Published online Mar 26, 2021. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i9.2100
Peer-review started: November 28, 2020
First decision: January 24, 2021
Revised: February 2, 2021
Accepted: March 9, 2021
Article in press: March 9, 2021
Published online: March 26, 2021
Processing time: 117 Days and 10.2 Hours
Neuropathic pain (NPP) is a kind of pain caused by disease or damage impacting the somatosensory system. Ion channel drugs are the main treatment for NPP; however, their irregular usage leads to unsatisfactory pain relief. To regulate the treatment of NPP with ion channel drugs in clinical practice, the Chinese Association for the Study of Pain organized first-line pain management experts from China to write an expert consensus as the reference for the use of ion channels drugs . Here, we reviewed the mechanism and characteristics of sodium and calcium channel drugs, and developed recommendations for the therapeutic principles and clinical practice for carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, lidocaine, bulleyaconitine A, pregabalin, and gabapentin. We hope this guideline provides guidance to clinicians and patients on the use of ion channel drugs for the management of NPP.
Core Tip: Ion channel drugs are the treatment of choice for neuropathic pain; however, non-adherence to these drugs makes pain relief unsatisfactory. The Chinese Association for the Study of Pain organized first-line pain management experts from across China to write an expert consensus on the guidelines for usage of ion channel drugs. Here, we reviewed the mechanism and characteristics of sodium and calcium channel drugs, and developed recommendations for the therapeutic principles and clinical practice for carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, lidocaine, bulleyaconitine A (BLA), pregabalin, and gabapentin.