Possibilities of using naftidrofuryl in the therapy of cerebrovascular diseases: Literature review and the authors’ observations

Abstract

The efficacy of naftidrofuryl in treating cerebrovascular diseases is analyzed on the basis of a review of the Russian and foreign literature. Naftidrofuryl is a seroton 5-HT2 receptor antagonist and acts on brain energy metabolism mainly during hypoxia or ischemia. The results of preclinical studies proving the antispasmodic and neuroprotective properties of the drug and its capacity to normalize microcirculation in hypoxia are briefly considered. Experimental findings served as a basis for further studies of the efficacy of naftidrofuryl in patients with stroke, chronic cerebral ischemia, or vascular dementia. The use of naftidrofuryl (dusopharm) was demonstrated to statistically significantly enhance the efficiency of rehabilitation in post-stroke patients and to be followed by significant psychoemotional improvement. According to a Cochrane review, the naftidrofuryl-treated patients with vascular dementia showed a tendency towards better executive and cognitive functions, behavior, and mood. The drug was noted to have a positive effect on the health of patients with chronic cerebral ischemia.The authors provide the data of their trial of naftidrofuryl used in patients with dyscirculatory encephalopathy, which have confirmed its efficacy in this category of patients. The data available in the literature suggest that oral naftidrofuryl has a good tolerability and safety profile in patients with cerebrovascular diseases.

Keywords

• naftidrofuryl
• stroke
• dementia
• cerebrovascular diseases