Topical analgesics

Topical analgesics can be applied directly to the skin at specific areas of pain.¹ The group of topical analgesics comprises very different mechanisms of action and can therefore not be described as one entity apart from the mode of application being topical. Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) analgesics inhibit cyclo-oxygenase enzymes, limiting the production of prostaglandins; for more information on NSAIDs, please see the non-opioid analgesics section.¹ Rubefacients cause irritation of the skin, which is believed to relieve musculoskeletal pain.¹ Other types of topical analgesics can bind to nociceptors in the skin and after repeated application, this can lead to ‘defunctionalisation’, which can reduce pain in the area.¹ Topical analgesics are less invasive than other treatments and their administration may limit systemic adverse events by minimising systemic concentrations of the drug.¹ However, local side effects including irritation, itching and rash may occur with topical analgesics.¹

If you are a healthcare professional, click here to access further information on the management of chronic pain with topical analgesics.

References

1. Derry S et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;(5):CD008609.