Effects of intratympanic injection of latanoprost in Meniere's disease: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, pilot study.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the short-term effects of latanoprost, a selective FP prostanoid receptor agonist, in Meniere's disease.

STUDY DESIGN AND

METHODS

Latanoprost was administered by intratympanic injection once daily for 3 days. Before the first injection (day 1) and on days 5 and 15, hearing and tinnitus were determined. The patients assessed vertigo on a visual analogue scale on days 1-15. The study was randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled.

RESULTS

Latanoprost reduced vertigo/dysequilibrium around 30% (P < 0.05), and improved speech discrimination around 15% (P < 0.05). Tinnitus loudness deteriorated after injection of placebo (P < 0.01) but not after latanoprost. Side effects were few.

CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: Latanoprost alleviated vertigo/dysequilibrium and improved hearing. The results indicate that the drug potentially could be useful for treatment of Meniere's disease.