A 55-year-old man develops postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) three months after a herpes zoster infection affecting the T4 dermatome. Which medication is specifically indicated and approved for the treatment of PHN?
- A Duloxetine
- B Capsaicin 0.025% cream
- C Lidocaine 5% patch ✓
- D Buprenorphine patch
Correct answer: C. Lidocaine 5% patch
Explanation
The lidocaine 5% patch is specifically approved for postherpetic neuralgia, providing topical analgesia with minimal systemic absorption. Duloxetine is approved for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. High-concentration capsaicin (8%) is approved for PHN, but not the 0.025% cream. Buprenorphine is an opioid used for various chronic pains.
Reference: Pain Medicine, 1st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.