Key result
Thioridazine improved global state compared to placebo by 6 months (RR 0.33; 95% CI 0.2 to 0.5; NNT 2), but was associated with higher rates of ECG changes (RR 2.38; 95% CI 1.6 to 3.6).
Why the study?
Does thioridazine improve global state and what is its safety profile in people with schizophrenia compared to placebo or other antipsychotics?
Population
3,498 people with schizophrenia or other psychoses pooled from 42 RCTs
Comparison
Thioridazine vs Placebo, typical antipsychotics, or atypical…
Design
Meta-analysis
Follow-up
up to 6 months
Authors
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Thioridazine improves global state versus placebo in schizophrenia but raises ECG risks; confirms cardiac monitoring need if use is unavoidable.
Systematic Review (n=3,498)
Does thioridazine improve global state and what is its safety profile in people with schizophrenia compared to placebo or other antipsychotics?
Relative Risk: 0.33 (95% CI 0.2–0.5)
Number Needed to Treat: 2
Thioridazine has similar efficacy to other antipsychotics for schizophrenia but is associated with a higher risk of ECG changes, justifying cardiac monitoring if its use is unavoidable.
Fenton et al. (2007) conducted a systematic review in Schizophrenia or other psychoses (n=3,498). Thioridazine vs. Placebo or other antipsychotics was evaluated on Global state 'no change or worse' by 6 months (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.5). Thioridazine improved global state compared to placebo by 6 months (RR 0.33; 95% CI 0.2 to 0.5; NNT 2), but was associated with higher rates of ECG changes (RR 2.38; 95% CI 1.6 to 3.6).