Vulvodynia and proctodynia treated with topical baclofen 5 % and palmitoylethanolamide

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2014 Aug;290(2):389-93. doi: 10.1007/s00404-014-3218-4. Epub 2014 Apr 2.

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of idiopathic vulvodynia and proctodynia is high. Pain management with anti-depressants and anti-epileptics may induce undesirable side effects. Therefore, topical baclofen cream and palmitoylethanolamide might be new therapeutic options.

Case: A 33-year-old woman with intractable chronic vulvar and anal pain had to abstain from sexual intercourse and could neither cycle nor sit for more than 5 min. The patient did not respond to standard treatments. We prescribed a combination of topical baclofen 5 % and palmitoylethanolamide 400 mg, three times daily. After 3 months her symptoms decreased more than 50 % and sexual intercourse was possible again without pain.

Conclusion: Topical baclofen and palmitoylethanolamide can be a viable treatment option in chronic vulvodynia and proctodynia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Adult
  • Amides
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use*
  • Anus Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Baclofen / administration & dosage
  • Baclofen / therapeutic use*
  • Coitus
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / methods
  • Endocannabinoids / administration & dosage
  • Endocannabinoids / therapeutic use*
  • Ethanolamines / administration & dosage
  • Ethanolamines / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Muscle Relaxants, Central / administration & dosage
  • Muscle Relaxants, Central / therapeutic use*
  • Pain / drug therapy*
  • Palmitic Acids / administration & dosage
  • Palmitic Acids / therapeutic use*
  • Vulvodynia / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Amides
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Endocannabinoids
  • Ethanolamines
  • Muscle Relaxants, Central
  • Palmitic Acids
  • palmidrol
  • Baclofen