A topically applied quaternary ammonium compound exhibits analgesic effects for orthopedic pain.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effectiveness of a topically applied emulsion of an analgesic ammonium solution for the temporary treatment of pain associated with arthritis, tendinitis and bursitis.


METHODS
100 subjects in a single center, presenting with chronic pain associated with arthritis, tendinitis, or bursitis trialed against placebo in a double-blind cross-over protocol.


METHODS
Measures of treatment success include reduction in pain, improvement in clinical and/or mechanical evaluations, and evaluation of local and systemic adverse effects. Analysis was conducted at two weeks, after one week's clearance, and again after two weeks.


RESULTS
For chronic neuralgia associated with arthritis, tendinitis, and bursitis, the test material had a positive effect at temporary pain reduction. Several subjects also recorded improvements in mechanical evaluations from baseline. Withdrawals due to systemic or local adverse reactions were minimal.


CONCLUSIONS
A topical emulsion of a strong ammonium solution utilizing quaternary ammonium, enhanced with certain penetration enhancers, is effective for temporary relief of pain associated with arthritis, tendinitis, and bursitis.
Hadley
H W
HW
Fischer
L A
LA
Whitaker
J
J
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001168:Arthritis / Q000188:drug therapy; D002062:Bursitis / Q000188:drug therapy; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000188:drug therapy
D000700:Analgesics; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds