0.075% capsaicin lotion for the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy: A randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled trial. (April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kulkantrakorn, Kongkiat; Chomjit, Assawin; Sithinamsuwan, Pasiri; Tharavanij, Thipaporn; Suwankanoknark, Juthamas; Napunnaphat, Phunyada
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical neuroscience. Volume 62(2019)
• Page Start: 174
• Page End: 179
• Publication Date: 2019-04
• Subjects: Capsaicin -- Trial -- Neuropathic pain -- Diabetic neuropathy; Brain -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Neurosciences -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Brain -- surgery -- Periodicals; Neurosurgical Procedures -- Periodicals; Neurosciences -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2018.11.036
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0967-5868

Abstract

Highlights: A randomized trial in painful diabetic neuropathy comparing capsaicin to placebo for 8 weeks. The efficacy of 0.075% capsaicin lotion was similar to placebo. Capsaicin lotion was well tolerated but local skin reactions were common. Abstract: Objective: A randomized, double-blinded, crossover, placebo controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 0.075% capsaicin lotion for treating painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). Patients and methods: PDN subjects were randomized to receive 0.075% capsaicin/placebo for 8 weeks, then crossing over to the other treatment after a 4-weeks washout period. Primary endpoint was the change in visual analog scale score of pain severity. Secondary outcomes were score changes in Neuropathic Pain Scale, short-form McGill Pain Questionnaires, and proportions of patients with pain score reductions of 30% and 50%, and adverse events. Results: A total of 42 subjects were enrolled, 27 completed at least an 8-week treatment period. Intention-to-treat analysis showed no significant improvement in pain control with capsaicin lotion compared with placebo for all pain measures and proportion of patients who had 30% or 50% pain relief, respectively. Per protocol analysis were consistent. Capsaicin lotion was well tolerated but local skin reactions were common. Conclusion: In patients with PDN, the efficacy of 0.075% capsaicin lotion was similar to placebo but was well tolerated. More work is needed to assess different capsaicin formulations.