Prokarin

Short description: Alternative medicine preparation

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. ↑ "Carnitine for fatigue in multiple sclerosis". Cochrane Database Syst Rev 5 (5): CD007280. 2012. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007280.pub3. PMID 22592719.
2. ↑ Zwibel, Howard (2007). "Making a difference then and now: A clinical update". Clinical Concepts in MS – Extract of Conference Proceedings (University of North Texas Health Science Center): 28. https://www.unthsc.edu/academic-affairs/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/MS_ClinicaMonograph_2.FINAL_lo.pdf.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Barrett, Stephen (March 9, 2017). "Be Wary of Multiple Sclerosis "Cures"". http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/ms.html.

## External links

* "The Prokarin Controversy", 2002–06, Laurie Long, MSA of King County

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