Acta dermatovenerologica Croatica : ADC
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Acta Dermatovenerol Croat · Jan 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyAssessment of the efficacy of topical anesthetics using the tactile spatial resolution method.
The aim of this study was to compare the purported advantages of 4% tetracaine gel (Ametop gel) and 4% liposomal lidocaine gel (LMX4 gel) with EMLA cream (eutectic mixture of 2.5% lidocaine and 2.5% prilocaine) using an objective and repeatable method. Ametop gel and LMX4 gel were administered under occlusion for 30 min and compared to EMLA cream applied for 30 and 60 min on the intact upper lip skin of 15 volunteers each. The efficacy of the anesthetics was assessed by the spatial resolution method. ⋯ Our results showed the 30-min application of LMX4 and Ametop gel under occlusion to be equivalent to 60-min administration of EMLA cream. Ametop gel, in contrast to the rest, provides very good anesthesia for up to 60 min. The application of EMLA cream under occlusion over only 30 min cannot guarantee appropriate effects.
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Acta Dermatovenerol Croat · Jan 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyComparative study of clinical efficacy of amitriptyline and pregabalin in postherpetic neuralgia.
The most common complication of herpes zoster in immunocompetent patients is postherpetic neuralgia, which is very difficult to treat. Significant beneficial effects have been found for amitriptyline, gabapentin, pregabalin, carbamazepine, sodium valproate, oxycodone, corticosteroid, topical capsaicin, tramadol, etc. The aim of this open randomized comparative study was to demonstrate clinical efficacy of amitriptyline and pregabalin. ⋯ More importantly, none of the patients stopped treatment due to adverse reaction. In conclusion, therapy with pregabalin is better compared to amitriptyline in postherpetic neuralgia patients. However, a similar study in a larger sample is required to validate the present findings.