Nalfurafine Hydrochloride Pruritus

Patients on hemodialysis often complain of an intractable pruritus (uremic pruritus). Indeed, the consequent sleep disorder can impair the quality of life. Clinical and preclinical data suggested that the p opioid system induced itching, but not the k system. The antipruritic efficacy of nalfurafine hydrochloride (general name of TRK-820) was demonstrated for patients on hemodialysis in two multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical studies in Europe [66]. 

Nakao K, Mochizuki H (2009) Nalfurafine hydrochloride a new drug for the treatment of uremic pruritus in hemodialysis patients. Drugs Today 45 323-329... 

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