The Antipruritic Effect of 5% Doxepin Cream on Korean Patients with Eczematous Dermatitis / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Eczematous dermatitis is associated with severe pruritus, but there are only a few effective treatment modalities. Preliminary studies suggest that topical application of doxepin cream is effective in the treatment of eczematous dermatitis. OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical 5% doxepin cream in reducing ruritus associated with eczematous dermatitis in Korea. METHODS: A total of 62 patients with eczematous dermatitis, who daily experienced severe pruritus for at least 1 week, were enrolled in the study. Five percent doxepin cream was applied twice a day on the baseline visit, and four times daily for up to 7 days. We evaluated pruritus scores using visual analog scales, which consisted of a 100-mm horizontal line labeled "no itch" and "worst itch imaginable" at opposite ends. RESULTS: Pruritus scores evaluated by patients revealed significantly-better improvement on each visit day. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in the pruritus scores and erythema evaluated by physicians on each visit day. Furthermore, the most common adverse effects were a stinging sensation and aggravation of erythema at the site of application. CONCLUSION: Five percent doxepin cream is safe and effective in reducing pruritus in patients with eczematous dermatitis.