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Topical amitriptyline in healthy volunteers
Peter Gerner1, Grace Kao, Venkatesh Srinivasa
1Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA. pgerner@partners.org
Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
|August 29, 2003
Summary
Topical amitriptyline effectively reduced pain sensation in healthy volunteers. Higher concentrations (50 and 100 mmol/L) showed significant analgesic effects compared to placebo, with minor skin redness as the only side effect.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Dermatology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Amitriptyline, an antidepressant, is used for chronic pain.
- Its interaction with Na+ channels suggests potential analgesic properties.
- Previous research has not extensively explored topical amitriptyline for cutaneous analgesia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of topically applied amitriptyline in providing cutaneous analgesia.
- To determine the dose-response relationship of topical amitriptyline for pain relief.
- To assess any adverse effects of topical amitriptyline application.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial involving 14 healthy volunteers.
- Preparation of amitriptyline hydrochloride solutions at 10, 50, and 100 mmol/L.
- Application of solutions to the skin under occlusion for 1 hour, followed by pain grading using a needle stimulus.
Main Results:
- Significant analgesic effects were observed with 50 and 100 mmol/L amitriptyline solutions compared to placebo and 10 mmol/L.
- No significant difference in analgesia between placebo and 10 mmol/L, or between 50 and 100 mmol/L.
- A concentration-dependent skin redness was the only noted side effect.
Conclusions:
- Topical amitriptyline demonstrates efficacy as a human analgesic.
- Further research into optimal vehicles could enhance efficacy and mitigate skin irritation.
- Topical amitriptyline presents a potential new avenue for localized pain management.