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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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.
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
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
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
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
Your dispensed cream is sent out in plain, discreet packaging
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
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.
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
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.
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:
Blocks sodium channels in nerve fibres — similar to how local anaesthetics work
Antagonises NMDA receptors involved in pain transmission
Affects adenosine and opioid receptors locally
Modulates serotonin and noradrenaline pathways at the nerve ending
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:
Stimulates alpha-2 adrenergic receptors on pain-sensing nerves
Reduces the release of pain-signalling neurotransmitters
Dampens the firing of damaged or sensitised nerves
May reduce inflammation around the nerve ending
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:
Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve fibres
Prevents nerve fibres from generating pain signals
Works quickly when applied to intact skin
Already licensed in the UK as Versatis 5% patches for post-herpetic neuralgia
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.
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:
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before applying
Make sure the application area is clean and dry
Apply a small amount to the painful area only — about a pea-sized amount per palm-sized area
Gently massage in until absorbed
Apply 2-3 times daily, or as your prescriber has instructed
Wash your hands thoroughly after applying
Don't apply more than the prescribed amount, even if pain isn't fully controlled
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 disposal
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
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
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)
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.
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
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
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
[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 & Analgesia, 96(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. Pharmaceutics, 13(4), p.450.