Local Anaesthetic Effects of Transcutaneous Amitriptyline

Summary

The aim of this study is to assess the local anaesthetic effects of amitriptyline applied on the skin of human volunteers, considering the differential effects on mechanic and thermic sensitivity, the local and general tolerance, and the systemic absorption of the drug. The solution used for dilution of amitriptyline is the only one known to allow transcutaneous absorption of the drug \[1\]. Considering that the peripheral sensitive fibre is a possible site of action of tricyclic antidepressants for relieving neuropathic pain \[2,3\], this is a first step study before further assessment of the therapeutic effects of transcutaneous amitriptyline.

Timeline

Start

2005-11

Primary completion

—

Completion

2007-12

Publications

• Background Kissin I, McDanal J, Xavier AV. Topical lidocaine for relief of superficial pain in postherpetic neuralgia. Neurology. 1989 Aug;39(8):1132-3. doi: 10.1212/wnl.39.8.1132-a. No abstract available.
• Background Sawynok J, Esser MJ, Reid AR. Antidepressants as analgesics: an overview of central and peripheral mechanisms of action. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2001 Jan;26(1):21-9.
• Background McQuay HJ, Tramer M, Nye BA, Carroll D, Wiffen PJ, Moore RA. A systematic review of antidepressants in neuropathic pain. Pain. 1996 Dec;68(2-3):217-27. doi: 10.1016/s0304-3959(96)03140-5.
• Results Duale C, Daveau J, Cardot JM, Boyer-Grand A, Schoeffler P, Dubray C. Cutaneous amitriptyline in human volunteers: differential effects on the components of sensory information. Anesthesiology. 2008 Apr;108(4):714-21. doi: 10.1097/ALN.0b013e3181672632.

Drugs

Indications

No indication recorded.