Topical pain therapy is becoming an increasingly popular option for pain relief. The ease of application coupled with the compounding pharmacist’s ability to tailor the formulation to each individual patient makes this a viable option. Because the therapy is made on an individual basis, this allows for the use of a combination of drugs to target pain while using the lowest dose possible.
Optimal Treatment
Optimal treatment may involve not only the use of traditional analgesics such as NSAIDs, but may also include medications that possess pain-relieving properties, including some antidepressants, anticonvulsants, antiarrhythmics, anesthetics, antiviral agents, and NMDA antagonists. Targeting various receptor types helps with pain control. By combining various agents which utilize different mechanisms to alter the sensation of pain, providers have found that smaller concentrations of each medication can be used.
Guide to Topical Pain Gel Selection
Not only may there be a decreased risk for systemic absorption with a topical formulation but it can directly target affected tissues. Topically applied medications may not cause as many side effects as oral medication(s) and may be optimal for patients who can’t take oral medication(s).
- Select medication(s) based on type of patient’s pain (i.e nerve pain, muscle, etc.)
- Select type of gel based on type of symptoms
Anhydrous Gels
Administered by the drop in squeeze bottle with flip top, must be rubbed in 3-4 minutes, leaves film on skin, very good penetration, slightly sticky if not rubbed in well, most cost effective form.
- Anhydrous Regular Gel: topical pain (i.e. skin, superficial, nerve)
- Anhydrous Deep Penetrating Gel: pain below the surface (i.e. muscle)
Lipoderm® Gel
Looks like a cream but gels when applied, penetrates but not as well as anhydrous gels, best used on face or neck because less sticky.
Lipoderm Gel used for:
- TMJ
- Facial, neck pain
- Small areas where sticky gel might not be desirable
- Application: Apply Lipoderm gel in a small amount, rub in well. Apply 4 times daily.
Please contact Reed’s Compounding Pharmacy to find out how we can work with your provider to formulate an appropriate topical gel for your symptoms. Phone: (520) 318-4421
Email: tom@reedsrx.com
