Treatment for tetanus applying Kampo medicine: Administration of shakuyakukanzoto.

Aim: Severe tetanus can be fatal, even with the latest drug treatments and artificial respiration. Nevertheless, combining Western and Kampo medicine may be beneficial for tetanus treatment. Methods: We summarise the benefits of applying Kampo medicine in tetanus, especially referring to using shakuyakukanzoto (SKT) from the aspect of controlling myospasms. SKT is a Kampo formula used for the treatment of pain associated with sudden myospasms. Results: SKT, kakkonto, daisaikoto, and daijokito have been used to successfully treat patients with generalised convulsions caused by generalised tetanus, without the use of a muscle relaxant. However, hypokalaemia, oedema, and hypertension caused by pseudo‐aldosteronism, which may result from an adverse reaction to licorice, should be monitored when using SKT. Conclusion: A large randomised controlled trial may be necessary to establish a treatment for tetanus using both Western and Kampo medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]