Multimodal approaches to the management of neuropathic pain: The role of topical analgesia

Because of their localized activity and low systemic absorption, topical analgesics have a favorable safety profile and a low risk for drug-drug interactions. There is a growing body of evidence on the efficacy and safety of these agents in a variety of pain disorders, including the most prevalent neuropathic pain conditions. The molecular basis for the usage of peripheral analgesics in neuropathic pain and the available clinical trial evidence for a wide variety of topical agents are reviewed. (C) 2007 U.S. Cancer Pain Relief Committee. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.