EXTERNAL
ANALGESICS
By: Vaughn Benton
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
UPON COMPLETION OF THIS PRESENTATION, THE STUDENT WILL
BE ABLE TO:
1.
Define the term “external analgesic”
2.
List the various topical drugs available as nonprescription
external analgesic products (generic and brand names)
3.
Discuss the differences in mechanisms of action between the
various external analgesic products identified
4.
Identify specific factors to discuss when providing patient
education
SO... WHAT ARE EXTERNAL
ANALGESICS?
 An external analgesic is a medication for pain
management designed to be applied externally, rather than
being taken internally.
For the treatment and management of musculoskeletal
injuries and disorders, many patients commonly use
nonprescription topical analgesics.
 Available in several different formulations, including
gels, ointments, creams, lotions, sprays, and patches,
These products may have local analgesic, anesthetic,
antipruritic and/or counterirritant effects.
WHY SO SERIOUS?
IDENTIFICATION
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Methyl Salicylate
Trolamine Salicylate
Menthol
Camphor
Capsaicin
METHYL SALICYLATE
 Origin

Oil of Wintergreen
 Effect

When Applied
Rubefacient
 produces redness of the
skin e.g. by causing
dilation of the capillaries
and an increase in blood
circulation.
TROLAMINE SALICYLATE


Origin
 Salt formed between
triethanolamine and
salicylic acid
Effect When Applied
 Rubefacient
 Produces redness of the
skin e.g. by causing
dilation of the capillaries
and an increase in blood
circulation.
MENTHOL
 Origin

Peppermint and Other
Mint Oils
 Effect

When Applied
Cooling
CAMPHOR
 Origin

Wood of camphor laurel,
a large evergreen in
Asia
 Effect
When Applied
CAPSAICIN
 Origin

Chili Peppers
 Effect
When Applied
 Burning
PRODUCTS YOU’RE FAMILIAR WITH...
Flex-power was founded in 2001 for
athletes who disliked the smell of
existing sports-related pain relief
products.
They received guidance from PowerBar
founder, Brian Maxwell and hired
scientists who developed the Flexpower
formula within a year.
The company indicates that liposome
nanotechnology is used in Flex-power to
embed the active ingredients in tiny
particles for delivery through the skin.
TIGER KNOWS BEST
CLINICAL TEACHING
1.
Pharmacists should advise patients that
nonprescription topical analgesics are intended to
treat mild to moderate pain for no longer than 7
days.
2.
Factors that may be considered when selecting a
nonprescription topical analgesic include dosage
form, cost, ease of use, odor, and the patient’s
medical history, including possible allergies.
3.
Patients who are taking anticoagulation therapy
should be cautioned not to use topical products that
contain salicylates
CLINICAL TEACHING
4.
Patients should be counseled on the proper use of
these products, which include using them as
directed and only applying topical products to intact
skin.
5.
Hands should always be washed after applying
topical products and before touching the eyes or
mucous membranes.
6.
Patients should be advised to consult their primary
health care provider if pain changes in severity or
persists after 7 days of self-treatment.
MISCONCEPTIONS & PRECAUTIONS
1.
“Its perfectly alright to take a
spoonful of Vick’s VapoRub by
mouth.”
2.
Pad and Patch Don’t Match!
3.
Location, location, location
VAUGHN BENTON FOR MR. COPPS