Pharmacological treatment of multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Because of autoimmunity nature of MS the main therapy is focused on immunosuppressant or immunomodulation. IFN-b and Glatimer acetate with minimal side effect profile and high efficiency to decrease relapse rate can be taken as first line treatment compared to other drugs. Mitoxantron, monoclonal antibodies, natalizumab and alemtuzumab can improve symptoms by immunosuppressory effect. Fingolimod has been shown best efficiency in aggressive form of MS as second line treatments. Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effect which can be taken as supplementation in MS patients. Use of high dose of prednisolon or IVIG has been shown to decrease severity of symptoms and recovery significantly in relapse phase. In symptomatic management, benefit and side effects of drugs are evaluated to identify the best option of symptomatic treatment.