Radical scavengers for Ménière's disease after failure of conventional therapy: a pilot study

Abstract

Objective—To perform a trial to assess the efficacy of radical scavengers, i.e. rebamipide, vitamin C and glutathione, for the treatment of Ménière's disease (MD). Material and Methods—Rebamipide (300 mg/day), vitamin C (600 mg/day) and/or glutathione (300 mg/day) were given orally for at least 8 weeks to 25 patients with poorly controlled MD. Results—Of 22 patients, 21 showed marked improvement of vertigo; 12/27 ears showed improvement of hearing disorders; 17/27 ears showed improvement of tinnitus; and 18/25 patients showed improvement of disability. Conclusions—This study suggests that treatment using radical scavengers has the potential to become an effective new therapy for MD.

• Ménière's disease
• pilot study
• radical scavengers