The effect of intravenous aminophylline on essential tremor

Abstract

Aims The effects of intravenous aminophylline (375 mg) or placebo (saline) were studied in 10 patients with benign essential tremor. Methods This was a single‐blind crossover study. Patients received aminophylline by i.v. infusion over 15 min or sahne at least 1 week apart. Tremor was measured by a peizoresistive accelerometer at 15 min intervals predose and up to 2 h. Plasma theophylline concentrations were measured by h.p.1.c. Results Tremor power was significantly greater following aminophylline (5.67–6.2 Hz) than placebo (5.6–5.9 Hz). Conclusions We conclude that intravenous aminophylline potentiates benign essential tremor when given acutely by the intravenous route in the doses required to achieve therapeutic benefits in asthma.