Syringomyelia Medication

Author: Hassan Ahmad Hassan Al-Shatoury, MD, PhD, MHPE; Chief Editor: Selim R Benbadis, MD more...

Updated: Apr 10, 2012

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Medication Summary
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Muscle relaxants
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Medication Summary

No specific medication is indicated for treatment of syringomyelia. However, analgesics and muscle relaxants may be given for symptomatic treatment.

Class Summary

NSAIDs commonly are used as analgesics in patients with syringomyelia. If one class seems to be ineffective after a 2-week trial, a formulation from another class may be tried. The most commonly used drugs are ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid, naproxen, indomethacin, mefenamic acid, and piroxicam.

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Ibuprofen (Ibuprin, Advil, Motrin)

One of propionic acid derivatives group. Effective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase, which is responsible for biosynthesis of prostaglandins; rapidly absorbed after PO administration; half-life in plasma is about 2 h; passes slowly into synovial spaces and may remain there in higher concentration as concentrations in plasma decline; excretion is rapid and complete, mainly in urine as metabolites or their conjugates.

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Aspirin (Anacin, Ascriptin, Bayer Aspirin)

Treats mild to moderately severe pain and headache. Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, which prevents formation of platelet-aggregating thromboxane A2; acts on heat-regulating center of hypothalamus and vasodilates peripheral vessels to reduce fever.

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Naproxen (Naprelan, Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox)

For relief of mild to moderately severe pain; inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing activity of cyclooxygenase, which is responsible for prostaglandin synthesis.

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Indomethacin (Indocin, Indochron E-R)

Rapidly absorbed. Metabolism occurs in liver by demethylation, deacetylation, and glucuronide conjugation. Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis.

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Piroxicam (Feldene)

Decreases activity of cyclooxygenase, which in turn inhibits prostaglandin synthesis. These effects decrease formation of inflammatory mediators.

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Mefenamic acid (Ponstel)

Inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing prostaglandin synthesis.

Class Summary

These agents treat muscle spasms to decrease the patient's level of discomfort.

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Methocarbamol (Robaxin)

Skeletal muscle relaxant used in conjunction with other therapeutic efforts to treat pain and discomfort associated with musculoskeletal conditions. Acts on CNS to relax certain reflexes.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Hassan Ahmad Hassan Al-Shatoury, MD, PhD, MHPE, Associate Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, Suez Canal University; Co-Director, Center of Research and Development in Medical Education and Health Services Suez Canal University Hospital

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Ayman Ali Galhom, MD, PhD Lecturer (Associated Professor), Department of Neurosurgery, Suez Canal University Faculty of Medicine, Egypt

Ayman Ali Galhom, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: Congress of Neurological Surgeons

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Franklin C Wagner, Jr, MD Former Chief, Division of Spine and Spinal Cord Surgery, Former Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine

Franklin C Wagner, Jr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, Sigma Xi, Society for Neuroscience, and Society of Neurological Surgeons

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Christopher Luzzio, MD Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin at Madison School of Medicine and Public Health

Christopher Luzzio, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Selim R Benbadis, MD Professor, Director of Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Tampa General Hospital, University of South Florida College of Medicine

Selim R Benbadis, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, American Clinical Neurophysiology Society, American Epilepsy Society, and American Medical Association

Disclosure: UCB Pharma Honoraria Speaking, consulting; Lundbeck Honoraria Speaking, consulting; Cyberonics Honoraria Speaking, consulting; Glaxo Smith Kline Honoraria Speaking, consulting; Pfizer Honoraria Speaking, consulting; Sleepmed/DigiTrace Honoraria Speaking, consulting

Chief Editor

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