INFLUENCE OF FLUPIRTINE ON HUMAN LOWER-LIMB REFLEXES

The influence of a single oral dose (400 mg) of flupirtine on lower li mb reflexes was investigated in normal human subjects using H-reflex t esting, flexor reflex testing and dynamic posturography. Flupirtine di d not significantly change the latency of the H-reflex or the H-max/M( max) ratio. Both, the first (F1) and the second (F2) components of the flexor reflex were significantly depressed. Flupirtine significantly decreased the size of the ML response following fast transient platfor m movements rotating toe-up around the ankle joint. We conclude that f lupirtine acts on polysynaptic spinal pathways. In addition to its wel l known analgesic effect flupirtine might have a muscle relaxant effec t.