[Efficacy of clonidine transdermal patch for treatment of Tourette's syndrome in children].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Children with Tourette's syndrome (TS) have a poor treatment compliance due to side effects and inconvenient administration of oral drugs. This study explored the efficacy and safety of clonidine transdermal patch for treating TS in children.

METHODS:

A total of 119 children with TS were randomly treated with the clonidine transdermal patch (n=65) or with oral haloperidol (n=54). The therapeutic efficacy was assessed based on the results of the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) 4 weeks after treatment.

RESULTS:

The clonidine transdermal patch group showed a higher reduction in the overall tic symptom scores (61.5+/-7.5%) than that in the haloperidol group (41.0+/-6.3%; p<0.05). Clonidine transdermal patch treatment was effective in 53 patients (81.5%) and 36 patients (67.5%) showed effective to oral haloperidol (p>0.05). Mild side effects (decrease of blood pressure and dizziness) were observed in 1 patient in the clonidine transdermal patch group. Mild hypermyotonia, drowsiness or lassitude as side effects occurred in 6 patients in the haloperidol group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Clonidine transdermal patch is effective for the treatment of TS in children and its side effects are mild and rare.

• Authors: Hua Kang, Yue-Fang Zhang, Fu-Yong Jiao, Xiang-Yang Guo, Xiao-Min Gao
• Journal: Zhongguo dang dai er ke za zhi = Chinese journal of contemporary pediatrics (Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi) Vol. 11 Issue 7 Pg. 537-9 (Jul 2009) ISSN: 1008-8830 [Print] China
• PMID: 19650984 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Haloperidol
• Clonidine

Topics

• Administration, Cutaneous
• Adolescent
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Clonidine (administration & dosage, adverse effects, pharmacology)
• Female
• Haloperidol (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Male
• Tourette Syndrome (drug therapy)