Picrotoxin for vertigo control in Ménière's disease and other peripheral vestibular disorders: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to systematically review and analyse the literature regarding clinical application of picrotoxin for vertigo caused by peripheral vestibular disorders.

METHODS

We conducted a search in PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses recommendations. The primary selection included all studies exploring the effect of this phytopharmacological substance on the vestibular system and vertigo. The secondary selection included only reports on its clinical use for treatment of Ménière's disease and other peripheral vestibular disorders.

RESULTS

From the 398 identified studies, 18 were included from the primary selection and 6 from the secondary selection. In total, 203 patients received picrotoxin; 85 of them were treated for vertigo with 1-mg picrotoxin suppositories. In this subgroup vertigo was reduced in 74.9 per cent.

CONCLUSION

Picrotoxin is a non-invasive treatment option worth considering, especially in cochlear-implanted patients with recurring disabling vertigo.