EFFECTS OF DIURETIC AND VASODILATOR THERAPY IN MENIERE’S DISEASE

Introduction: Meniere’s disease is recognised by frequent periods of remissions. The available wis- dom about the disease and treatment reflects the openion of experienced clinicians, rather than scientific facts. Objective: To determine the efficacy of vasodilator and diuretic therapies in the prophylaxis of Meniere’s disease. A randomized controlled trial. The study was carried in the ENT Department, Combined Military Hospital, March 2007 to Dec 2009. Subjects and Methods: All new patients (N = 120) of clinically diagnosed Meniere’s disease were included by consecutive non-probability sampling. Demographic characteristics of the patients were noted and the patients were divided into three groups irrespective of age and sex. Group A was placed on amiloride 5 mg and hydrochlorthiazide 50 mg combination, one tablet daily, the Group B on tablet betahistine hydrochloride 48 milligram in three divided doses and Group C pati- ents on tab multivitamin once daily respectively. The patients were reviewed after 06 weeks. Results: Improvement in vertigo was seen in 77% in group A, in 68% patients in group B and in 45% in group C (p = 0.021). Hearing thresholds improved in 54% in group A, 63% in group B and in 36% in group C (p = 0.067). There was subjective improvement in tinnitus in 54% in group A, 80% in group B and in 37% in group C. Diuretic and vasodilator had a definitive and significant effect in Meniere’s disease, in controlling vertigo and tinnitus, when compared with placebo (p 0.05). Conclusion: Diuretics and vasodilators do have a significant role in the prophylaxis of Meniere’s disease.