title: Therapeutic options for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia: a systematic review.
abstract: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic and painful condition that may result in significant disturbances to normal activities and decreases in the quality of life for those affected. Despite the availability of several first- and second-line treatment options, many patients may experience refractory pain. The objectives of this review were to summarize evidence for Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved and off-label therapies for the treatment of PHN and to present gaps in the current literature for future research focus. Several agents, including pregabalin, gabapentin, and opioids, have been shown to significantly improve pain when compared with placebo. However, evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness of these treatment alternatives is lacking. In order to choose the optimal treatment, providers should consider issues related to efficacy, safety, and tolerability in conjunction with patient goals, preferences, and adherence issues. Evidence from randomized or observational studies that directly compare agents with each other should help to inform treatment choices.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Practice, SUNY Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Buffalo, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Tina
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Khadem
authors.forename: Vanessa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Stevens
mesh_terms: D000588:Amines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000700:Analgesics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017277:Drug Approval; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D055118:Medication Adherence; D051474:Neuralgia, Postherpetic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D056687:Off-Label Use; D000069583:Pregabalin; D011788:Quality of Life; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000588:Amines; D000700:Analgesics; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D000069583:Pregabalin; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin