Jillian Maloney1, Scott Pew2, Christopher Wie2, Ruchir Gupta2, John Freeman2, Natalie Strand2. 1. Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic of Arizona, 5777 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ, 85054, USA. Maloney.jillian@mayo.edu. 2. Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic of Arizona, 5777 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ, 85054, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Topical analgesics are a non-opioid option for the treatment of chronic pain conditions including neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain, and osteoarthritis. There are many topical medications available; however their efficacy is variable. This article reviews the various topical analgesics, their mechanisms of action, and their efficacy. RECENT FINDINGS: Studies have found topical NSAIDs are useful in treating acute musculoskeletal pain syndromes (strains and sprains) and show some efficacy in treating hand and knee osteoarthritis (Derry et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 5:CD008609, 2017). Topical capsaicin 8% has been shown to be efficacious in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia, painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and HIV-neuropathy (Derry et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 1:CD007393, 2017). Topical lidocaine has been widely studied and found to reduce pain in patients with postherpetic neuralgia (Knezevic et al. Pain Manag 7:537-58, 2017). Although many other topical analgesics are available, there is limited data to support the efficacy of other agents. Topical analgesics are a relatively benign treatment for chronic pain conditions including neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal, and myofascial pain. There is evidence to support the use of topical NSAIDs, high concentration topical capsaicin, and topical lidocaine for various painful conditions.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Topical analgesics are a non-opioid option for the treatment of chronic pain conditions including neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain, and osteoarthritis. There are many topical medications available; however their efficacy is variable. This article reviews the various topical analgesics, their mechanisms of action, and their efficacy. RECENT FINDINGS: Studies have found topical NSAIDs are useful in treating acute musculoskeletal pain syndromes (strains and sprains) and show some efficacy in treating hand and knee osteoarthritis (Derry et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 5:CD008609, 2017). Topical capsaicin 8% has been shown to be efficacious in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia, painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and HIV-neuropathy (Derry et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 1:CD007393, 2017). Topical lidocaine has been widely studied and found to reduce pain in patients with postherpetic neuralgia (Knezevic et al. Pain Manag 7:537-58, 2017). Although many other topical analgesics are available, there is limited data to support the efficacy of other agents. Topical analgesics are a relatively benign treatment for chronic pain conditions including neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal, and myofascial pain. There is evidence to support the use of topical NSAIDs, high concentration topical capsaicin, and topical lidocaine for various painful conditions.
Authors: Jeffrey A Gudin; Michael J Brennan; E Dennis Harris; Peter L Hurwitz; Derek T Dietze; James D Strader Journal: Postgrad Med Date: 2018-01 Impact factor: 3.840
Authors: Sheena Derry; Philip J Wiffen; Eija A Kalso; Rae F Bell; Dominic Aldington; Tudor Phillips; Helen Gaskell; R Andrew Moore Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2017-05-12
Authors: James Dahlhamer; Jacqueline Lucas; Carla Zelaya; Richard Nahin; Sean Mackey; Lynn DeBar; Robert Kerns; Michael Von Korff; Linda Porter; Charles Helmick Journal: MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep Date: 2018-09-14 Impact factor: 17.586