ABSTRACT
Topical analgesics work locally without producing significant systemic drug concentrations. Evidence from clinical trials suggests that there is a role for the use of certain topical analgesics in the management of neuropathic pain. Topical analgesics are different from systemic analgesics in that they exert their analgesic activity locally over the skin, the underlying tissues, and the nerves that innervate them without significant systemic absorption as compared to systemic analgesics. The fact that drug–drug interactions may be minimized when using topical analgesics may be of enormous importance for a patient who may use systemic medications concurrently for additional medical conditions. Clinical trial data provide varying levels of evidence for the use of certain topical analgesics in the treatment of neuropathic pain and various published reviews of the treatment of neuropathic pain have emphasized the role of topical agents.
