Efficacy of piroxicam patch compared to lidocaine patch for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia.

BACKGROUND The lidocaine patch has been effectively used as a first-line therapy to treat neuropathic pain such as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the topical piroxicam patch as a treatment option for the treatment of PHN. METHODS Eighteen patients completed a 3-session study, applying three different patches (lidocaine, piroxicam and control) in random order. A maximum of three patches were applied to the most painful area for three consecutive days (12 hours on followed by 12 hours off). Each session was conducted at least seven days apart. The changes in visual analog scale (VAS) scores based pain intensity, quality of sleep and adverse effects were recorded. RESULTS When compared to the control, both the lidocaine and piroxicam patches significantly reduced the mean VAS scores of pain intensity of all different types. However, the lidocaine patch was better at reducing allodynia, whereas the piroxicam patch was more effective for dull pain. The lidocaine patch worked faster than the piroxicam patch for the response to overall pain relief. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest the use of the piroxicam patch for dull pain and in patients where the lidocaine patch is contraindicated.