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. 2000;2001(2):CD000464.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD000464.

Thioridazine for dementia

V Kirchner  1 , A Kelly C, R J Harvey
Affiliations

Thioridazine for dementia

V Kirchner et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2000.

Update in

  • Thioridazine for dementia.
    Kirchner V, Kelly CA, Harvey RJ. Kirchner V, et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2001;(3):CD000464. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD000464. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2001. PMID: 11686961

Abstract

Background: Neuroleptic drugs are controversial treatments in dementia, with evidence accumulating that they may hasten clinical decline. Despite these concerns, they are commonly prescribed for elderly and demented patients. Thioridazine, a phenothiazine neuroleptic, is one of the most commonly prescribed. It has often been a preferred agent because it is thought to produce relatively less frequent motor side effects. The drug has significant sedative effects, and it is thought that these are the main mechanism of action in calming and controlling the patient. However, pharmacologically, it also has marked anticholinergic properties that could potentially have a detrimental effect on cognitive function.

Objectives: To determine the evidence on which the use of thioridazine in dementia is based in terms of: 1) efficacy in controlling symptoms 2) cognitive outcome for the patient 3) safety

Search strategy: The Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and other electronic databases were searched using the terms 'thioridazine', 'melleril', 'dementia' and 'old age'. In addition, Novartis, the pharmaceutical company that developed and markets thioridazine, was approached and asked to release any published or unpublished data they had on file.

Selection criteria: Unconfounded, single-blind or double-blind, randomised trials were identified in which treatment with thioridazine was administered for more than one dose and compared to an alternative intervention in patients with dementia of any aetiology. Trials in which allocation to treatment or comparator were not truly random, or in which treatment allocation was not concealed were reviewed but are not included in the data analysis.

Data collection and analysis: Data were extracted independently by the reviewers (VC, CAK and RJH). For continuous and ordinal variables, the main outcome measures of interest were the final assessment score and the change in score from baseline to the final assessment. The assessment scores were provided by behavioural rating scales, clinical global impression scales, functional assessment scales, psychometric test scores, and frequency and severity of adverse events. Data were pooled where appropriate or possible, and the Peto odds ratio (95%CI) or the weighted mean difference (95%CI) estimated. Where possible, intention to treat data were used.

Main results: The meta-analysis showed that, compared with placebo, thioridazine reduced anxiety symptoms as evidenced by changes on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale. However, there was no significant effect on clinical global change, and a non-significant trend for higher adverse effects with thioridazine. Compared to diazepam, thioridazine was superior in terms of some anxiety symptoms, with similar adverse effects. Global clinical evaluation scales mostly did not favour either treatment. Compared to chlormethiazole, thioridazine was significantly inferior when assessed on some items of the CAPE and the Crichton Geriatric Behavioural Rating Scales. Thioridazine was also associated with significantly more dizziness. No superiority for thioridazine was shown in comparisons with etoperidone, loxapine or zuclopenthixol.

Reviewer's conclusions: Very limited data are available to support the use of thioridazine in the treatment of dementia. If thioridazine were not currently in widespread clinical use, there would be inadequate evidence to support its introduction. The only positive effect of thioridazine when compared to placebo is the reduction of anxiety. When compared to placebo, other neuroleptics, and other sedatives it has equal or higher rates of adverse effects. Clinicians should be aware that there is no evidence to support the use of thioridazine in dementia, and its use may expose patients to excess side effects.

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Conflict of interest statement

Both Richard Harvey and Con Kelly have received financial support from the pharmaceutical industry through participation in clinical trials. They have also received honoraria for speaking at meetings, travel grants to attend meetings, and have acted as paid Consultants to pharmaceutical companies including Novartis Pharma.

Figures

1.1
1.1. Analysis
Comparison 1 Thioridazine vs Diazepam, Outcome 1 Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (1 point or greater improvement).
1.2
1.2. Analysis
Comparison 1 Thioridazine vs Diazepam, Outcome 2 Clinical global evaluation (improved).
1.3
1.3. Analysis
Comparison 1 Thioridazine vs Diazepam, Outcome 3 Adverse effects.
2.1
2.1. Analysis
Comparison 2 Thioridazine vs Placebo, Outcome 1 Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (1 point or greater improvement).
2.2
2.2. Analysis
Comparison 2 Thioridazine vs Placebo, Outcome 2 Clinical global evaluation (improved).
2.3
2.3. Analysis
Comparison 2 Thioridazine vs Placebo, Outcome 3 Adverse effects (present).
3.1
3.1. Analysis
Comparison 3 Thioridazine vs Etoperidone, Outcome 1 Stuard Hospital Geriatric Rating Scale (mean change).
3.2
3.2. Analysis
Comparison 3 Thioridazine vs Etoperidone, Outcome 2 Psychiatrist's global clinical evaluation (improvement).
3.3
3.3. Analysis
Comparison 3 Thioridazine vs Etoperidone, Outcome 3 Tolerance (good).
4.1
4.1. Analysis
Comparison 4 Thioridazine vs Loxapine, Outcome 1 Clinical global evalauation (improvement).
4.2
4.2. Analysis
Comparison 4 Thioridazine vs Loxapine, Outcome 2 Adverse effects (absent).
5.1
5.1. Analysis
Comparison 5 Thioridazine vs Chlormethiazole, Outcome 1 Crichton Geriatric Behavioural Rating Scale (mean improvement from baseline).
5.2
5.2. Analysis
Comparison 5 Thioridazine vs Chlormethiazole, Outcome 2 Clifton Assessment Procedures for the Elderly (mean improvement from baseline).
5.3
5.3. Analysis
Comparison 5 Thioridazine vs Chlormethiazole, Outcome 3 Crichton Geriatric Behavioural Rating Scales (mean improvement from baseline).
5.4
5.4. Analysis
Comparison 5 Thioridazine vs Chlormethiazole, Outcome 4 Clifton Assessment Procedures for the Elderly (mean improvement from baseline).
5.5
5.5. Analysis
Comparison 5 Thioridazine vs Chlormethiazole, Outcome 5 Adverse effects (absent).
5.6
5.6. Analysis
Comparison 5 Thioridazine vs Chlormethiazole, Outcome 6 Change in Systolic Blood Pressure (mmHg).
6.1
6.1. Analysis
Comparison 6 Thioridazine vs Zuclopenthixol, Outcome 1 Adverse effects (absent).
6.2
6.2. Analysis
Comparison 6 Thioridazine vs Zuclopenthixol, Outcome 2 Clinical global evaluation (improvement).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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