Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 23, 2025
07:09
The Sciatic Nerve Cuffing Model of Neuropathic Pain in Mice
Published on: July 16, 2014
48.4K
Ambroxol for neuropathic pain: hiding in plain sight?
Marc A Russo1,2, Ralf Baron3, Anthony H Dickenson4
1Hunter Pain Specialists, Broadmeadow, NSW, Australia.
Pain
|May 17, 2022
Summary
Ambroxol, a respiratory drug, shows promise for treating neuropathic pain by blocking specific sodium channels. Further clinical trials are needed to repurpose this safe and effective medication.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Pain Management
Background:
- Ambroxol is known for mucoactive and secretolytic actions, with established efficacy in respiratory conditions and sore throat relief.
- Recent interest highlights ambroxol's potential in treating neuropathic pain, supported by preclinical evidence of its analgesic properties.
- Its mechanism involves blocking voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav) in sensory neurons, specifically Nav1.8 and Nav1.7.
Conclusions:
- Ambroxol possesses a favorable safety profile and existing drug data, making it a candidate for repurposing.
- Further investigation and clinical trials are warranted to establish ambroxol's role in treating neuropathic pain.
- Optimization and development of ambroxol formulations for neuropathic pain are encouraged for pharmaceutical industry consideration.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
318
Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
318
01:25Analgesia and Pain Management
834
Pain is critical to various clinical pathologies, provoking an urgent need for effective management. Pain, whether acute or chronic, is a complex neurochemical process. Its alleviation depends on the type, with nonopioid analgesics effective for mild to moderate pain, such as musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain, while neuropathic pain responds best to anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, or serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. For severe acute or chronic pain, opioids may be...
834
01:15Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
456
Synthetic and semisynthetic opioids are pivotal in pain management and tackling opioid addiction. Semisynthetic opioids, including morphinans (morphine derivatives), oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone, have improved pharmacokinetic profiles compared to morphine. Additionally, heroin and 6-MAM (6-Monoacetylmorphine) show better CNS penetration than morphine due to heightened lipid solubility. Hydromorphone, a potent opioid, undergoes hepatic metabolism to form the active...
456
01:31Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses
638
Skeletal muscle relaxants are used to relax muscle tone and alleviate painful muscle contractions. However, the choice of skeletal muscle relaxants depends on the duration of the surgical procedure in order to minimize potential side effects. Skeletal muscle relaxants like neuromuscular blocking agents [NMBAs] are commonly employed as adjuvants alongside general anesthetics in clinical settings. NMBAs are also used to maintain controlled ventilation during surgery of the larynx or pharynx...
638
01:09Peripherally and Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants: A Comparison
3.8K
Skeletal muscle relaxants can target the central nervous system [CNS] to reduce muscle tension or act directly at the neuromuscular junction to induce temporary paralysis. These two classes of muscle relaxants are called centrally acting muscle relaxants and peripherally acting muscle relaxants. They differ in their action, mechanism, administration route, and clinical uses.
Centrally acting muscle relaxants can be further divided into spasmolytic and antispasmodic drugs. Spasmolytic...
Centrally acting muscle relaxants can be further divided into spasmolytic and antispasmodic drugs. Spasmolytic...
3.8K
01:20Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners
387
Opioids are a class of drugs that mimic endogenous opioid peptides and act on opioid receptors, and help in pain relief. These compounds are classified as natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic. Natural opioids, like morphine, codeine, and thebaine, are derived from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum or Papaver album) and are termed opiates. Synthetic opioids are artificial, while semi-synthetic opioids combine natural and synthetic compounds. Morphine, a prototypical opioid, possesses a...
387