The Antipruritic Effect of Topical Doxepin Cream in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis.
- Author:
Hee Jung LEE
1
;
Chang Ook PARK
;
Ju Hee LEE
;
Kwang Hoon LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. kwanglee@yumc.yonsei.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Randomized Controlled Trial ; Original Article
- Keywords:
Atopic dermatitis;
Doxepin cream
- MeSH:
Dermatitis, Atopic*;
Doxepin*;
Eczema;
Erythema;
Humans;
Pruritus;
Sleep Stages;
Weights and Measures
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2006;44(3):309-314
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis is associated with severe pruritus for which effective topical treatment is lacking. As a potent H1 and H2 antagonist, the antipruritic effect of topical doxepin has been demonstrated in eczematous dermatitis. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of topical 5% doxepin cream in relieving pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis. METHODS: A total of 44 patients with atopic dermatitis, who had moderate to severe daily pruritus for at least 1 week, were enrolled in the double-blind, vehicle-controlled study. Randomly assigned 5% doxepin cream or vehicle cream was applied four times daily for 7 days trial. RESULTS: Relief of pruritus was achieved in 85% of doxepin-treated patients and 57% of vehicle-treated patients by day 7. At each study visit, the physician's global evaluation for relief of pruritus showed significant improvement in the doxepin treatment group (p < 0.01). Visual analogue scales for pruritus severity and pruritus relief showed similar improvements in the doxepin-treated group. The most common adverse effects reported included localized erythema, xerosis (doxepin group, n=5; vehicle group, n=3) and drowsiness (doxepin group, n=2; vehicle group, n=0). CONCLUSION: Topical doxepin is effective in reducing pruritus in patients with atopic dermatitis. It has apparently a short-term low risk of major side effects or sensitization.
