G. Albers, R. Atkinson, R. Kelley
Feb 1, 1995
Citations
2
Influential Citations
189
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Stroke
Abstract
Background and Purpose Dextrorphan hydrochloride is a noncompetitive N-methyl-d-aspartate antagonist that is neuroprotective in experimental models of focal brain ischemia. The purpose of this study was to determine the maximum loading dose and maintenance infusion of dextrorphan hydrochloride that are well tolerated in patients with an acute stroke. Methods An intravenous infusion of dextrorphan or placebo was begun within 48 hours of onset of a mild-to-moderate hemispheric stroke. Initially, patients were treated with either placebo (n=15) or dextrorphan (n=22) using a 1-hour loading dose (60 to 150 mg) followed by a 23-hour ascending-dose maintenance infusion (maximum total dose, 3310 mg). Subsequently, 29 patients were treated with dextrorphan in an open trial using a 1-hour loading dose (145 to 260 mg) followed by an 11-hour constant rate (30 to 70 mg/h) infusion. Results Transient and reversible adverse effects, including nystagmus, nausea, vomiting, somnolence, hallucinations, and agitation, common...