What is Epalrestat

Diabetic neuropathy is the most common long-term complications in patients with diabetes mellitus, with a prevalence of 60-70% in the United States. The treatment options include antidepressants, anticonvulsants, tramadol and capsaicin. These funds are modestly effective in relieving symptoms, but they do not affect the underlying disease must still slow the progression of the disease. Epalrestat is an inhibitor of aldose reductase, which is approved in Japan for the improvement of subjective symptoms neuropathy, abnormal sense of vibration, and abnormal changes in the heart rate in diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Unlike current treatment options for diabetic neuropathy can affect epalrestat or delay the progression of the underlying disease. The results of experimental studies show that epalrestat sorbitol accumulation in the sciatic nerve is decreased, red blood cells and ocular tissue in animals and humans in red blood cells. The data from six clinical trials were evaluated and it was determined that epalrestat 50 mg 3 times / day may improve motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity and subjective symptoms such as neuropathy at baseline and compared to placebo. Epalrestat is well tolerated and the most commonly reported side effects include increases in liver enzymes and gastrointestinal-related events, such as nausea and vomiting. Epalrestat can serve as a new therapeutic option to prevent or slow the progression of diabetic neuropathy. The long-term comparative studies in different patient groups are needed for clinical use.