Local Anaesthetic Effects of Transcutaneous Amitriptyline

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The aim of this study is to assess the local anaesthetic effects of amitriptyline applied on the skin of human volunteers, considering the differential effects on mechanic and thermic sensitivity, the local and general tolerance, and the systemic absorption of the drug. The solution used for dilution of amitriptyline is the only one known to allow transcutaneous absorption of the drug [1]. Considering that the peripheral sensitive fibre is a possible site of action of tricyclic antidepressants for relieving neuropathic pain [2,3], this is a first step study before further assessment of the therapeutic effects of transcutaneous amitriptyline.

Detailed Description
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Sixteen male healthy volunteers are enrolled for this study. They receive in a randomised order on six regions of dorsal skin (after previous targetting by ink marks) the six following treatments : lidocaïne-prilocaïne anaesthetic cream (EMLA (R)), normal saline, amityptiline hydrochloride diluted in solution of water (%), isopropanol (%) , glycerol (%), titrated with sodium hydroxide for pH=8.5, at four different concentrations (0,25, 50 and 100 mM). The person in charge of local application does not participate to further examination. Immediately after one hour of application, the volunteer is examined, and then every 2 hours during 8 hours, and 24 hours after the end if application. Every trial includes, for every treated area, (a) measurement of sensitive and nociceptive threshold to Von Frey hair application, (b) assessment of sensation induced by cold and heat after Rolltemp TM application, (c) measurement of sensitive threshold to cold, then sensitive and nociceptive thresholds to heat with Thermotest TM, (d) clinical evaluation of tolerance to the treatment, (e) blood sampling for measuring amitriptylinemia (HPLC). The possible residual anaesthetic effects of the treatment are assessed one and three weeks after the application, by measurement of sensitive and nociceptive threshold to Von Frey hair application. The statistical analysis will use two-way ANOVA, considering the following factors : treatment, time, order, subject, subject/order.

Official Title
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Local Anaesthetic Effects of Transcutaneous Amitriptyline in Human Volunteers : a Controlled, Double-blinded, Randomised Study Versus Placebo and Transcutaneous Local Anaesthetic (EMLA(R))

Conditions
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Healthy Volunteers

Intervention / Treatment
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* Drug: Amitriptyline


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Healthy volunteers Exclusion Criteria: history of intolerance to amitriptyline, lidocaine or prilocaine cardiac predisposition to intolerance to tricyclic antidepressants

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 40 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Male

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Intervention/Treatment |
| --- |
|Drug: Amitriptyline|nan|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Tricyclic antidepressants, Neuropathic pain, Local anaesthesia, Transcutaneous