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Amitriptyline 3% / Clonidine 0.2316% / Lidocaine 5% Compounded Pain Cream

from£39.99

  • A triple-action compounded pain cream with amitriptyline 3%, clonidine 0.2316%, and lidocaine 5%
  • Reserved for neuropathic pain that hasn’t responded to standard treatments
  • Three different actives target three different pain pathways at the same time
  • Prescriber-led supply after online consultation; UK POM compounded special
  • Pack size 100g
  • Expiry date: 30 days after compounded

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Amitriptyline 3% / Clonidine 0.2316% / Lidocaine 5% Compounded Pain Cream
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Description

Product description: Amitriptyline / Clonidine / Lidocaine cream

Neuropathic pain is genuinely difficult. After all, it doesn’t respond to standard painkillers the way inflammatory pain does. So someone with peripheral neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, or CRPS often tries multiple oral medicines — gabapentin, pregabalin, amitriptyline tablets, duloxetine — sometimes with limited benefit or significant side effects.

Compounded pain creams offer an alternative route. Specifically, they aim to deliver active medicines directly to the painful area, bypassing most of the systemic absorption that drives oral medicine side effects. In short, they’re a clinical tool for difficult neuropathic pain — not a routine option, but a useful one for the right patient.

Where compounded pain creams fit in UK pain management

The UK approach to neuropathic pain follows a stepped path, broadly based on NICE CG173:

  • Step 1: Identify and treat any underlying cause (diabetes, B12 deficiency, alcohol-related neuropathy, medication side effects)
  • Step 2: Lifestyle measures and pain self-management strategies
  • Step 3: First-line oral options such as amitriptyline (oral), duloxetine, gabapentin, or pregabalin
  • Step 4: Topical lidocaine (Versatis 5% patches) for post-herpetic neuralgia and similar localised pain
  • Step 5: Capsaicin cream for some neuropathic conditions
  • Step 6: Tramadol for episodic acute exacerbations (not as long-term standard treatment)
  • Step 7: Compounded pain creams (this product) for treatment-resistant or intolerant cases
  • Step 8: Specialist pain clinic referral for complex cases
  • Step 9: Procedures (nerve blocks, neuromodulation) for highly refractory cases

This compounded cream sits at Step 7. So it’s reserved for situations where the standard treatments haven’t worked, haven’t been tolerated, or aren’t suitable for clinical reasons.

This formulation vs other compounded pain creams

Many compounded pain creams exist. So they vary by which actives are combined and at what strengths:

  • Amitriptyline + clonidine + lidocaine (this cream): three different mechanisms, suits mixed neuropathic pain
  • Amitriptyline + ketamine: a well-studied combination for neuropathic pain
  • Amitriptyline + ketamine + lidocaine (AKL): a popular triple combination
  • Gabapentin + amitriptyline + ketamine + lidocaine: a four-active formulation
  • Baclofen + amitriptyline + ketamine: aimed at muscle-related neuropathic pain
  • Diclofenac + various: aimed more at inflammatory rather than neuropathic pain

In short, no single “best” combination exists for everyone. After all, different patients respond to different actives, and our prescriber will discuss which combination best suits your situation.

Compounded pain cream vs licensed alternatives

Several licensed options have stronger regulatory evidence:

  • Versatis 5% lidocaine patches: licensed specifically for post-herpetic neuralgia
  • Capsaicin cream (Zacin 0.025%): licensed for osteoarthritis pain
  • High-strength capsaicin (Qutenza 8% patch): licensed for peripheral neuropathic pain
  • Topical NSAIDs (Voltarol Emulgel, Ibuprofen gel): for inflammatory pain, not neuropathic pain
  • Oral options (amitriptyline, duloxetine, gabapentin, pregabalin): licensed for neuropathic pain

In general, licensed treatments come first because the evidence base is more robust. However, when those don’t fit, compounded creams become a reasonable next step. After all, the goal is pain relief that actually works for the individual.

Who this compounded cream suits well

This formulation may suit people who:

  • Have neuropathic pain that hasn’t settled with standard oral medicines
  • Couldn’t tolerate oral options because of side effects (drowsiness, weight gain, cognitive effects)
  • Have localised neuropathic pain in a specific area (rather than widespread)
  • Want to avoid or reduce systemic medication
  • Have post-herpetic neuralgia not responding to standard lidocaine patches alone
  • Have CRPS or complex localised neuropathic pain
  • Are under pain specialist care, where compounded creams are familiar territory
  • Understand the cream is unlicensed and individually made

Who might suit other options better

Other options may work better for people who:

  • Haven’t tried standard licensed treatments yet — these should come first
  • Have widespread or systemic neuropathic pain — oral medicines may suit better
  • Have inflammatory rather than neuropathic pain — Voltarol Emulgel or oral NSAIDs apply
  • Have a known allergy to amitriptyline, clonidine, lidocaine, or the cream base
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding — talk to GP first
  • Have severe heart problems, since clonidine and lidocaine can both affect heart function
  • Have very broken or weeping skin in the application area — absorption increases significantly
  • Need a licensed product for insurance, pharmacist consistency, or comfort reasons
  • Are unable to follow detailed application instructions

Courier Pharmacy supply

This compounded cream is a UK Prescription-Only Medicine (POM). So supply only happens after a UK-qualified prescriber reviews your medical history, prior pain treatments, and clinical situation. In short, if our prescriber decides another approach would suit better — a different combination, a licensed treatment, or specialist referral — we’ll explain that clearly.

Key features and specs

  • Active ingredients: amitriptyline hydrochloride 3%, clonidine hydrochloride 0.2316%, lidocaine 5%
  • Form: topical cream in a specialist base for skin penetration
  • Pack size: as prescribed (typically 30g, 60g, or 100g tubes)
  • Application: small amount to the painful area, as prescribed (typically 2-3 times daily)
  • Maximum area: only the painful area, never large body areas
  • Don’t apply: to broken, weeping, or inflamed skin without specific advice
  • Age range: adults only; not designed for children
  • Legal status: Prescription-Only Medicine (POM) — compounded special
  • Specially compounded
  • Brand: not branded — supplied by a UK specials pharmacy
  • Storage: as advised on the label; typically room temperature
  • Use by: as marked on the dispensed tube (typically 30 days from opening for specials)

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Overview

Active ingredients

What is it for?

How does it work?

How do you use it?

Warnings and precautions

Side effects

Drug interactions

FAQs

Download patent leaflet

Written By
Shazlee Ahsan
BSc Pharmacy, Independent Prescriber, PgDip Endocrinology, MSc Endocrinology, PgDip Infectious Diseases

Superintendant Pharmacist, Independent Prescriber


Checked By
Safdar Ali
BSc Pharmacy

Pharmacist


Amitriptyline 3% / Clonidine 0.2316% / Lidocaine 5% Compounded Pain Cream

This compounded pain cream combines three different actives — amitriptyline 3%, clonidine 0.2316%, and lidocaine 5% — in a single topical formulation. So it works through three different pain pathways at the same time. Because it’s a compounded “special”, the cream is made specifically for the prescription rather than mass-produced. After all, it’s reserved for neuropathic pain that hasn’t settled with standard treatments. Important: this is a UK Prescription-Only Medicine (POM), so supply only happens after a UK-qualified prescriber reviews your situation.

At Courier Pharmacy, we believe in treatment that fits the person.

This page covers what this triple-action cream is, when it’s the right choice, how it differs from licensed treatments, and the safety points that genuinely matter.

Five key takeaways

  • This is a compounded UK Prescription-Only Medicine (POM). So it’s compounded by a specialist pharmacy after your prescriber issues a prescription. Each tube is made for one patient
  • The cream contains three actives: amitriptyline (a tricyclic with multiple pain-modulating effects), clonidine (an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist), and lidocaine (a sodium channel blocker). Together, they target neuropathic pain through three different routes
  • Reserved for neuropathic pain that hasn’t responded to standard treatments. In particular, it’s used in peripheral neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, localised neuropathic pain, complex regional pain syndrome, and some chronic pain conditions
  • Topical delivery reduces (but doesn’t eliminate) systemic side effects. However, all three actives can be absorbed through skin, so the cream must be used as prescribed and never applied to large areas or broken skin without specific advice
  • Honest framing: the evidence for compounded combination creams is suggestive rather than conclusive. After all, individual actives have RCT evidence in their own right, but the specific combination has limited head-to-head data. It’s a clinical option, not a first-line treatment

Why choose Courier Pharmacy for this compounded cream

At Courier Pharmacy, our approach starts with a simple idea: treatment should fit the person, not force the person to fit the system.

Dr Ada Jex-Cori

Our service is shaped by the philosophy of Dr Ada Jex-Cori, our brand pharmacist.

Dr Ada represents the spirit of the pharmacy: evidence-led, community-rooted, and willing to challenge the one-size-fits-all approach to medicine. She is named in honour of three pioneering women in science: Ada Lovelace, the mathematician and visionary; Sophia Jex-Blake, the first female doctor in the UK who fought the medical establishment; and Gerty Cori, the biochemist and Nobel Prize winner.

In our fictional world of Ethrewell, Dr Ada fights against pharma’s standardised approach to medicine. In the real world, she represents what we stand for. Her view is straightforward: you are not broken. The system is. And we are here to change that.

Dr Ada Jex Cori at courierpharmacy.co.uk holding a coupon

Compounded specials — when one-size-fits-all doesn’t fit

Compounded creams are the embodiment of personalised medicine. After all, each tube is made for one patient, based on what their prescriber thinks they need:

  • Different patients respond to different pain mechanisms
  • Standard licensed products don’t cover every clinical situation
  • Combining actives in one cream can simplify the routine
  • Topical delivery can reduce side effects compared to oral medicines

So compounded creams are a clinical option when standard treatments don’t fit. However, they’re not a quick fix — they need the same thoughtful prescribing and review as any medicine.

Honest framing about evidence

Many providers oversell compounded pain creams. Courier Pharmacy is different:

  • Individual actives (amitriptyline, clonidine, lidocaine) have RCT evidence for neuropathic pain
  • Specific combinations have less robust evidence than individual actives
  • Some patients get genuine relief; others don’t
  • Compounded creams are a clinical option, not a guaranteed solution
  • If we don’t think this cream is right for you, we’ll say so

Pain and the bigger picture

Chronic pain often connects to wider health patterns. So our pharmacist can discuss:

  • Sleep and pain — poor sleep worsens pain sensitivity
  • Mood and pain — depression and anxiety can amplify pain perception
  • Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and chronic widespread pain
  • Fibromyalgia and central sensitisation
  • Diabetes management as it affects peripheral neuropathy
  • Vitamin B12, vitamin D, and other nutritional contributors
  • Physical therapy, pacing, and self-management strategies

Sometimes the pain is the visible part of a wider story — and that’s worth talking through.

Pharmacist support before and after purchase

Our pharmacist is here to discuss:

  • Whether this compounded cream is the right choice for your situation
  • How to use it safely and effectively
  • Watching for systemic absorption and side effects
  • How to combine with other treatments
  • When to ask for prescriber review or referral
  • Other compounded combinations if this one doesn’t suit

This is free and on hand before and after purchase.

Trust earned, not claimed

We are GPhC-regulated, and our content is grounded in NICE guidance, the BNF, peer-reviewed pain medicine research, and the real experience of patients using compounded pain treatments.

If this cream isn’t the right answer for your situation, we’ll tell you honestly. After all, prescribing the right treatment matters more than fulfilling a request.

How to buy this compounded cream from Courier Pharmacy

This cream is a UK Prescription-Only Medicine (POM). So supply needs a prescription, which our prescriber issues after reviewing your consultation.

How our service works

  1. Add the cream to your basket and complete the online consultation. The consultation covers your pain history, prior treatments tried, current medicines, allergies, and other relevant medical history
  2. Our UK-qualified prescriber reviews your answers to confirm whether this compounded cream is suitable. So if extra information is needed, or if a different treatment would suit better, we’ll get in touch
  3. Once approved, your prescription goes to a UK specials pharmacy, which compounds the cream specifically for you. This typically adds a few days to delivery time
  4. Your dispensed cream is sent out in plain, discreet packaging
  5. Free pharmacist and prescriber support is on hand before and after your purchase

When other options might suit better

If this compounded cream isn’t right, we’ll explain why. Other options may include:

  • Versatis 5% lidocaine patches: licensed specifically for post-herpetic neuralgia
  • Capsaicin cream (Zacin 0.025% or Qutenza 8% patch): for specific neuropathic conditions
  • Voltarol Emulgel or ibuprofen gel: for inflammatory rather than neuropathic pain
  • Different compounded combinations: amitriptyline + ketamine, AKL, or other formulations
  • Oral medicines: amitriptyline tablets, duloxetine, gabapentin, pregabalin
  • Pain specialist referral: for complex or persistent neuropathic pain
  • Lifestyle and self-management approaches alongside medical treatment
  • Investigation of underlying causes if not already done

Our community service

Our free fortnightly drop-in clinics at Insomnia, Derby run every other week from 10am to 12pm.

Healthcare shouldn’t only happen when you’re paying for it. So we show up, even when it’s free.

We cover chronic pain, neuropathy, fibromyalgia, MCAS, CFS, dermatology, eczema, psoriasis, allergies, asthma, hair loss, men’s and women’s health, digestive health, weight management, and whatever else people bring through the door. No appointment needed, no charge, no pressure.

Dr Ada Jex Cori at courierpharmacy.co.uk holding a coffee 2

Active ingredients

Each application of this compounded cream delivers three actives:

  • Amitriptyline hydrochloride 3%: a tricyclic compound that blocks sodium channels and modulates pain signalling at the nerve ending
  • Clonidine hydrochloride 0.2316%: an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that reduces pain signal transmission
  • Lidocaine 5%: a local anaesthetic that blocks sodium channels in nerve fibres

Why the triple combination

This is the key thinking behind compounded pain creams. So instead of relying on one mechanism, this formulation hits three different parts of the pain pathway:

  • Amitriptyline: works centrally on sodium channels, NMDA receptors, and monoamine systems — even when applied to skin
  • Clonidine: reduces the firing of pain-sensing nerves through alpha-2 adrenergic receptors
  • Lidocaine: blocks the sodium channels that nerve fibres need to transmit pain signals
  • Together, the three actives may produce more pain relief than any single one alone
  • In addition, lower individual doses can sometimes be used when combining actives, which may reduce systemic side effects

After all, neuropathic pain involves multiple mechanisms. So a multi-pathway approach can make sense when single-target treatments haven't worked. However, the evidence for specific compounded combinations is less robust than for individual actives, and our prescriber will discuss this with you.

Why this specific concentration

The amitriptyline 3% and lidocaine 5% concentrations sit within ranges studied in clinical research. So the 3% amitriptyline is high enough for meaningful local effect, while staying below concentrations linked to more systemic absorption. The 0.2316% clonidine looks unusual — it's a calculated concentration designed to deliver a specific topical dose, not a standard pharmacy strength.

The base cream

The cream uses a specialist base designed to help the three actives penetrate skin and reach nerve endings. So this base typically contains penetration enhancers, emollients, and stabilisers. The specials pharmacy that compounds your cream will list the full base on the label.

What is a "compounded medicine"?

This matters for understanding what you're buying. So compounded specials are unlicensed medicines compounded for individual patients in the UK from compounding pharmacies. Key points:

  • Made by a GPhC registered compounding pharmacy
  • Prepared after your prescription is received
  • Not mass-produced — each tube is individually made
  • Doesn't have a standard SmPC (Summary of Product Characteristics)
  • Allowed when no licensed alternative meets the patient's clinical need
Dr Ada Jex Cori measuring active pharmaceutical ingredients on a weighing scale courierpharmacy.co.uk

What is this cream for?

This compounded cream is for neuropathic pain — that is, pain caused by damaged or dysfunctional nerves rather than by tissue injury or inflammation. So typical use includes diabetic peripheral neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, and some localised chronic pain conditions where standard treatments haven't worked.

Who is it for?

This cream is for adults with localised neuropathic pain that hasn't settled with standard treatments. So that typically means people who've tried oral medicines (amitriptyline, gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine) without adequate relief, or who experienced unacceptable side effects from oral options. Our prescriber decides whether this triple-action approach is the right next step for your situation.

What does it claim to do?

Each of the three actives works on a different aspect of pain signalling. Amitriptyline blocks sodium channels and modulates serotonin and noradrenaline pathways at the nerve ending. Clonidine acts on alpha-2 adrenergic receptors to reduce pain signal transmission. Lidocaine blocks sodium channels in nerve fibres. Together, they aim to dampen pain at the nerve level without requiring oral medication.

What it doesn't do

This cream doesn't treat the underlying cause of nerve damage — it manages the pain. So if your neuropathic pain is caused by treatable factors (diabetes, vitamin B12 deficiency, alcohol use, medication side effects), addressing those causes still matters. The cream also isn't designed for inflammatory pain (use Voltarol Emulgel or oral anti-inflammatories), muscle pain, or general aches.

DR AdaJex Cori with lower back pain courierpharmacy.co.uk

How this cream works

Each of the three actives works on a different part of pain signalling. So this multi-pathway approach is the clinical thinking behind the combination.

Amitriptyline — multiple mechanisms

Amitriptyline is best known as an oral antidepressant. However, when applied topically, it works through several mechanisms relevant to neuropathic pain:

  1. Blocks sodium channels in nerve fibres — similar to how local anaesthetics work
  2. Antagonises NMDA receptors involved in pain transmission
  3. Affects adenosine and opioid receptors locally
  4. Modulates serotonin and noradrenaline pathways at the nerve ending
  5. Reduces nerve firing in damaged or hypersensitive nerves

Importantly, topical amitriptyline can have some systemic effects too. So the dose must be controlled, and signs of systemic absorption (drowsiness, dry mouth) are worth watching for.

Clonidine — alpha-2 adrenergic action

Clonidine is best known as a blood pressure medicine. Topically, it works differently:

  1. Stimulates alpha-2 adrenergic receptors on pain-sensing nerves
  2. Reduces the release of pain-signalling neurotransmitters
  3. Dampens the firing of damaged or sensitised nerves
  4. May reduce inflammation around the nerve ending
  5. Particularly useful in diabetic peripheral neuropathy based on existing research

Lidocaine — sodium channel blockade

Lidocaine is the most well-established topical pain treatment in this combination:

  1. Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve fibres
  2. Prevents nerve fibres from generating pain signals
  3. Works quickly when applied to intact skin
  4. Already licensed in the UK as Versatis 5% patches for post-herpetic neuralgia
  5. Provides immediate-acting relief, while amitriptyline and clonidine work over longer time-frames

Why three together

The clinical rationale is that neuropathic pain involves multiple pathways. So:

  • Blocking only sodium channels may not be enough
  • Hitting three different targets may give more complete pain relief
  • Lower individual doses are sometimes possible when combining actives
  • Different patients respond to different mechanisms — covering several increases the chance of benefit
  • However, the evidence for specific combinations is less robust than for individual actives

In short, this combination is a clinical attempt to match multiple pain mechanisms with multiple treatments. After all, neuropathic pain rarely has just one cause.

Dr Ada Jex Cori at courierpharmacy.co.uk thinking and looking into the distance

How to use this cream

This summary is for reference only. The definitive guide is the patient information sheet supplied with your dispensed cream and your prescriber's specific instructions. If anything isn't clear, contact our pharmacist or prescriber.

Standard application

How to use the cream:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before applying
  2. Make sure the application area is clean and dry
  3. Apply a small amount to the painful area only — about a pea-sized amount per palm-sized area
  4. Gently massage in until absorbed
  5. Apply 2-3 times daily, or as your prescriber has instructed
  6. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying
  7. Don't apply more than the prescribed amount, even if pain isn't fully controlled
  8. Don't apply to broken, weeping, or severely inflamed skin without specific advice

How much to use

Less than you'd expect. Specifically:

  • A pea-sized amount covers about a palm-sized area
  • More cream doesn't mean more pain relief — it means more systemic absorption
  • Stick to the prescribed amount per application and per day
  • Maximum daily dose is set by your prescriber based on the area being treated
  • Don't apply over large body areas without specific advice

When you should see improvement

Different actives work over different time-frames:

  • Lidocaine: rapid onset within 30-60 minutes
  • Clonidine: builds up effect over days to weeks of regular use
  • Amitriptyline: takes 2-4 weeks of regular use for full benefit
  • Overall, expect to give the cream at least 4 weeks before judging effectiveness
  • If no improvement by 6-8 weeks, contact your prescriber for review

Where you can apply it

Generally:

  • Areas of localised neuropathic pain (hands, feet, forearms, lower legs, areas of post-herpetic neuralgia)
  • Specific painful nerve distributions
  • Localised CRPS areas

Avoid:

  • The face, especially near eyes, mouth, or mucous membranes
  • Genital or anal areas without specific advice
  • Broken, weeping, infected, or severely inflamed skin
  • Areas of normal skin near where you've already applied (cover only the painful area)
  • Large body areas (more than a hand-sized area without specific advice)

Hand washing matters

Always wash hands thoroughly after applying. So:

  • Use soap and water for at least 30 seconds
  • Wash under fingernails carefully
  • Don't touch your face, eyes, or mouth until you've washed
  • Don't handle children or pets directly with cream on your hands
  • Wear disposable gloves if applying for someone else
  • Wipe down surfaces you may have touched before washing

Food, drink, and lifestyle

The cream doesn't interact significantly with food or drink directly. However, some lifestyle factors matter:

  • Avoid heavy alcohol use while using this cream, since amitriptyline systemic absorption can add to sedation
  • Tell other healthcare professionals you're using this cream before surgery or dental procedures
  • Be aware of driving and machinery effects (see below)
  • Don't use heat packs or occlusive dressings over the cream without specific advice, since these increase absorption

Storage

  • Store as instructed on the label (typically room temperature, away from direct sunlight)
  • Replace the cap securely after use
  • Use within the period stated on the label (specials often have shorter expiry than licensed medicines)
  • Keep out of sight and reach of children and pets
  • Don't share the tube between household members
  • Return any unused cream to a pharmacy for safe disposalDr Ada Jex Cori applying compounded pain relief cream courierpharmacy.co.uk

Warnings and precautions

Don't use this cream if you

Don't use this cream if you:

  • Have a known allergy to amitriptyline, clonidine, lidocaine, or any base ingredient
  • Have severe heart problems, including arrhythmias, heart block, or recent heart attack
  • Take MAOI antidepressants (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
  • Have severely impaired liver function
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless specifically advised by a specialist

Use with care if you

Talk to our prescriber before using if you:

  • Take other tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs, SNRIs, or other antidepressants orally
  • Take blood pressure medicines, particularly other clonidine, beta-blockers, or alpha-blockers
  • Have heart problems, including any history of irregular heartbeat or heart failure
  • Have low blood pressure or a tendency to faint
  • Have epilepsy or any history of seizures
  • Have glaucoma or narrow angles in the eye
  • Have an enlarged prostate or urinary retention
  • Have liver or kidney problems
  • Are over 65, since you may be more sensitive to systemic effects

The systemic absorption issue

This matters because even topical creams can be absorbed. Specifically:

  • All three actives can be absorbed through skin, especially if applied to large areas or broken skin
  • Systemic side effects (drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, low blood pressure) suggest excessive absorption
  • Stop the cream and contact our prescriber if you notice these effects
  • Don't apply more cream or to larger areas than prescribed
  • Heat (warm showers, heat packs, hot weather) can increase absorption
  • Occlusive dressings, tight clothing, or covering with cling film all increase absorption

Sudden stopping

Be aware that:

  • Clonidine, even topically, can cause rebound high blood pressure if stopped suddenly after long use
  • If you've been using the cream regularly for several weeks, talk to our prescriber before stopping
  • Gradual reduction is sometimes recommended
  • This is more relevant after several weeks of consistent use than for occasional applications

Use in older adults

Older adults can use this cream, but with extra caution:

  • More sensitive to systemic effects of all three actives
  • Greater risk of dizziness, drowsiness, or low blood pressure
  • Polypharmacy (multiple medicines) is more common — interaction risk is higher
  • Reduced kidney and liver function affects how the body handles absorbed medicine
  • Start with smaller amounts and build up under prescriber guidance
  • Watch for cognitive effects (confusion, drowsiness, slowed thinking)

Use in children

This cream isn't designed for children. So if a child has neuropathic pain, specialist paediatric pain assessment is essential — different treatments and doses apply.

Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Generally avoid:

  • All three actives can cross the placenta to varying degrees
  • Safety data for this specific combination in pregnancy is limited
  • Discuss with your prescriber and GP before use
  • Breastfeeding: actives can pass into breast milk; talk to GP and prescriber
  • Alternative options should usually be tried first in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Driving and machinery

Be cautious. So:

  • Amitriptyline (even topically absorbed) can cause drowsiness
  • Clonidine can cause sedation and low blood pressure
  • Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how this cream affects you personally
  • If you notice drowsiness or dizziness, avoid driving until effects settle
  • This is more relevant in the first 1-2 weeks of use, while your body adjusts
Dr Ada Jex Cori holding a warning sign courierpharmacy.co.uk

Side effects

Topical delivery reduces, but doesn't eliminate, the side effects associated with each active. So watch for both local and systemic effects.

Common local side effects

  • Skin irritation, redness, or itching at the application area
  • Burning or stinging when first applied (usually settles within minutes)
  • Dry skin in the treated area with regular use
  • Mild numbness at the application area (lidocaine effect — usually expected)

Less common but possible side effects

  • Contact dermatitis (allergic skin reaction)
  • Photosensitivity in the treated area
  • Dry mouth (from systemic amitriptyline or clonidine absorption)
  • Drowsiness or mild sedation
  • Mild dizziness, particularly on standing
  • Constipation
  • Mild low blood pressure

Rare but serious side effects

  • Severe allergic reaction (swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; breathing difficulty) — medical emergency
  • Cardiac arrhythmia or significant heart rhythm changes
  • Significant low blood pressure with fainting
  • Seizures (rare, more likely with excessive absorption)
  • Significant cognitive effects (confusion, marked drowsiness, difficulty concentrating)
  • Lidocaine systemic toxicity (metallic taste, tinnitus, tongue numbness, seizures) — rare unless over-applied

Stop and seek urgent medical help if

  • You develop signs of severe allergic reaction
  • You experience chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or marked palpitations
  • You feel faint, dizzy, or experience marked blood pressure drops
  • You notice tinnitus, metallic taste, or unusual sensations around the mouth
  • You develop seizures or significant confusion
  • You experience marked drowsiness, especially affecting safety

Yellow Card reporting

You can report suspected adverse drug reactions to the MHRA via the Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. Reporting helps build the safety picture for everyone.

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Drug interactions

Even though this is a topical cream, interactions still matter because of partial systemic absorption.

Important interactions

Talk to our prescriber before using this cream if you take:

  • Other antidepressants (tricyclics, SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs) — risk of serotonin syndrome and additive effects
  • Other clonidine-containing products
  • Blood pressure medicines (beta-blockers, alpha-blockers, calcium channel blockers) — additive low blood pressure
  • Other antiarrhythmic medicines
  • Sedatives, hypnotics, or strong painkillers — additive drowsiness
  • Alcohol regularly — additive sedation
  • Anticholinergic medicines (some bladder medicines, some Parkinson's medicines)
  • Strong CYP2D6 inhibitors (some heart and depression medicines) — affects amitriptyline metabolism

Other topical products

Topical considerations:

  • Don't combine with other topical lidocaine products on the same area
  • Avoid combining with other compounded creams without prescriber advice
  • Emollients can be used on surrounding skin but not mixed with this cream
  • Topical NSAIDs (Voltarol Emulgel): can be used at separate times if appropriate
  • Heat packs and warming creams: avoid in the application area

Not relevant interactions

Generally fine:

  • Most oral antibiotics
  • Most over-the-counter cold and flu treatments
  • Standard cosmetics applied to untreated areas
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Frequently asked questions

Dr Ada Jex Cori at courierpharmacy.co.uk FAQs

Is this cream a licensed medicine?

No — it's a compounded medicine, which means it's an unlicensed medicine made specifically for individual patients in the UK.

Why use a compounded cream rather than licensed medicines?

Generally because licensed options haven't worked or weren't tolerated. So:

  • Oral medicines for neuropathic pain can cause significant side effects
  • Topical delivery reduces (but doesn't eliminate) systemic side effects
  • Multiple actives in one cream can address several pain mechanisms
  • Some patients respond to specific compounded combinations after standard treatments have failed

How quickly does it work?

Different actives have different time-frames:

  • Lidocaine effect: within 30-60 minutes
  • Clonidine effect: builds up over days to weeks
  • Amitriptyline effect: takes 2-4 weeks for full benefit
  • Overall, give the cream at least 4-6 weeks before judging effectiveness

Is the evidence strong for this combination?

Honestly, mixed. So individual components (amitriptyline, clonidine, lidocaine) have RCT evidence for neuropathic pain. However, the specific triple combination has less robust head-to-head data than each active alone. After all, compounded specials are clinical tools used when standard treatments haven't worked — they're not first-line and not guaranteed to help everyone.

Why the unusual clonidine concentration (0.2316%)?

That specific concentration is calculated to deliver a particular topical dose. So compounded creams sometimes use unusual concentrations because they're worked back from a target amount delivered per application. The strength has been chosen for clinical reasons rather than convenience — and the specials pharmacy compounds to that precise specification.

Can it cause systemic side effects even though it's topical?

Yes. So all three actives can be absorbed through skin, particularly with regular use, application to large areas, or use on broken skin. Watch for drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, or low blood pressure — these suggest systemic absorption. Contact our prescriber if these develop.

Can I drive while using this cream?

Cautiously. So all three actives can theoretically affect alertness if absorbed systemically:

  • Test how the cream affects you for the first 1-2 weeks before driving
  • Avoid driving if you feel drowsy, dizzy, or your reaction time feels slowed
  • Lower amounts and infrequent use carry less risk than maximum doses
  • Heat packs or hot environments increase absorption — be more cautious in those conditions

Can I use it during pregnancy?

Generally not recommended. So discuss with your prescriber and GP before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Alternatives are usually tried first. Specifically, safety data for this combination in pregnancy is limited, and all three actives can cross the placenta to varying degrees.

How long can I use it for?

As long as it's helping and being prescribed. So your prescriber will review your use at regular intervals:

  • Initial 4-6 weeks: to judge whether the cream is working
  • Ongoing review: typically every 3-6 months while you're using it
  • Long-term use: possible if benefit continues and side effects are manageable
  • Stopping: gradual reduction is sometimes recommended after long use, particularly because of clonidine rebound effects

Can I use this with my oral pain medicines?

Usually yes, but talk to our prescriber first. So:

  • Oral amitriptyline + topical amitriptyline: adds to systemic effects — usually one or the other, not both
  • Gabapentin or pregabalin: generally fine alongside this cream
  • Duloxetine: generally fine but watch for additive sedation
  • Oral antihypertensives: watch for additive blood pressure effects
  • Opioids: generally fine but watch for additive sedation

What if it doesn't help my pain?

Contact our prescriber. So options may include:

  • Trying a different compounded combination
  • Adjusting concentrations or active ingredients
  • Adding or switching to a licensed treatment
  • Specialist pain clinic referral
  • Investigation for any treatable underlying cause

Is the cream messy or hard to use?

Not particularly. So:

  • It looks and feels like a standard cream
  • Absorbs in a few minutes with gentle massage
  • Can leave a slight slippery feel for a while after application
  • Some specials bases have a slight medicinal smell
  • Doesn't usually stain clothes if absorbed before dressing

How should I store it?

Storage:

  • As labelled — typically room temperature, away from direct sunlight
  • Replace the cap securely after use
  • Use within the period stated on the label (often shorter than licensed medicines)
  • Keep out of sight and reach of children and pets
  • Don't share with other household members
  • Return any unused cream to a pharmacy for safe disposal

How do I order from Courier Pharmacy?

Add the cream to your basket on courierpharmacy.co.uk and complete the online consultation. Our prescriber will review and confirm whether this compounded cream is suitable. Your prescription then goes to a UK specials pharmacy, which compounds the cream for you and dispatches it in plain, unbranded packaging.

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More than a prescription: our community

Healthcare shouldn't only happen when you're paying for it.

Every fortnight we run free drop-in talks and clinics at Insomnia, Derby, from 10am to 12pm. So we show up, even when it's free.

Bring a question, bring a friend, bring a stack of bewildering letters from another clinic. We'll sit with you.

We cover chronic pain, neuropathy, fibromyalgia, MCAS, CFS, dermatology, eczema, psoriasis, allergies, asthma, hair loss, men's and women's health, digestive health, weight management, and whatever else people bring through the door. No appointment. No cost. No pressure. Just real support and treatment that fits.

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Disclaimer: This article is for information only and isn't a substitute for personal medical advice. This compounded pain cream is an unlicensed UK Prescription-Only Medicine made under a Manufacturer's Specials Licence. Always speak to a qualified prescriber before starting or changing treatment for chronic pain.

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How this content was created

Written by the Courier Pharmacy editorial team and reviewed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist.

The content is grounded in current NICE guidance (CG173 on neuropathic pain), the BNF entries for amitriptyline, clonidine, and lidocaine, and peer-reviewed pain medicine research on compounded topical pain treatments. In addition, it draws on the real questions patients bring to our drop-in clinics in Derby.

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References

[1] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2020) Neuropathic pain in adults: pharmacological management in non-specialist settings — NICE guideline CG173. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg173

[2] British National Formulary (2024) Amitriptyline hydrochloride. Available at: https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/amitriptyline-hydrochloride/

[3] NHS (2024) Peripheral neuropathy. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/

[4] Haderer, A., Gerner, P., Kao, G., Srinivasa, V. and Wang, G.K., 2003. Cutaneous analgesia after transdermal application of amitriptyline versus lidocaine in rats. Anesthesia & Analgesia96(6), pp.1707-1710.

[5] Kocot-K?pska, M., Zaj?czkowska, R., Mika, J., Kopsky, D.J., Wordliczek, J., Dobrogowski, J. and Przeklasa-Muszy?ska, A., 2021. Topical treatments and their molecular/cellular mechanisms in patients with peripheral neuropathic pain—narrative review. Pharmaceutics13(4), p.450.

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Download patient leaflet

Amitriptyline 3 _ Lidocaine 5% Compounded Pain Cream courierpharmacy.co.uk
Amitriptyline 3% / Clonidine 0.2316% / Lidocaine 5% Compounded Pain Cream
from£39.99

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