Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026
06:04
Intracerebroventricular Treatment with Resiniferatoxin and Pain Tests in Mice
Published on: September 2, 2020
Transdermal clonidine for ameliorating tamoxifen-induced hot flashes
R M Goldberg1, C L Loprinzi, J R O'Fallon
1Geisinger Clinical Oncology Program, Danville, PA.
Summary
Transdermal clonidine moderately reduced hot flashes in breast cancer survivors taking tamoxifen, but caused side effects like dry mouth and drowsiness. More effective treatments are needed for this patient group.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Tamoxifen therapy is crucial for breast cancer survivors but often induces debilitating hot flashes.
- Estrogen therapy is contraindicated for many breast cancer patients, necessitating alternative treatments for vasomotor symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of transdermal clonidine in managing tamoxifen-induced hot flashes.
- To assess the impact of clonidine on hot flash frequency and severity in breast cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized, double-blind, crossover study was conducted.
- Eligible participants included women with a history of breast cancer experiencing hot flashes while on tamoxifen.
Main Results:
- Transdermal clonidine significantly reduced hot flash frequency (P < .0001) by 20% and severity (P = .02) by 10%.
- Common side effects included dry mouth (P < .001), constipation (P < .02), localized itchiness (P < .01), and drowsiness (P < .05).
Conclusions:
- Transdermal clonidine offers a statistically significant but clinically moderate option for hot flash relief.
- There is an unmet need for superior non-hormonal therapies for hot flashes in breast cancer patients where estrogen is contraindicated.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Decreased Body Temperature
A decreased body temperature can occur in patients with hypothermia and frostbite. Heat loss with extended cold exposure overpowers the body's ability to create heat, resulting in hypothermia. Core temperature readings help classify hypothermia. Mild hypothermia is temperatures between 32 °C (89.6 °F) and 35°C (95 °F) and is caused by impaired thermoregulation. Moderate hypothermia is temperatures between 28 C (82.4 °F) and 32 °C (89.6 °F) caused by sustained extreme cold exposure, and severe...
01:17Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
Sedatives and hypnotics encompass a wide range of substances, each with its unique mechanism of action, uses, and potential adverse effects.
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
01:27Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists
5-HT3 receptor antagonists, such as dolasetron, granisetron (Kytril), ondansetron (Zofran), and palonosetron (Axoli), are crucial in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and postoperative nausea. These drugs selectively block 5-HT3 receptors in the visceral vagal and spinal afferent nerves, chemoreceptor trigger zone, and the vomiting center. They have a rapid onset of action and can be given as a single dose before chemotherapy. Ondansetron and granisetron, in particular,...
01:18Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems
Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) enable the controlled release of drugs across the skin into systemic circulation. They are particularly advantageous for drugs with short half-lives or narrow therapeutic indices, as they maintain consistent plasma concentrations and reduce the risk of subtherapeutic or toxic levels.TDDS are categorized into monolithic, reservoir, and mixed systems. Monolithic systems embed the drug in a polymer matrix, where diffusion governs release. Reservoir systems...