The Therapeutic Potential of Transdermal Gabapentin in the Symptomatic Management of Chronic Neuropathy

Standard pharmacotherapeutic options in the management of neuropathic pain are often poorly tolerated due to various contraindications, drug interactions, and troublesome adverse events. The investigation and pharmaceutical development of localized anti-neuropathic options is increasing among researchers and manufacturers, but results have not yet determined the role in therapy of transdermal/locally acting analgesics, anti-neuropathics, and anti-inflammatories. Compounding Pharmacies and FDA 503b Outsourcing Facilities aid in this critical endeavor through endogenous compounding and manufacturing (respectively) of transdermal analgesic formulations. This review summarizes the currently available clinical data supporting the implementation of transdermal gabapentin preparations in the management of chronic neuropathic symptoms. Transdermally applied analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-neuropathic preparations are crucial in the development of pain management modalities which reduce the risk of numerous well-known complications, including drug-drug interactions, conflicting patient comorbidities, and CNS depressant effects. The adjunctive treatment of neuropathy with a transdermal analgesic/antispasmodic preparation remains under-investigated, and the role of these preparations in the management of chronic neuropathic pain remains unclear.