Citicoline (CDP-choline) in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Eberhardt R, Birbamer G, Gerstenbrand F, Rainer E, Traegner H.
Pharmacologic Institute for Clinical Research,
Munich, Germany.
Clin Ther 1990 Nov-Dec;12(6):489-95
Abstract
Eighty-five patients with an established diagnosis of primary Parkinson's disease were randomly assigned to receive their usual dose of levodopa (mean, 381 mg daily) plus 1,200 mg of CDP-choline daily or half their usual dose of levodopa (mean, 196 mg daily) plus the CDP-choline. Results of the Webster Rating Scale, a pegboard test, drawing, writing, and walking tests, a test of emotional state, and an overall assessment, administered before and after four weeks of treatment, revealed no significant between-group differences. Improvements on the tests were shown by more patients who received half their levodopa dose plus CDP-choline than by those who continued to receive their usual levodopa dose plus the CDP-choline. It is concluded that the levodopa-saving effect of CDP-choline could be used to decrease the incidence of side effects and retard the loss of efficacy of levodopa in long-term treatment.
