title: Pharmacologic management of temporomandibular disorders.
abstract: Although there are theoretically numerous pharmacologic targets for relieving temporomandibular disorder (TMD)-associated pains, evidence-based literature clearly establishing the efficacy and safety of drugs in the TMD population is limited at best. This article reviews the pharmacology, toxicology, and research supporting the use of a host of pharmacologic agents that have been used in patients who have TMD, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepine sedative hypnotics, opioids, skeletal muscle relaxants, capsaicin, transdermal lidocaine, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants. Recommendations regarding the proper use of each drug class are also made.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Surgery and Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine, 240 South 40th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6030, USA. evhersh@pobox.upenn.edu
authors.forename: Elliot V
authors.initials: EV
authors.lastname: Hersh
authors.forename: Ramesh
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Balasubramaniam
authors.forename: Andres
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pinto
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002211:Capsaicin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009294:Narcotics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018689:Sensory System Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D009294:Narcotics; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D018689:Sensory System Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D002211:Capsaicin