Dextromethorphan and diabetic neuropathy

OBJECTIVE: To review the use of dextromethorphan for the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE and EMBASE searches for studies using dextromethorphan to manage diabetic neuropathy were conducted from 1966 to 1999 and 1980 to 1999, respectively. DATA SYNTHESIS: Peripheral neuropathy is a common manifestation of diabetic patients. Many classes of medications have been investigated to treat this condition, including N-methyl-D-aspartate inhibitors. A review of studies using dextromethorphan to manage diabetic neuropathy was performed. CONCLUSIONS: There are insufficient safety and efficacy data to justify the use of dextromethorphan for treating painful diabetic neuropathy. Further clinical trials are needed.