Modern approaches to drug treatment for vestibular vertigo

Abstract

In recent years, some progress has been achieved in elaborating the algorithms and standards for the treatment of many conditions accompanied by vertigo. The current possibilities of treating vestibular vertigo consist of a gradually expanding arsenal of symptomatic and pathogenetic drugs. Among the drugs used for the symptomatic treatment of vestibular vertigo, there are vestibular suppressants (antihistamines, benzodiazepines, and calcium antagonists) and antiemetics (dopamine antagonists and serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonists). The paper discusses the possibilities of using betahistine and vitamin D as pathogenetic agents for recurrent benign paroxysmal positional vertigo; diuretics, betahistine (including the new prolonged release formulation BetasercR Long), glucocorticoids, and gentamicin for Meniere's disease; triptans, beta-blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, and anticonvulsants for vestibular migraine; glucocorticoids, antiviral agents, and drugs that accelerate vestibular compensation for acute unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy (vestibular neuritis and Ramsey Hunt syndrome). The emergence of new drugs, as well as the design of new dosage forms that enhance patient adherence to the prescribed treatment, can improve quality of life in patients suffering from diseases that have recently led to long-term disability or even incapacitation.