Do Not Use Isradipine for Parkinson Disease Neuroprotection

In this randomized controlled trial, the dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker isradipine did not slow progression of disease.

In epidemiologic studies, dihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers have been associated with reduced risk for Parkinson disease (PD). To evaluate isradipine, one such calcium-channel blocker, as a treatment to slow PD progression, researchers conducted a phase III, multicenter, randomized, parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial at 57 Parkinson Study Group sites. Dopaminergic-naive patients with early-stage (duration <3 years) PD received 5 mg of immediate-release isradipine twice daily or placebo for 3 years.

A total of 336 patients were enrolled. The primary outcome — the change in the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale score over the 3-year study period — did not differ significantly between the active-treatment and p…

Reviewing Author

Michael S. Okun, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardParkinson’s Foundation; Tourette Association of America

Speaker’s BureauMedscape/WebMD CME, Movement Disorders Society CME, American Academy of Neurology CME

RoyaltiesBooks4Patients; Demos; Cambridge; Taylor and Francis; Robert Rose; Public Affairs

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health; Parkinson’s Foundation; Tourette Association of America; University of Florida Foundation

Editorial BoardsTremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements; JAMA Neurology

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesParkinson’s Foundation (Medical Advisor)