[Topical treatment of blunt-impact soft tissue injuries].
Studies have shown that topical NSAIDs, e.g. diclofenac, easily penetrate the skin barrier to exert local therapeutic activity. In contrast to oral administration, plasma levels after application of topical formulations are by several magnitudes lower thus explaining the lack of systemic side effects. We discuss the clinical relevance of patches containing an NSAID by demonstrating the efficacy and safety of a newly developed diclofenac patch in the topical treatment of blunt impact soft tissue injuries in a randomised, placebo controlled, double blind, multicentre study. The results showed that the diclofenac patch was significantly more effective than placebo (p < 0.0001) with a significantly faster pain relief. The diclofenac patch was well tolerated. It might be used in indications with similar pathomechanisms.
Gallacchi
G
G
Schmerzklinik Kirschgarten, Basel.
Frentzel
A
A
Heidecker
J L
JL
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004008:Diclofenac / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D010919:Placebos; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D010919:Placebos; D004008:Diclofenac