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

Kim, Jin Young; Park, Chang Keun; Kim, Gyeong Il; Kim, Sang Seok; Park, Chun Wook; Lee, Cheol Heon

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.