ketamine + amitriptyline

This is an experimental topical formulation combining ketamine and amitriptyline being investigated by Aalborg University for the treatment of itch. The formulation, typically prepared as a cream containing 0.5% ketamine and 1% amitriptyline, was evaluated in a completed mechanistic research trial (NCT06245564). Ketamine acts as an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, while amitriptyline functions as a voltage-gated sodium channel antagonist when applied topically. The combination is designed to target both histaminergic and non-histaminergic itch pathways. The study was conducted in healthy volunteers using experimentally induced itch (via histamine and cowhage) to understand the underlying mechanisms of pruritus rather than as a commercial therapeutic development program.

Other names

ketamine 0.5% + amitriptyline 1% creamtopical ketamine and amitriptyline