Introduction Neuropathic pain (NP) is caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory system, which can severely impact patients' quality of life. The current-approved treatments for NP comprise of both centrally acting agents and topical drugs, including capsaicin 8% dermal patches, which is approved for the treatment of peripheral NP. Areas covered The authors summarize literature data regarding capsaicin use in patients who suffer from NP and discuss the clinical applications of this topical approach. Expert opinion Overall, the capsaicin 8% dermal patch is as effective in reducing pain intensity as other centrally active agents (i.e. pregabalin). Some studies have also reported fewer systemic side effects, a faster onset of action and superior treatment satisfaction compared with systemic agents. In our opinion, capsaicin 8% dermal patches also present additional advantages, such as a good systemic tolerability, the scarcity of adverse events, the possibility to combine it with other agents, and a good cost-effective profile. It is important to note that, as the mechanism of action of capsaicin 8% is the 'defunctionalization' of small afferent fibers through interaction with TRPV1 receptors, the peripheral expression of this receptor on nociceptor fibers, is crucial to predict patient's response to treatment.

Capsaicin 8% dermal patch in clinical practice: an expert opinion

Polati, Enrico
Writing – Review & Editing
;
2020-01-01

Abstract

Introduction Neuropathic pain (NP) is caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory system, which can severely impact patients' quality of life. The current-approved treatments for NP comprise of both centrally acting agents and topical drugs, including capsaicin 8% dermal patches, which is approved for the treatment of peripheral NP. Areas covered The authors summarize literature data regarding capsaicin use in patients who suffer from NP and discuss the clinical applications of this topical approach. Expert opinion Overall, the capsaicin 8% dermal patch is as effective in reducing pain intensity as other centrally active agents (i.e. pregabalin). Some studies have also reported fewer systemic side effects, a faster onset of action and superior treatment satisfaction compared with systemic agents. In our opinion, capsaicin 8% dermal patches also present additional advantages, such as a good systemic tolerability, the scarcity of adverse events, the possibility to combine it with other agents, and a good cost-effective profile. It is important to note that, as the mechanism of action of capsaicin 8% is the 'defunctionalization' of small afferent fibers through interaction with TRPV1 receptors, the peripheral expression of this receptor on nociceptor fibers, is crucial to predict patient's response to treatment.
2020
Neuropathic pain
TRPV1 receptors
capsaicin
fibers
topical treatment
Administration, Topical
Analgesics
Capsaicin
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Expert Testimony
Humans
Neuralgia
Pregabalin
Quality of Life
TRPV Cation Channels
Transdermal Patch
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11562/1037203
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