Mexiletine reverses oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain in rats

Oxaliplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug characterized by the development of acute and chronic peripheral neuropathies. Mexiletine, an orally available Na(+)-channel blocker, has widely been used in patients with chronic painful diabetic neuropathy. In the present study, we examined the effect of mexiletine on oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain in rats. Mexiletine (100, but not 10 and 30, mg/kg, p.o.) completely reversed both mechanical allodynia and cold hyperalgesia induced by oxaliplatin (4 mg/kg, i.p., twice a week). Lidocaine (30, but not 3 and 10, mg/kg, i.p.) also significantly relieved both pain behaviors. These results suggest that mexiletine may be effective in relieving the oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain clinically.