-Review-

Pharmacotherapy for Neuropathic Pain in Japan

Ritsuko Masuda, Junko Ajimi and Tomohiko Murata

Department of Anesthesiology, Tokai University Hachioji Hospital, Tokyo, Japan

Neuropathic pain (NeP) results from injury to, or disease of, the peripheral or central components of the neural systems involved in pain. In contrast to inflammatory pain, NeP can persist after healing from the initial injury has resolved. Antipyretic agents, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, and acetaminophen are ineffective, while specific agents such as gabapentinoids, antidepressants, antiepileptics, and opioids are effective in treating NeP. In this review, we address the definition of NeP, pharmacotherapy for NeP in Japan, pain classification, setting goals for successful NeP medication, and the Japanese algorithm for the pharmacotherapy of NeP with specific prescription guidance.

J Nippon Med Sch 2017; 84: 258-267

Keywords
neuropathic pain, analgesics, pharmacotherapy, algorithm

Correspondence to
Ritsuko Masuda, MD, PhD, Professor and Director of Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Tokai University Hachioji Hospital, 1838 Ishikawa-cho, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0032, Japan
rinet-m@ga2.so-net.ne.jp

Received, June 4, 2017
Accepted, August 16, 2017