Treatment of chorea associated with Huntington's disease: focus on tetrabenazine.

OBJECTIVE

Review Huntington's disease (HD) and the role of tetrabenazine (TBZ) in treating chorea associated with this disease. Discuss the pharmacology, side-effect profile, drug interactions, precautions, and contraindications of TBZ.

DATA SOURCES: Literature identified within MEDLINE and PubMED.

STUDY SELECTION: Two manuscripts specifically regarding the management of chorea in patients with HD were identified. Additionally, studies involving the clinical use of TBZ were reviewed.

DATA SYNTHESIS: The literature identified provided information regarding the efficacy, safety, and pharmacological actions of TBZ.

CONCLUSION

HD is often accompanied by chorea, and the treatment with TBZ in this patient population often results in decreased chorea. Pharmacists managing patients on TBZ need to be well versed in TBZ's potential side effects, drug interactions, and unique dosing considerations.