Zuclopenthixol, melperone and haloperidol/levomepromazine in the elderly. Meta-analysis of two double-blind trials at 15 nursing homes in Norway.

A meta-analysis was carried out of the data from two double-blind, multi-centre studies with identical methodology which compared the effectiveness of treatment of elderly patients with zuclopenthixol and with other antipsychotic drugs. In one study, patients were treated for 4 weeks with either zuclopenthixol or melperone; in the other, with either zuclopenthixol or a combination of haloperidol and levomepromazine. The meta-analysis evaluated the results of 96 patients, 49 in the zuclopenthixol group and 47 in the comparison group. Doses, which were adjusted to individual patient's needs, were low as shown by the percentages of defined daily doses for each of the study drugs. The results indicated that all three treatment alternatives were effective in the treatment of elderly patients with symptoms of agitation and hostility/aggressiveness. There was a trend, however, for zuclopenthixol to have a more rapid onset of effect. Zuclopenthixol also has the advantage for both patients and nursing staff that dosage is once daily. Only few and mild side-effects were reported with the three drug regimens.