Andréia Azevedo

Otosul-Otorrinolaringologia Sul-Fluminense, Department of Otolaryngology, Volta
Ridonda, Brasil

Introduction: Nowadays, the treatment of tinnitus is still a great challenge for theotolaryngologists. Many facts remain unknown in its hisiopatology , leading to many different therapies, with irregular results.

Memantine is a drug used in Alzheimer`s disease, due to its action in blockage of the NMDA receptor.

Aim: To evaluate efficacy and safety of memantine in the treatment of sensorineural tinnitus.

Materials and method: 60 patients with sensorineural tinnitus were divided in 2 groups in a double-blind prospective cross-over study against placebo, with evaluation of the therapeutical and side effects, using the THI (Tinnitus Handicap Inventory).

Results: This study didn`t show any statistically significant improvement in the THI than placebo. Meanwhile, some data suggest a possible late effect of memantine.

The incidence of side effects was low (9,4 %), but led to interruption in all the cases.

Conclusion: This study didn`t provide data to recomend memantine to treat sensorineural tinnitus, but a possible late effect of the drug should be evaluated in further studies.