New and Investigational Treatment Options for Ischemic Stroke

We conducted a MEDLINE search of new treatment strategies and experimental agents for treating acute ischemic stroke published from 1989–1996. Clinical trials involving thrombolytics, glutamine release inhibition, N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor antagonism, opioid antagonism, calcium channel blockade, free radical scavenging, membrane stabilization, intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 antagonism, ganglioside administration, and growth factor administration were included. Basic research articles were selected based on progress of the therapeutic class toward clinical trials. Approval of tissue plasminogen activator indicates progress in new treatments for acute ischemic stroke. Experimental therapies with potential may become available soon. Recognizing signs and symptoms of stroke is crucial to ensure prompt administration of these agents. The time to diagnosis determines the therapeutic approach for acute ischemic stroke. (Pharmacotherapy 1997;17(5):959–969)