Efficacy of 3,4-diaminopyridine and pyridostigmine in the treatment of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study

Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2009 Jul;86(1):44-8. doi: 10.1038/clpt.2009.35. Epub 2009 Apr 8.

Abstract

3,4-Diaminopyridine and pyridostigmine are widely used to treat Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), either alone or in combination. 3,4-Diaminopyridine enhances the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular synapse, and pyridostigmine inhibits the degradation of this neurotransmitter. Although this could lead to a synergistic effect on neuromuscular transmission, no studies have compared the effects of these drugs in patients with LEMS. Therefore, we performed a placebo-controlled, double-dummy, double-blind, randomized, crossover study in nine patients with LEMS.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 4-Aminopyridine / administration & dosage
  • 4-Aminopyridine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Amifampridine
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Humans
  • Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Strength / drug effects
  • Muscle Strength / physiology
  • Pyridostigmine Bromide / administration & dosage*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • 4-Aminopyridine
  • Pyridostigmine Bromide
  • Amifampridine