleeding; has additive GI effect with salicylates and NSAIDs; can alter efficacy of oral contraceptives and vaccines |
| Pregnancy | C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. |
| Precautions | Can lead to various GI symptoms and ulcer formation with delayed healing (use with prophylactic agent; however, antacids impair bioavailability); can lead to leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia (monitor blood counts); as immune suppressant, places patients at risk of infections; monitor creatinine and liver enzymes (liver toxicity is much less likely than with azathioprine); effect on human pregnancy has not been studied but had teratogenic effects in animal studies |
| Drug Name | Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral) |
|---|---|
| Description | Cyclic polypeptide consisting of 11 amino acids; effective in many autoimmune conditions. Inhibits first phase of T cell activation and does not affect humoral immunity. By suppressing T cells, may inhibit cell-mediated nerve damage at site of inflammatory/immune reaction. Small trial showed efficacy but data still insufficient to draw conclusions. |
| Adult Dose | 5 mg/kg/d PO divided bid initially; increase dose according to response and monitoring of trough concentrations Trough and peak levels should be monitored to register efficacy and avoid toxicity; although no definitive desirable trough level has been identified specifically for CIDP, usual trough levels utilized for immunologic disorders are between 100 and 250 |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Absolute: Documented hypersensitivity; breastfeeding Relative: Liver, biliary tract, or kidney disease; children (since no well-controlled studies have been performed); elderly patients; females of childbearing age; infections; hyperuricemia; pregnancy; radiation treatments; vaccinations; skin abnormalities |
| Interactions | Significant interactions exist with multiple medications, such as ACE inhibitors (causes severe leukopenia and anemia), other immunosuppressants, vaccines, antibiotics such as aminoglycosides and vancomycin (additive nephrotoxicity), androgens (decrease cyclosporine clearance), corticosteroids, estrogens, NSAIDs (additive GI adverse effects), neuromuscular blockers (prolonged effect), diuretics, and others |
| Pregnancy | C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. |
| Precautions | Monitor elderly patients particularly carefully because of risk of systolic hypertension and decreased CrCl; females of childbearing age should use contraception because of effects on fetus; known to be embryotoxic and fetotoxic, causing premature birth, low birth weight, and malformations; can be used if benefit for mother outweighs risks to fetus; excreted in breast milk, and breastfeeding is contraindicated; monitoring of creatinine and liver enzymes, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase important |
| Drug Name | Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) |
|---|---|
| Description | Cell-cycle phase-nonspecific antineoplastic agent and immunosuppressant that acts as alkylating agent. |
| Adult Dose | 1-2 mg/kg/d PO or monthly pulse IV; dosing based on body size used; usually a 6-mo treatment period used; dose adjusted to reduce WBC count to 2000-3000/µL; reports describe high-dose ablative therapy (which reduces WBC counts to 0) having efficacy in patients with otherwise severe and refractory disease |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Absolute: Breastfeeding; dehydration; infection Relative: Documented hypersensitivity; bone marrow suppression; dental work; gout; hyperuricemia; hemorrhagic cystitis; pregnancy; radiation treatment; vaccinations |
| Interactions | Other immunosuppressive agents can worsen marrow suppression; thrombolytic agent or anticoagulant can increase risk of bleeding; has additive GI effect with salicylates and NSAIDs; enzyme inducers such as phenytoin and barbiturates can increase toxic effects; multiple medications, including prednisone, can alter efficacy; can alter efficacy of vaccines |
| Pregnancy | D - Unsafe in pregnancy |
| Precautions | Hemorrhagic cystitis is serious complication, and vigorous hydration has to be instituted in all patients; can lead to various GI symptoms and ulcer formation with delayed healing (use with prophylactic agent); can lead to leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia (monitor blood counts); as immune suppressant, places patients at risk for infections Teratogenic—use in pregnancy should be greatly discouraged, particularly in first trimester Variety of other adverse effects must be monitored, and patients must be aware of them, including alopecia, allergic reactions, infertility, myocarditis and pericarditis, nephrolithiasis, and secondary malignancy |
In patients with CIDP, a variety of medications is used for treatment of neuropathic pain. Antiepileptic medications are quite effective. The 2 most frequently used medications, gabapentin and carbamazepine, are described.
| Drug Name | Gabapentin (Neurontin) |
|---|---|
| Description | Known to effect to GABA, but exact binding site unknown. Also has effects on calcium channels. Mostly used for treatment of epilepsy and neuropathic pain; 100-, 300-, and 400-mg cap and 600- and 800-mg film-coated tab are available. |
| Adult Dose | Starting dose depends on patient age and renal function; initial maintenance dose usually 300 mg PO tid; slow increase in dose may minimize adverse effects Many patients require 1800-3600 mg/d to reach therapeutic effect; adjust dose for CrCl in patients with renal failure |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established; may use 30-60 mg/kg/d PO tid; as in adults, begin with lowest possible dose |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; children; elderly patients; pregnancy; breastfeeding; renal impairment; driving or operating machinery |
| Interactions | Not appreciably metabolized; does not interfere with metabolism of most medications; cimetidine mildly decreases renal excretion of gabapentin; minimally decreases level of norethindrone (oral contraceptive pill component); give at least 2 h following Maalox administration (otherwise Maalox reduces bioavailability) |
| Pregnancy | C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. |
| Precautions | Do not discontinue abruptly because of increased risk of seizure; dose adjustment required for patients with renal failure; caution in patients with jobs demanding high alertness, in elderly patients, and with driving because of potential to cause somnolence and fatigue; most common adverse reactions are somnolence, dizziness, ataxia, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue; has been shown to cause delayed ossification of several bones in skull, vertebrae, forelimbs, and hindlimbs in rodents; because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, use during pregnancy only if potential benefits justify potential risk to fetus |
| Drug Name | Carbamazepine (Tegretol) |
|---|---|
| Description | Blocks use-dependent sodium channels and inhibits sustained repetitive firing as well as reduces posttetanic potentiation of synaptic transmission in spinal cord. Potent enzyme inducer that can induce own metabolism. Used as anticonvulsant and for treatment of neuropathic pain. Available in chewable 100-mg tab, in tab of 200 mg, XR tab of 100, 200, and 400 mg, and as susp of 100 mg/5 mL. |
| Adult Dose | 400 mg PO divided bid; slowly increase in divided doses (tid for regular, bid for XR) |
| Pediatric Dose | 10-35 mg/kg/d PO bid/qid; as in adults, use/begin with lowest possible dose |
| Contraindications | Absolute: Documented hypersensitivity; agranulocytosis; bone marrow suppression; cardiac conduction block Relative: Renal impairment; atonic, myoclonic, or absence seizures; barbiturate or hydantoin hypersensitivity; cardiac disease including coronary artery disease; driving or operating machinery; alcoholism; breastfeeding; pregnancy; elderly patients; glaucoma; hematologic disease; hepatic disease; hyponatremia; jaundice; neonates; psychosis |
| Interactions | Induces hepatic microsomal enzymes, which, in turn, accelerate carbamazepine metabolism or metabolism of other drugs; interactions between carbamazepine and other anticonvulsants are variable and complicated; can decrease effectiveness of oral contraceptive pills, phenothiazines, antidepressants, barbiturates, corticosteroids, and antiretroviral protease inhibitors; in turn, enzyme-inducing medications can alter metabolism of carbamazepine; antineoplastic agents can exacerbate hematologic toxicity |
| Pregnancy | D - Unsafe in pregnancy |
| Precautions | Monitor WBC counts closely because of risk of agranulocytosis and aplastic anemia; monitor sodium levels because of possibility of hyponatremia and SIADH; monitor liver enzymes because of possibility of elevation with risk of hepatic failure with or without hepatitis Patients should report any rash immediately—toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and exfoliative dermatitis are observed with use Cardiac adverse effects include arrhythmia exacerbation, worsening of preexisting block, and new conduction block Neurological adverse effects include ataxia, diplopia, aseptic meningitis, confusion, drowsiness, and nystagmus Due to teratogenicity, should be used in pregnancy only if benefits outweigh risks; has been implicated in a number of fetal abnormalities, particularly neural tube defects |
These medications are used frequently for the treatment of neuropathic pain. The most traditionally used medication, amitriptyline, is discussed.
| Drug Name | Amitriptyline (Elavil) |
|---|---|
| Description | Tertiary amine TCA known to decrease reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Has been used more than other newer TCAs and has more proven benefits, although other TCAs, such as desipramine and nortriptyline, are also quite potent and have fewer adverse effects. Tab available in 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 150 mg. |
| Adult Dose | 10-150 mg/d PO can be used; start at low doses hs, then increase doses depending on clinical response |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Absolute: Documented hypersensitivity; acute MI; heart block; prolonged QT; ileus; use of radiographic contrast metrizamide Relative: Alcohol or substance abuse; breastfeeding; pregnancy; agranulocytosis; use of anticholinergic medications; asthma; bipolar disorder; children; elderly patients; glaucoma; diabetes mellitus; driving or operating machinery; liver disease; GI disease; hematologic problems; thyroid problems; prostatic hypertrophy; urinary retention; Parkinson disease; seizures; thrombocytopenia |
| Interactions | Interacts with multiple medications; anticonvulsants may require increased doses for adequate seizure control; clonidine can lead to dangerous hypertension; antimuscarinics may cause additive anticholinergic effects; other psychiatric medications such as hypnotics and sedatives can worsen depressant effects and lead to hypotension, somnolence, and respiratory depression; MAOIs can lead to hypertension, hyperthermia, and seizures; increases pressor effects of sympathomimetics; thyroid hormones may increase receptor sensitivity to amitriptyline |
| Pregnancy | D - Unsafe in pregnancy |
| Precautions | Obtain ECG and detailed cardiac history prior to beginning treatment, since drug increases risk of conduction abnormalities; ECG also is suggested when dose raised to >75 mg/d; do not use in patients with risk factors or cardiac history Lowers seizure threshold and may induce seizures or compromise seizure control in patients with epilepsy; monitor level of anticonvulsants Decreased libido, impotence, ejaculatory dysfunction, galactorrhea, and gynecomastia may occur (make patients aware) Use in pregnancy only when benefits clearly outweigh risks; risk of malformation, developmental delay, and withdrawal at birth Variety of other adverse effects must be monitored, and patients must be aware of them, including anxiety, blurred vision, sedation, urinary retention, and withdrawal symptoms after rapid cessation |
| Drug Name | Pregabalin (Lyrica) |
|---|---|
| Description | Thought to have similar mode of action to gabapentin. Clinical trials have shown efficacy for diabetic neuropathy and shingles induced neuropathic pain. |
| Adult Dose | Starting dose: 150 mg/d PO divided bid/tid Maintenance dose: 300 mg/d PO divided bid/tid |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; children; elderly patients; pregnancy; breastfeeding; renal impairment; driving or operating machinery |
| Interactions | Not appreciably metabolized; does not interfere with metabolism of most medications; no effect on level of norethindrone (oral contraceptive pill component) |
| Pregnancy | C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. |
| Precautions | Do not discontinue abruptly because of increased risk of seizure; dose adjustment required for patients with renal failure; caution in patients with jobs demanding high alertness, in elderly patients, and with driving because of potential to cause somnolence and fatigue; most common adverse reactions are somnolence, dizziness, ataxia, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue; edema and weight gain may occur |
| Drug Name | Duloxetine (Cymbalta) |
|---|---|
| Description | Duloxetine clinical trials have shown efficacy in diabetic neuropathy pain and for depression. It is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. |
| Adult Dose | Starting dose: 30 mg PO qd Maintenance dose: 60 mg PO qd in either one or two divided doses (30 mg bid) |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma; within 14 d of stopping MAOI use (do not initiate MAOIs within 5 d of stopping duloxetine) |
| Interactions | CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 responsible for metabolism; interacts with paroxetine, fluoxetine, and quinidine (CYP2D6 inhibitors); TCAs, phenothiazines, antiarrhythmics (propafenone, flecainide) may interact (CYP2D6 metabolized drugs); alcohol-CNS acting drugs; MAOIs; gastric acidity drugs |
| Pregnancy | C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. |
| Precautions | Observe closely for clinical worsening and suicidality when initiating treatment or following dosage change; gradually decrease dose when discontinuing, do not abruptly discontinue; caution with hepatic impairment or end-stage renal disease; recommended not to prescribe to patients with substantial alcohol use or evidence of chronic liver disease; may cause slight blood pressure increase; may activate mania or hypomania; common adverse effects include nausea, dry mouth, constipation, decreased appetite, fatigue, somnolence, and increased sweating |
| Media file 1: Electromyography of a patient with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy illustrating conduction block, temporal dispersion of compound muscle action potential, prolonged distal latencies, and slowed conduction. | |
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| Media file 2: Prolonged F wave latencies (normal is <31). | |
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| Media file 3: Electron micrograph of the peripheral nerve of a patient with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. Note "onion bulb" formation in the myelin sheath of the nerve fibers due to continuous demyelination and remyelination. Courtesy of A. Sima, MD, Department of Pathology, Wayne State University. | |
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Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy excerpt
Article Last Updated: Jan 8, 2007