What measures relieve postherpetic neuralgia?
Garroway N et al. - Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is defined as pain lasting 1 to 3 months after resolution of acute herpes zoster (shingles) rash. It occurs in approximately 10% to 15% of patients and can cause significant morbidity. Tricyclic antidepressants, gabapentin, and pregabalin effectively reduce pain (strength of recommendation: A, at least 2 good-quality randomized controlled trials [RCTs] and/or meta-analyses). Opioids have demonstrated pain relief in 3 RCTs (SOR: A, consistent RCTs). Capsaicin and the lidocaine 5% patch relieve pain and decrease allodynia (SOR: B, recommendations from meta-analyses and lower-quality RCTs). [more...]
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