Antipruritic

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Antipruritics, also known as anti-itch drugs, are medications that inhibit the itching (Latin: pruritus) that is often associated with sunburns, allergic reactions, eczema, psoriasis, chickenpox, fungal infections, insect bites and stings like those from mosquitoes, fleas, and mites, and contact dermatitis and urticaria caused by plants such as poison ivy (urushiol-induced contact dermatitis) or stinging nettle.

Contents 1 Common antipruritics 2 Disputed and questionable antipruritics 3 Home remedies 4 References 5 External links

[edit] Common antipruritics

Topical antipruritics in the form of creams and sprays are often available over-the-counter. Oral anti-itch drugs also exist and are usually prescription drugs. The active ingredients usually belong to the following classes:

• Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone topical cream
• Local anesthetics such as benzocaine topical cream (Lanacaine)
• Counterirritants, such as mint oil, menthol, or camphor^[1]
• Calamine lotion, containing zinc oxide and iron(III) oxide, is a traditional remedy for mild itching, such as that typically associated with chicken pox - although the USA's Food and Drug Administration has asserted that it has little if any effect.^[2][3]

[edit] Disputed and questionable antipruritics

• Burow's solution (aluminium acetate)
• Olive oil
• Jewelweed, has been shown to be devoid of any anti-itch activity in several controlled studies ^[4][5][6][7]
• SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) comprise a class of medicines commonly used for depression, and are also said to be effective in controlling pruritus in a small number of refractory cases.^[8]

[edit] Home remedies

• Cooling with ice or cold water(usually stops the itch for as long as the ice or cold water is applied)^{[citation needed]}
• Heating
• Slightly painful stimulation like rubbing, slapping or scratching, based on a spinal antagonism between pain- and itch-processing neurons^{[citation needed]}

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Frontiers in pruritus research: scratching the brain for more effective itch therapy J. Clin. Invest. 116:1174-1185 (2006). DOI 10.1172/JCI28553

v • d • e Major drug groups Gastrointestinal tract (A) Antacids • Antiemetics  • H2 antagonists • Proton pump inhibitors • Laxatives • Antidiarrhoeals Blood and blood forming organs (B) Anticoagulants • Antihemorrhagics • Antiplatelets • Thrombolytics Cardiovascular system (C) Antiarrhythmics • Antihypertensives • Diuretics • Vasodilators • Antianginals • Beta blockers • Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors • Antihyperlipidemics Skin (D) Emollients - Antipruritics Reproductive system (G) Hormonal contraception • Fertility agents • Selective estrogen receptor modulators • Sex hormones Endocrine system (H) Anti-diabetics • Corticosteroids • Sex hormones • Thyroid hormones Infections and infestations (J, P) Antibiotics • Antivirals • Vaccines • Antifungals • Antiprotozoals • Anthelmintics Malignant and immune disease (L) Anticancer agents • Immunostimulators • Immunosuppressants Muscles, bones, and joints (M) Anabolic steroids • Anti-inflammatories • Antirheumatics • Corticosteroids • Muscle relaxants Brain and nervous system (N) Anesthetics • Analgesics • Anticonvulsants • Mood stabilizers  • Anxiolytics • Antipsychotics • Antidepressants • Nervous system stimulants • Sedatives Respiratory system (R) Bronchodilators • Decongestants  • H1 antagonists

v • d • e Antipruritics (D04) Antihistamines for topical use Thonzylamine - Mepyramine - Thenalidine - Tripelennamine - Chloropyramine - Promethazine - Tolpropamine - Dimetindene - Clemastine - Bamipine - Isothipendyl - Diphenhydramine - Chlorphenoxamine Anesthetics for topical use Lidocaine - Cinchocaine - Oxybuprocaine - Benzocaine - Quinisocaine - Tetracaine - Pramocaine