A double-blind comparative multicentre study of controlled-release remoxipride, immediate-release remoxipride and haloperidol in schizophrenia

Abstract

A double-blind multicentre study comparing the efficacy and safety of remoxipride in controlled-release formulation (REM-CR), given once a day, and immediate-release formulation (REM-IR) and haloperidol, given twice daily, was conducted in patients with schizophrenic illness. In total, 150 inpatients were randomized: 49, 51 and 50 in the REM-CR, REM-IR, and haloperidol groups, respectively. The mean daily dose of REM-CR during the last week of treatment was 361 mg, that of REM-IR 332 mg. In the haloperidol group the corresponding dose was 12.5mg per day. The study treatment period was four weeks. The median BPRS total score was 37.5 in the REM-CR group at start of treatment, and 14.5 at last rating (n = 38). For the REM-IR group and the haloperidol group the corresponding figures were 36.0 and 38.0 at start of treatment and 18.0 (n = 43) and 16.5 (n = 40) at last rating. No statistically significant differences were found between the treatments. Therapy-emergent extrapyramidal symptoms (Simpson & Angus rating scale) were significantly (p less than 0.05) more frequent and more severe during haloperidol than during REM-CR and REM-IR treatment, despite significantly higher concurrent use of anticholinergic drugs in the haloperidol group.--REM-CR was comparable in efficacy and tolerability to REM-IR. The tolerability profile favoured both remoxipride formulations over haloperidol. Evaluation of the clinical chemistry, haematology, and cardiovascular data showed no clinically significant deleterious effects on any organ system for either drug.