A double blind study was undertaken to compare the efficacy between centbutindole and haloperidol. A total of 44 patients suffering from schizophrenia diagnosed in accordance to ICD-10 criteria were included. They were randomly assigned into two groups receiving centbutindole (4.5 mg) or haloperidol (15 mg) in two divided doses per day for six weeks. Each patient was evaluated on Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI-S) and UKU side effect scale every week. Five patients (1 patient in centbutindole group, 4 patients in haloperidol group) dropped out due to various reasons. A total of 39 patients (21 patients in centbutindole group and 18 patients in haloperidol group) completed the study. The results revealed an early onset of therapeutic effect with centbutindole for both positive and negative symptoms. However, the efficacy was comparable between centibutindole and haloperidol from 3rd week onwards.
Keywords: Centbutindole; antipsychotic; haloperidol; schizophrenia.