Search Results (2,322)

Introduction: Effective perioperative management in cesarean section remains essential to optimize maternal outcomes. Melatonin (M) has been proposed as a potential adjunct due to its analgesic, anxiolytic, and antiemetic properties; however, evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) remains inconsistent. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of preoperative melatonin compared with placebo in women undergoing cesarean section. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane from inception to 15 March 2026 for studies evaluating pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean section receiving preoperative melatonin versus placebo (P) (PROSPERO “CRD420261355468”). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic and Cochrane Q test. Risk ratios (RRs) and standardized mean differences (SMDs) were computed using a restricted maximum-likelihood estimator random-effects method. Trial Sequential Analysis (TSA) was performed to assess the robustness and sufficiency of the evidence. Results: Seven RCTs were included with 552 patients (melatonin: 278; placebo: 274). Preoperative melatonin significantly reduced opioid consumption in the overall pooled analysis (RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.80; p = 0.030; I² = 50%), and TSA supported the robustness of this opioid-sparing finding under the selected assumptions. Postoperative pain scores were also significantly lower in the melatonin group (SMD −2.10, 95% CI −2.43 to −1.78; p < 0.01; I² = 22%). The incidence of postoperative nausea showed a trend toward reduction in the conventional meta-analysis (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.23–1.04; p = 0.057; I² = 34%); although TSA suggested a possible benefit, this finding should be considered exploratory. No significant difference was observed in intraoperative blood loss (SMD −0.33, 95% CI −1.53 to 0.88; p = 0.60; I² = 94%). Conclusions: Preoperative melatonin may be a promising adjunct in cesarean section, particularly for reducing postoperative pain and overall opioid consumption. TSA findings support the opioid-sparing result under selected assumptions, while the possible effect on postoperative nausea remains exploratory. Further high-quality trials are warranted before routine clinical implementation can be recommended. Full article

Background/Objectives: Postoperative agitation (PA) and postoperative pain in pediatric patients following sevoflurane anesthesia are challenging clinical scenarios. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion compared to fentanyl infusion on the prevention of postoperative agitation and analgesic efficacy in children undergoing tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. Methods: After ethical committee approval, a total of 85 pediatric patients (age range: 2–13 years) in the ASA I-II group were included in the study. Patients were randomized into two groups: the dexmedetomidine group (Group D, n = 40) and the fentanyl group (Group F, n = 45). Postoperative pain was monitored in the recovery unit (PACU) using the FLACC (face, legs, activity, cry, consolability) scale, and agitation was monitored using the PAED (pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium) scale. FLACC and PAED were monitored at 5, 10, 15, 30 min, and 2 and 4 h postoperatively. Results: Demographic data and surgical durations were similar between groups (p > 0.05). The dexmedetomidine group had lower FLACC pain scores at 10 and 15 min (uncorrected trends), but only the difference at 30 min remained statistically significant after Bonferroni correction (p = 0.0001; Cohen’s d = 0.85). Although PAED scores were numerically lower in Group D, no statistically significant difference was found. While an observational trend toward lower agitation was noted, it did not reach statistical significance. Extubation times and hemodynamic parameters were similar in both groups. Conclusions: The intraoperative use of dexmedetomidine in tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy procedures provides superior analgesia compared to fentanyl, particularly in the first 30 min postoperatively, without prolonging recovery time. Full article

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a thromboinflammatory disorder involving coordinated activation of coagulation, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammatory signaling. Low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) may exert pharmacological effects beyond anticoagulation. This study compared enoxaparin, bemiparin, and tinzaparin and explored potential multi-target mechanisms using molecular docking, network pharmacology, and enrichment analyses. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, patients with acute VTE treated with therapeutic-dose LMWHs were analyzed. Stabilized IPTW based on multinomial propensity scores was used to reduce baseline imbalance between treatment groups. Clinical recovery was assessed using the Clinical Severity Score (CSS). Thromboinflammatory biomarkers (MPV, hs-CRP, NLR, fibrinogen) were evaluated during follow-up. Molecular docking, STRING/Cytoscape-based protein–protein interaction, and enrichment analyses were performed. Results: Median time to symptom resolution was 31 days with enoxaparin, 28 days with bemiparin, and 24 days with tinzaparin (log-rank p < 0.001). Recovery was faster with bemiparin (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.05–1.56) and tinzaparin (HR 1.72, 95% CI 1.41–2.10). Tinzaparin showed greater reductions in hs-CRP, MPV, NLR, and fibrinogen (all p < 0.05) and less analgesic use beyond 10 days (19.7% vs. 27.0% and 33.2%; p < 0.001). Docking analyses identified plausible conformations (root-mean-square deviation, RMSD ≤ 2 Å). Given the structural flexibility and heterogeneous chain length of LMWHs, rigid docking algorithms may not fully capture biologically relevant conformations. Therefore, docking results should be interpreted as qualitative interaction mapping rather than quantitative binding affinity estimation. Network analysis highlighted F3, TNF, IL6, and VWF, while enrichment analyses suggested involvement of cytokine signaling, leukocyte migration, and thromboinflammatory pathways. Conclusions: LMWH therapy was associated with improved thromboinflammatory markers and clinical recovery, with tinzaparin showing comparatively more favorable thromboinflammatory biomarker trajectories and recovery dynamics within the limitations of this observational analysis. Integrated clinical and in silico findings provide hypothesis-generating insights into potential multi-target pharmacological effects beyond anticoagulation; however, these observations should be interpreted cautiously and require experimental validation. Full article

Background: The plant Griffonia simplicifolia is marketed as a dietary supplement; it is said to have antidepressant and sleep-promoting properties. Its main ingredient, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), is the immediate precursor of serotonin and crosses the blood–brain barrier, thereby enhancing central serotonergic neurotransmission. Reduced serotonergic activity has been associated with affective disorders, sleep disturbances, and impaired central pain modulation. Despite this neurobiological rationale, evidence for analgesic efficacy remains limited. This study investigated the effects of Griffonia simplicifolia on peripheral and central sensitization and descending pain inhibition. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, 18 healthy volunteers underwent quantitative sensory testing (QST). Participants received 100 mg Griffonia simplicifolia orally once daily for 28 days or matching placebo. Sensory parameters were reassessed, followed by repetitive phasic heat application (RPHA) to induce short-term peripheral and central sensitization. After a 4-week washout period, participants crossed over to the alternate intervention. Results: A total of 17 participants completed the study. Griffonia simplicifolia showed no significant effect on acute pain perception after RPHA (β = −4.17; 95% CI −14.44 to 6.10; p = 0.401). The only significant difference was an increased distance of mechanical allodynia in the verum group (β = 0.82; 95% CI 0.05–1.59; p = 0.038). No differences were observed in thermal detection or pain thresholds, pressure pain thresholds, conditioned pain modulation, wind-up ratio, mechanical pain sensitivity, or flare area. Mild, transient adverse events occurred in two participants (11%) during Griffonia simplicifolia intake. Conclusions: Griffonia simplicifolia demonstrated limited effects on experimentally induced pain mechanisms compared with placebo and was well tolerated. Increased distance of allodynia may reflect serotonergic facilitation of pronociceptive pathways, suggesting an enhanced central and peripheral sensitization. Larger controlled trials are required to clarify its impact on pain perception. Full article

Background: The widespread prevalence of neck pain (NP) is a serious healthcare and social problem, and the question of which components of physiotherapy are most effective is still valid. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the effect of the type of electrotherapy applied on the outcomes of complex physiotherapy administered to individuals with NP. Methods: In line with the study protocol, 100 individuals with NP were enrolled and randomly divided into four groups. All groups received kinesiotherapy and phototherapy. Additionally, each group also received electrotherapy treatment, which was a differentiating factor. Participants were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and after six months. The examination involved evaluation of pain using VAS and measurement of the cervical range of motion (ROM). Overall, seven parameters were assessed during each examination. Results: Pain intensity decreased in all individuals across the three study periods. A large effect size and changes exceeding the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) were observed only in the electrotherapy groups. The improvement in cervical spine ROM was comparable in the HF and LF TENS groups in the short- and long-term perspectives; however, a greater number of effects (p < 0.05) was observed in the HF TENS group. TC resulted only in large and moderate short-term effects reflected by improvements in cervical spine ROM. In the PLACEBO group, moderate long-term effects were observed. Conclusions: Low-frequency currents appear to improve the analgesic effectiveness of complex physiotherapy implemented in individuals with NP. TC may provide better short-term effects compared to long-term effects reflected by improvements in cervical spinal ROM. The effects in the PLACEBO group may suggest that phototherapy and kinesiotherapy are more effective due to the continuation of exercise and the education in ergonomics of work. Full article

Obesity is a complex, heterogeneous, chronic, and progressive disease, which correlates with an augmented risk of developing several comorbidities, including painful conditions, such as osteoarthritis. In this review, authors present for the first time the term meta-neuroinflammation for describing how the chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation, that occurs in obesity, may trigger oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory processes. Both the peripheral and the central nervous system are involved in neuroinflammation, leading to central sensitization and pain chronification, which leads to the observed increased incidence in obese patients of chronic pain syndromes, particularly osteoarthritis, low back pain, fibromyalgia, headache, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Possible mechanisms by which obesity may cause meta-neuroinflammation include adiposopathy, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and compromised integrity of blood–brain barrier, which could explain obesity-related depressive and neurodegenerative disorders. Preclinical data suggest the meta-neuroinflammation as a potential target of treatment in obese patients with degenerative joint disease. Based on these observations, targeted therapeutic strategies may include systemic administration of ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide (um-PEA), well known for its neuroprotective, anti-neuroinflammatory, and analgesic actions, and comicronized PEA–rutin and hydroxytyrosol to restore intestinal eubiosis, with beneficial effects on body weight and mental disorders. Finally, Adelmidrol, as a PEA congener, could be considered for mitigating intra-articular meta-neuroinflammation in knee osteoarthritis. Full article

Pharmacotherapy of neuropathic pain (NP) remains challenging due to its heterogeneous etiology, lack of objective diagnostic tools, and the limited efficacy of currently available treatments, including antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and local anesthetics. Therefore, the search for novel therapies with improved analgesic efficacy and reduced adverse effects is of growing importance. In this context, natural alkaloids have emerged as promising candidates, demonstrating analgesic potential in both diabetes-induced neuropathy and various experimental models of NP. This review outlines NP pathophysiology, emphasizing maladaptive changes within the somatosensory nervous system, including peripheral and central sensitization, as well as glial cell activation. Furthermore, it discusses the mechanisms through which alkaloids may modulate NP-related pathways, with particular focus on their interactions with ion channels, signaling pathways, inflammatory responses, and oxidative stress. A literature search was conducted using the Scopus, Google Scholar and PubMed databases for papers published between 2015 and 2026, using the keywords “alkaloids” and “neuropathic pain”, and focused on recent findings regarding the antinociceptive effects of berbamine, tetrandrine, fangchinoline, and sinomenine, and their derivatives. The analysis indicates that, despite promising preclinical evidence, further rigorous preclinical and clinical studies are necessary to fully assess their therapeutic potential in the treatment of NP. Full article

Background: Drug shortages represent a growing challenge to healthcare systems worldwide, affecting treatment continuity and patient outcomes. This study assessed the burden and perceived impact of drug shortages from both healthcare professionals’ and patients’ perspectives in a Saudi tertiary hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in April 2025 at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Convenience sampling was used to recruit healthcare professionals with at least two years of experience and adult outpatients. Structured questionnaires assessed shortage frequency, affected drug classes, perceived impacts, and management practices. The findings were descriptively analyzed and compared with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) national shortage data for the corresponding 12-month period. Results: A total of 230 healthcare professionals and 243 patients participated. Among healthcare professionals, 89.1% reported experiencing at least one drug shortage, with 38.3% encountering shortages more than ten times annually. Anti-infectives (36.5%) and analgesics (35.7%) were the most frequently reported classes. The most common response was prescribing alternative medications (77.4%), with 55.3% perceived as adequately effective and 30.8% as less effective. Delayed care was the most frequently reported consequence (44.0%). Among patients, 30.9% reported experiencing shortages, 46.7% reported some degree of health impact, and 28.1% incurred additional costs. Awareness and utilization of the SFDA reporting system were low in both groups. Comparison with SFDA data revealed discrepancies between hospital-reported and nationally reported shortages. Conclusions: Drug shortages were frequently reported and associated with perceived clinical and economic consequences. Gaps between hospital experiences and national reporting highlight limitations in current surveillance systems. Strengthening reporting mechanisms, communication, and supply chain coordination may improve the management of drug shortages. Full article

Background: The neonatal period involves rapid physiological adaptation and high vulnerability to painful stimuli, especially in NICU-admitted infants. Neonates have the neurophysiological capacity for nociception, and repeated pain exposure may impair neurodevelopment. Non-pharmacological interventions, particularly oral sucrose and breast milk, are widely used as first-line analgesic strategies due to their safety and efficacy. However, heterogeneity in existing studies requires evidence synthesis. Methods: A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted to assess the effectiveness of sucrose and breast milk in neonatal pain reduction. PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched for randomized controlled trials published between 2019 and 2024. Studies involving neonates undergoing painful procedures and receiving sucrose, breast milk, or both were included. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently. Due to heterogeneity in interventions and outcomes, a narrative synthesis was conducted. Results: Thirteen randomized controlled trials were included. Both sucrose and breast milk consistently reduced neonatal pain scores and physiological indicators such as heart rate and oxygen saturation. Sucrose showed rapid, short-term analgesia mediated by endogenous opioid pathways, while breast milk provided additional sensory, nutritional, and emotional benefits that support mother–infant bonding. Multimodal approaches, including kangaroo care, non-nutritive sucking, and swaddling, enhanced analgesic effects. Heterogeneity in protocols and assessment tools limited comparability across studies. Conclusions: Sucrose and breast milk are safe and effective non-pharmacological interventions for neonatal pain management. Their incorporation into standardized multimodal protocols is recommended to optimize analgesia and promote humanized neonatal care. Further research is needed to standardize dosing and evaluate long-term outcomes. Full article

Background: Effective pain management is crucial during orthodontic treatments with fixed appliances, to ensure adequate patient compliance and to avoid treatment discontinuation. Photobiomodulation approaches, including Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has received substantial attention, due to its potential as an effective, non-pharmacological analgesic modality, however, evidence pertaining to its efficacy is controversial. Our present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of LLLT vs. placebo, following placement of orthodontic elastic separators (ESs) in adult patients treated with fixed orthodontic appliances. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, split-mouth study was carried out, where n = 31 volunteers (18 male and 13 female; aged between 19 and 32 years) were enrolled. ESs were placed at the mesial and distal surfaces of the first permanent molars in both quadrants of lower, as well as upper jaws. Based on the assigned intervention, the four quadrants were divided as follows: three quadrants received LLLT treatment—using a 980 nm wavelength GaAlAs diode laser, with 0.1–0.2 W—according to three treatment regimes, i.e., regime 1 (R1): 6 J, continuous mode, R2: 12 J, continuous mode, and R3: 6 J, pulsed mode; while placebo treatment (P) was applied in the fourth quadrant. A questionnaire with a visual analogue scale (VAS; 0–100) was used for pain assessment (spontaneous pain and pain on mastication), scored directly after separation and after 6, 24, 48 and 72 h of both laser and placebo treatment application. Results: After the 24 h mark, significant differences were detected between the pain readings of LLLT-treated and placebo quadrants, both in resting position and during mastication (p < 0.05); pain readings were highest for R2, P, while lowest for R3 quadrants in resting position, and at R1 during mastication, respectively. Conclusions: Although findings of our study are exploratory in nature, they suggest that a single application of LLLT might be effective in reducing pain caused by ES placement, especially in the vulnerable 24 h following separation. Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov ID NCT07456709 (date of registration: 2 March 2026, retrospectively registered). Full article

Alkyn-1,2-diones have gained great attention as useful building blocks in organic synthesis. Regioselective synthetic routes towards 3,5-disubstituted isoxazoles, containing the methylfuroyl or diterpenylfuroyl moiety at the C-3 or C-5 position from alkyne-1,2-diones 1, 2, 3, are reported. The reaction with hydroxylamine hydrochloride 6 in ethanol afforded the 1,2-addition products: 5-aryl-3-(methylfuran-2-carbonyl)isoxazoles (yield 61–94%) or 16-(5-arylisoxazole-3-carbonyl)labdatrienes (yield 48–97%). The reaction of alkynediones 1–3 with 6 in THF in the presence of triethylamine led to 5-hydroxy-4,5-dihydroisoxazoles and subsequent dehydration afforded regioisomeric 3-aryl-5-(methylfuran-2-carbonyl)isoxazoles or 16-(3-arylisoxazole-5-carbonyl)labda-trienes (yield 65–98%). New heterocyclic compounds exhibited significant analgesic action in acetic acid writhing and hot-plate tests, and the activity was comparable to reference drugs diclofenac sodium and celecoxib. Isoxazoles, which possessed the most analgesic activity, reduced the concanavalin A-induced inflammation by 34–51%; the effect was comparable to the drug indomethacin. The results of in vitro biological assays (MTT test) revealed that isoxazoles were non-toxic against the normal epithelial VERO cells, and 16-(3-aryl-5-hydroxyisoxazoline-5-carbonyl)labdatrienes 20–24 exhibited selective cytotoxicity against the breast adenocarcinoma MCF 7 (GI₅₀ = 4.7–8.3 μM) and cervical cancer cells C33 A (GI₅₀ = 3.4–4.7 μM). Molecular docking analysis to determine the binding potential of new molecules to the active site of human COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes was conducted. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic pain in older adults is a highly disabling epidemic, often overtreated with passive pharmacological approaches. Although clinical guidelines recommend active strategies combining multicomponent exercise and Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE), robust geriatric evidence remains scarce. Therefore, the central objective of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to evaluate the efficacy of combined PNE and exercise versus exercise alone. Crucially, this RCT addresses a major literature gap by investigating the long-term dose–response effect of PNE (an 8-week intensive vs. a 32-week maintenance program) to determine the optimal strategy for sustaining behavioral change and pain relief. Methods: A prospective, single-blind RCT (1:1:1 allocation) will recruit 90 older adults (≥65 years) with primary chronic musculoskeletal pain. The 32-week intervention comprises three arms: a control group (multicomponent exercise), Intervention Group 1 (exercise + 8 weeks of PNE), and Intervention Group 2 (exercise + 32 weeks of PNE). The primary outcome is pain intensity (assessed via the Numeric Rating Scale [NRS]). Secondary outcomes include kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, chronic pain grade and related disability, quality of life, physical performance, body composition and analgesic consumption. Data collected at baseline, 8, and 32 weeks will be analyzed using mixed-effects models for repeated measures. Results: As this is a study protocol, there are no results to report yet. Upon completion of the trial, data will be analyzed using mixed-effects models for repeated measures to evaluate intra- and intergroup changes over time, and the findings will be disseminated in future publications. Conclusions: By evaluating the long-term dose–response effect, this study will determine the optimal PNE dosage required for sustained pain relief and behavioral change in older adults. If our hypotheses are confirmed, the findings will generate high-quality evidence to support the integration of combined active interventions into community settings, promoting active aging and reducing the burden of chronic pain. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT07287501. Full article

Background: The pericapsular nerve group block provides motor-sparing analgesia after total hip arthroplasty, but the optimal injectate volume and the role of dexamethasone remain unclear. Methods: In this prospective, randomized, quadruple-blinded trial, 120 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia were allocated to receive ultrasound-guided pericapsular nerve group block with 20 mL or 10 mL of 0.2% ropivacaine, with or without 4 mg dexamethasone. The primary outcome was time to first rescue opioid within 24 h. Secondary outcomes included opioid consumption, pain scores, quadriceps strength, inflammatory markers, and safety. The study was designed as a superiority trial and was not powered to assess non-inferiority between volume groups. Results: Dexamethasone significantly prolonged time to first rescue opioid (hazard ratio 0.08, 95% confidence interval 0.04–0.16; p < 0.0001). Injectate volume had no significant effect on the primary outcome (p = 0.13), and no interaction between dexamethasone and volume was observed. Total opioid consumption at 48 h was lower in patients receiving dexamethasone (mean difference −3.88 mg oral morphine equivalents; p < 0.0001). Pain scores were consistently lower with dexamethasone, while injectate volume had no effect. Quadriceps strength was preserved in all groups. No nerve injury or clinically relevant hyperglycemia was observed. Conclusions: Dexamethasone improves analgesic efficacy of the pericapsular nerve group block after total hip arthroplasty. Reducing injectate volume from 20 mL to 10 mL did not significantly affect the analgesic outcomes; however, the study was not designed to assess non-inferiority. These findings support a strategy of volume optimization in regional anesthesia. Full article

Maropitant has been proposed as an adjunct for pain relief in dogs undergoing surgeries like ovariohysterectomy (OVH), but its effectiveness has not yet been definitively proven. This study aimed to assess the intraoperative analgesic effect of intravenously administered maropitant citrate at a constant rate infusion through monitoring parasympathetic tone activity in female dogs undergoing OVH. Thirty healthy females of various breeds, with an average age of 3.8 ± 2.7 years, an average weight of 16.75 ± 10.68 kg, were randomly assigned to two treatment groups. The group receiving maropitant (G_Maro, n = 15) was given a 1 mg kg⁻¹ maropitant bolus intravenously (IV), followed by a continuous infusion of 100 mcg kg⁻¹ min⁻¹. The lidocaine group (G_Lido, n = 15) received a 2 mg/kg lidocaine IV bolus, with subsequent infusion at 50 mcg kg⁻¹ min⁻¹. Cardiorespiratory variables and the PTA index were evaluated at 11 anesthetic time points. Overall, cardiovascular variables such as Heart Rate (HR) and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) significantly decreased during anesthesia induction in the G_Maro (p = 0.0001; p = 0.01, respectively) and in G_Lido (p = 0.01). Differences between groups during induction were observed in HR (p = 0.03), SAP (p = 0.04), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (p = 0.03). MAP showed significant changes from baseline at the start of surgery and during clamping in both G_Maro (p = 0.03) and G_Lido (p = 0.003). Regarding ventilatory variables—pulse oximetry (SpO₂), respiratory rate (RR), inspired oxygen fraction (FiO₂), end-tidal CO₂ (EtCO₂)—no group differences were found, but RR (G_Maro; p = 0.001, G_Lido; p = 0.0001) and SpO₂ (G_Maro; p = 0.004, G_Lido; p = 0.04) differed significantly from baseline due to the controlled clinical setting. During anesthesia maintenance, end-tidal isoflurane (ET_Iso) increased significantly in the G_Lido (p = 0.009), with no difference between groups (p = 0.94). Finally, only the PTA energy variable showed a significant decrease in the G_Maro (p = 0.0006), and a significant difference in this parameter was observed during right ovarian pedicle manipulation between groups (p = 0.02). In conclusion, continuous intravenous infusion of maropitant citrate at 100 mcg kg⁻¹ h⁻¹ effectively reduced the sympathetic response related to nociception, similar to lidocaine, in healthy female dogs undergoing OVH. Full article

Topical analgesics are increasingly recognised as an essential part of treatment for painful musculoskeletal conditions, valued for their localised effectiveness and safer profile compared to systemic options. Recent evidence suggests that the effects of topical analgesics go beyond simply alleviating pain from sports injuries; they also enhance sports performance immediately after application. We conducted a local survey of 141 adults engaging in exercise to gain insight into the use patterns and perceptions of topical analgesics; 102 reported using over-the-counter topical analgesics. Fisher–Freeman–Halton analyses confirmed that usage habits were similar between younger (21–30 years) and older (≥31 years) age groups, as well as between those exercising more frequently (≥3 times per week) and less frequently (once or twice per week). Participants typically employed topical analgesics to alleviate muscle aches, pain, or soreness (n = 92, 90.2%), relieve joint pain or discomfort (n = 57, 55.9%), and/or reduce muscle stiffness (n = 39, 38.2%). Most applied them at home as needed (n = 71, 69.6%), with some participants using them after exercise (n = 60, 58.8%). Regarding the frequency of topical analgesic use, most participants used analgesics fewer than five times a year (n = 54, 52.9%). Over half of the participants viewed topical analgesics as effective or very effective. To conclude, our survey revealed that adults engaging in exercise commonly used topical analgesics to relieve musculoskeletal pain or discomfort as needed. Full article