Treatment of postherpetic neuralgia by topical application of prostaglandin E1-vaseline mixture--a single blind controlled clinical trial
Tamakawa, S.; Tsujimoto, J.; Iharada, A.; Ogawa, H.
Masui. Japanese Journal of Anesthesiology 48(3): 292-294
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-4892 PMID: 10214018 Document Number: 508708
The purpose of this study is to find the most effective concentration of topical prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) to treat pain in postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). The concentrations of PGE1 dissolved in vaseline were 0 mug cntdot g-1, 2 mug cntdot g-1, 4 mug cntdot g-1 and 8 mug cntdot g-1. Visual analog scale (VAS) score was reduced after the ointment application in relation to the concentration of PGE1 with initial relief at 25 minutes and lasting for 5 hours. Three patients medicated with PGE1 8 mug cntdot g-1 and one patient medicated with 4 mug cntdot g-1 complained of topical pain of the skin. Topical PGE1 dissolved in vaseline is an effective means of reducing pain due to PHN. Probably 4 mug cntdot g-1 of the ointment is most useful to treat PHN.