Effects of common medications on cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid haemorrhage

Topcuoglu M., Singhal A.

EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG SAFETY, vol.5, no.1, pp.57-65, 2006 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 5 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2006
  • Doi Number: 10.1517/14740338.5.1.57
  • Journal Name: EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG SAFETY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.57-65
  • Keywords: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, aspirin, calcium channel blocker, HMG-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, nitric oxide (NO), selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI), statin, subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), sympathomimetics, vasospasm, PROTEIN-KINASE-C, RENIN-ANGIOTENSIN SYSTEM, CONVERTING ENZYME-INHIBITOR, DELAYED ISCHEMIC DEFICITS, SMOOTH-MUSCLE CELLS, NITRIC-OXIDE, TRANSDERMAL NITROGLYCERIN, SIGNALING MECHANISMS, BLOOD-PRESSURE, VASCULAR-TONE
  • Akdeniz University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Cerebral vasospasm is a common and serious complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). At present, no consistently effective preventative and therapeutic measures are available, perhaps because of incomplete understanding of the pathogenesis of vasospasm. Experimental studies provide evidence that the incidence and severity of vasospasm after SAH can be modulated by drugs that affect neurotransmitter levels, intracellular signalling mechanisms, vascular smooth muscle function, inflammation and cellular proliferation, and the concentration of 'spasmogenic' factors. Preliminary clinical studies indicate that some illicit drugs and common prescription medications can have similar effects in humans. Recognition of these pharmacological effects is important because medications that can worsen or alleviate vasospasm are frequently administered to SAH patients to treat coincident medical problems.