Lidocaine patch and methods of use thereof

Abstract

This invention is directed to a transdermal delivery patch comprising local anesthetic agent and optionally a permeation enhancement agent for reducing neuropathic pain.

1 . A method for reducing neuropathic pain in a subject comprised of, removing a release liner from a patch and then applying said patch on a skin surface of a subject for transdermal delivery of lidocaine comprised of a low dose of a therapeutically effective amount of an active ingredient and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, permeation enhancer, or excipient, or any combination thereof; wherein said low dose of the therapeutically effective amount of said active ingredient consists of less than 5 percent lidocaine by weight. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said neuropathic pain consists of pain from postherpetic neuralgia; wherein said excipient comprises a preservative to prevent biological degradation. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said neuropathic pain comprises pain from complex regional pain syndrome type II. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said neuropathic pain comprises pain from reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome.