Chonnam Med J.  2002 Jun;38(2):127-134.

Clinical Effects of Arotinolol (ALMARL ) for Essential Tremor

• Kim JT
• Kim BC
• Son EJ
• Kim MK
• Cho KH
• Moon JD

Abstract

Essential tremor is characterized by postural and action tremor unassociated with other neurologic signs. We investigated the effect of arotinolol, a new peripherally acting beta -adrenergic blocker, in 30 patients with essential tremor diagnosed by TRIG (Tremor Research Investigation Group) criteria. We investigated their clinical features, including tremor type, involved sites, family history, and responsiveness to arotinolol. They received 10 mg per day of arotinolol for 2 weeks initially, and then increasing in 10 mg steps every 2 week for 4 weeks. Drug responsiveness was estimated with Essential Tremor Rating Scales (ETRS) by self- assessment, and with writing letters and drawing spiral and straight lines. The mean age of patients at the onset of the tremor was 52.3 years and the average duration of the tremor was 2.3 years. Arotinolol reduced the degree of tremor in 19 (66.7%) patients and improved social activities of patients. The most effective dose of arotinolol was 30 mg/day which improved all items of ETRS, significantly. These findings suggest that arotinolol (30 mg/day) can be expected to show excellent usefulness in improving symptoms of essential tremor.

Keyword

Arotinolol; Essential Tremor; Essential Tremor Rating Scales

MeSH Terms

Essential Tremor*
Humans
Neurologic Manifestations
Tremor
Weights and Measures
Writing