Saxitoxins and Pain management: A systematic review

Abstract Background From a clinical and economic viewpoint, pain management is critical. A class of drugs known as local anesthetics is used to treat pain caused by neurological conditions. Saxitoxin (STX) and its analogues are among the Na v blocking toxins that have recently received much attention in pain control. The goal of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the evidence for using STXs in pain management. Method A systematic search was conducted for randomized studies using STX and analogs in the treatment of pain. With no time or language limitations, this study employed a three-database search technique that included SCOPUS, PUBMED, and EMBASE. Results 134 studies were identified, and 7 included. From these publications, every information concerning the type of analog used, its efficacy, dose, and adverse effects was retrieved and discussed in detail. Discussion In human studies, the combination of local anesthetics with STX and its analogues, notably Neosaxitoxin, increased the duration of action and reduced the dosage needed to treat neuropathic pain. This effectiveness was also confirmed in numerous animal models. Conclusion According to this research, this family of toxins can be highly efficient in controlling and managing pain that has a neurological basis, and they should be investigated further for usage in this type of pain.