Can 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists Replace Anesthetics and Corticosteroids in the Local Treatment of Rheumatic Processes?

A local injection of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist tropisetron has a distinct analgesic effect on various local diseases of the locomotor system, such as tendinopathy, periarthropathy, trigger points and inflammatory articular processes. The effect of tropisetron matches that of commonly used local anesthetics like lidocaine, prilocaine and others, lasts much longer. Animal experimental and clinical findings seem to indicate that this prolonged action is most likely due to a concomitant antiinflammatory effect of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. It may therefore be assumed that this substance will at least partly be able to replace the administration of anesthetics and corticosteroids in the local treatment of rheumatic processes.