Controlled clinical trial of pentoxifylline versus cinnarizine in the treatment of labyrinthine disorders.

Seventy-six patients with labyrinthine diseases of vascular origin were treated in a 6-week double-blind comparative study with either 400 mg pentoxifylline ('Trental') or 75 mg cinnarizine 3-times daily. Clinical evaluations, supported by audiological tests and vectornystagmography, were carried out before and after treatment. Statistical analysis of the results showed pentoxifylline to be globally superior to cinnarizine and especially to have a more intense antivertiginous effect. No significant differences were observed between the two drugs in respect of tinnitus and hearing loss therapy. Side-effects were occasional, mild and well tolerated in the pentoxifylline group, and more pronounced and frequent with cinnarizine.