Magnesium for alcohol withdrawal
Abstract Background Patients have been given magnesium to treat or prevent alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). Evidence to support this practice is limited, and is often based on the controversial link between hypomagnesaemia and AWS. Objectives To assess the effects of magnesium for the prevention or treatment of AWS in hospitalised adults. Search methods We searched […]
Managed alcohol as a harm reduction intervention for alcohol addiction in populations at high risk for substance abuse
Abstract Background Managed alcohol programmes (MAP) are a harm reduction strategy used to minimise the personal harm and adverse societal effects that alcohol dependence can lead to by providing an alternative to zero-tolerance approaches that incorporate drinking goals (abstinence or moderation) that are compatible with the needs of the individual, and promoting access to services […]
Preoperative alcohol cessation prior to elective surgery
Abstract Background Hazardous drinking has been associated with an increased postoperative complication rate after surgery. Common complications include postoperative infections, cardiopulmonary complications, and bleeding episodes. Preoperative abstinence may to some degree reverse alcohol-induced pathophysiological processes and thus prevent postoperative complications. Objectives To assess the effect of preoperative alcohol cessation interventions on the rate of postoperative […]
Brief interventions for heavy alcohol users admitted to general hospital wards
Abstract Background Brief interventions involve a time-limited intervention focusing on changing behaviour. They are often motivational in nature using counselling skills to encourage a reduction in alcohol consumption. Objectives To determine whether brief interventions reduce alcohol consumption and improve outcomes for heavy alcohol users admitted to general hospital inpatient units. Search methods We searched the […]
Propylthiouracil for alcoholic liver disease
Abstract Background Randomised clinical trials have addressed the question whether propylthiouracil has any beneficial effects in patients with alcoholic liver disease. Objectives To assess the beneficial and harmful effects of propylthiouracil for patients with alcoholic liver disease. Search methods We searched The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register (April 2011), The Cochrane Central Register of […]
Efficacy and safety of pharmacological interventions for the treatment of the Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
Abstract Background Alcohol abuse and dependence represents a very serious health problem worldwide with major social, interpersonal and legal interpolations. Pharmacological treatments presently used are of uncertain effectiveness and there is even more doubt on the comparative effects and value for money. Objectives To summarize Cochrane reviews that assess the effectiveness and safety of pharmacological […]
Opioid antagonists for alcohol dependence
Abstract Background Alcohol dependence belongs to the globally leading health risk factors. Therapeutic success of psychosocial programs for relapse prevention is moderate and could be increased by an adjuvant treatment with the opioid antagonists naltrexone and nalmefene. Objectives To determine the effectiveness and tolerability of opioid antagonists in the treatment of alcohol dependence. Search methods […]
Acamprosate for alcohol dependence
Abstract Background Alcohol dependence is among the main leading health risk factors in most developed and developing countries. Therapeutic success of psychosocial programs for relapse prevention is moderate, but could potentially be increased by an adjuvant treatment with the glutamate antagonist acamprosate. Objectives To determine the effectiveness and tolerability of acamprosate in comparison to placebo […]
Benzodiazepines for alcohol withdrawal
Abstract Background Alcohol abuse and dependence represents a serious health problem worldwide with social, interpersonal and legal interpolations. Benzodiazepines have been widely used for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Moreover it is unknown whether different benzodiazepines and different regimens of administration may have the same merits. Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of […]
Anticonvulsants for alcohol withdrawal
Abstract Background Alcohol abuse and dependence represents a most serious health problem worldwide with major social, interpersonal and legal interpolations. Besides benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants are often used for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Anticonvulsants drugs are indicated for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, alone or in combination with benzodiazepine treatments. In spite of the […]