Tirilazad is a synthetic steroid drug used to treat cerebral vasospasm, a condition in which arteries in the brain constrict, reducing blood flow and causing stroke-like symptoms. It is also used to reduce the risk of further strokes or brain injuries after a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a type of stroke caused by bleeding in the brain. Tirilazad works by inhibiting the production of molecules that cause the narrowing of the arteries. It is administered intravenously and the usual dose is 1-3 mg per kilogram of body weight. Side effects of Tirilazad may include nausea, dizziness, headache, fatigue and fever.
Tirilazad is a medication that was initially proposed as a treatment for acute ischemic stroke. Here's a breakdown of what we know about Tirilazad:
- Intended use: Studied for treatment of acute ischemic stroke
- Results:
- Showed promise in animal studies, protecting brain tissue and reducing damage from stroke.
- Unfortunately, clinical trials in humans yielded the opposite effect, with Tirilazad worsening stroke outcomes.
- Current status: Due to negative results in human trials, further development of Tirilazad for stroke treatment is not pursued.
- Possible reasons for failed trials: The reasons why Tirilazad had negative effects in humans are not entirely understood. More research is needed to understand this discrepancy between animal and human studies.