Prokarin (also known as Procarin) is an alternative medicine that consists of a mixture of histamine and caffeine. It is marketed as a treatment for fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS),[1] although in the 1950s multiple sclerosis was believed to be an alergic condition and Prokarin was developed as a treatment for the condition.[2] The idea behind this combination is that caffeine is a generally well tolerated stimulant which can help treat fatigue. Like most stimulants, caffeine causes vasoconstriction, so the vasodilation effects from concomitant histamine can counteract this. Prokarin is formulated as a transdermal patch since histamine isn't well absorbed when consumed orally. While brand name Prokarin can be expensive, it can be compounded by pharmacists if prescribed by a physician.[3]

Quackwatch lists Prokarin as one of the multiple sclerosis "cures" of which people should be wary.[3] While it doesn't treat the disease progression of MS, its usage for symptomatic management of fatigue in MS is controversial.

References

  1. ↑ Tejani AM, Wasdell M, Spiwak R, Rowell G, Nathwani S (2012). "Carnitine for fatigue in multiple sclerosis". Cochrane Database Syst Rev (Systematic review). 5 (5): CD007280. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007280.pub3. PMC 6669252. PMID 22592719.
  2. ↑ Zwibel, Howard (2007). "Making a difference then and now: A clinical update" (PDF). Clinical Concepts in MS – Extract of Conference Proceedings. University of North Texas Health Science Center: 28.
  3. 1 2 Barrett, Stephen (March 9, 2017). "Be Wary of Multiple Sclerosis "Cures"". Quackwatch. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
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